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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Laborantin

💰 $ - $

LaboratoryQuality ControlAnalytical

🎯 Role Definition

The Laborantin (Laboratory Technician) is responsible for executing routine and specialized laboratory analyses, maintaining high standards of quality and safety, and supporting research, development, or production activities. This role performs sample preparation and analytical testing (e.g., HPLC, GC, spectroscopy, microbiology, PCR), documents results according to SOPs and regulatory requirements (GLP/GMP/ISO), troubleshoots equipment and methods, and collaborates cross-functionally to ensure reliable data delivery and continuous improvement.

Keywords: Laborantin, laboratory technician, analytical testing, quality control, HPLC, GC-MS, PCR, GLP, GMP, SOP, LIMS, sample preparation

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Laboratory Assistant / Praktikant(in) with basic lab exposure
  • Vocational training (MTA / Laborassistent/in) or technical school graduate
  • Bachelor’s graduate in Biology, Chemistry, or related field with internship experience

Advancement To:

  • Senior Laborantin / Senior Laboratory Technician
  • Quality Control Analyst / QC Specialist
  • Team Lead – Laboratory Operations
  • Validation Specialist / Method Development Scientist
  • Laboratory Manager

Lateral Moves:

  • Analytical Chemist
  • Microbiologist
  • GLP/GMP Compliance Coordinator

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Prepare, receive, label and process biological, chemical or environmental samples following established SOPs and chain-of-custody procedures, ensuring traceability and sample integrity from receipt through disposal.
  • Perform routine and advanced analytical testing using methods such as HPLC, GC/GC-MS, ICP-OES, UV/Vis spectrophotometry, titration and wet chemistry with strict adherence to method parameters and acceptance criteria.
  • Conduct microbiological assays (culture techniques, colony counting, microbial identification) and molecular biology tests (PCR/qPCR, nucleic acid extraction) when required, maintaining aseptic technique and contamination controls.
  • Execute method validation and verification activities, documenting accuracy, precision, linearity, specificity and robustness results to support method approval and regulatory compliance.
  • Record and interpret analytical data, perform calculations, apply statistical checks (control charts, outlier analysis), and summarize findings in clear, reproducible laboratory notebooks and electronic systems.
  • Operate, maintain and troubleshoot laboratory instrumentation and equipment (e.g., chromatographs, incubators, centrifuges, autoclaves), perform routine calibration checks, and escalate technical faults to service engineers when necessary.
  • Implement and follow Good Laboratory Practice (GLP), Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) and ISO 17025/9001 quality systems, participating in internal and external audits and corrective action plans.
  • Prepare reagents, buffers and culture media according to validated recipes, maintain reagent inventories and ensure proper storage, labeling and disposal of hazardous materials.
  • Use LIMS (Laboratory Information Management Systems) for sample logging, test scheduling, data entry and finalization of results, ensuring accuracy and auditability of electronic records.
  • Generate and review batch records, analytical reports, certificates of analysis (CoA) and deviation reports, ensuring documentation meets regulatory and customer requirements.
  • Perform environmental monitoring, stability testing and incoming/outgoing goods quality control testing in production-support laboratories.
  • Participate in cross-functional investigations into out-of-specification (OOS) results, root cause analysis and implementation of corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).
  • Train and mentor junior laboratory staff and interns on laboratory techniques, safety practices, documentation standards and method execution.
  • Maintain laboratory safety standards: enforce PPE usage, manage chemical hygiene, handle biological risks, and coordinate hazardous waste removal in compliance with local regulations.
  • Implement continuous improvement initiatives such as workflow optimization, reagent cost control, reduced turnaround time and increased method throughput.
  • Support sample logistics including packaging for shipment, cold-chain management, and coordination with couriers and external testing partners to meet turnaround times.
  • Participate in product release testing for raw materials, in-process controls and finished goods; contribute to release decisions under supervision and according to established criteria.
  • Assist in writing, reviewing and updating SOPs, technical instructions and work aids to reflect current best practices and regulatory changes.
  • Monitor Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) such as sample turnaround time, test success rate, instrument uptime and quality deviations; provide regular status updates to supervisors.
  • Conduct risk assessments for new procedures and equipment, implementing controls to reduce experimental variability and improve data reliability.
  • Handle confidential and proprietary information professionally, supporting intellectual property protection and data integrity across projects.

Secondary Functions

  • Support method transfer activities between teams or external partners, documenting acceptance criteria and transfer results.
  • Participate in cross-departmental projects (R&D, production, regulatory affairs) to provide laboratory expertise and ensure analytical alignment.
  • Provide input to procurement for technical consumables and equipment based on usage, projected demand and quality requirements.
  • Assist in preparing materials and presentations for technical reviews, regulatory submissions or customer audits.
  • Support ad-hoc experimental work and feasibility testing for process improvements and product development.
  • Contribute to the laboratory’s sustainability goals by suggesting waste reduction, chemical substitution and energy-saving measures.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Proficient operation and method execution for HPLC and GC (including column selection, mobile phase preparation, system suitability and troubleshooting).
  • Experience with spectrophotometry (UV/Vis), fluorometry, and basic wet chemistry techniques (titration, pH adjustment).
  • Practical knowledge of molecular biology techniques (PCR/qPCR, gel electrophoresis, nucleic acid extraction) — if role includes microbiology/molecular scope.
  • Hands-on experience with microbiological methods: sterile technique, culture handling, streak plating, colony counting and identification.
  • Familiarity with Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) and electronic laboratory notebooks (ELN) for sample tracking and data management.
  • Strong documentation skills: completing batch records, CoAs, deviation reports, and SOP generation consistent with GLP/GMP requirements.
  • Instrument maintenance and basic troubleshooting skills for chromatographs, balances, centrifuges, incubators and autoclaves.
  • Understanding of quality systems and regulatory frameworks: GLP, GMP, ISO 17025 and ISO 9001 fundamentals.
  • Competence in analytical data processing and statistics (control charts, standard curves, regression analysis) using Excel or basic statistical software.
  • Knowledge of chemical safety, hazardous waste management, MSDS interpretation and proper PPE use.
  • Experience with method validation, verification and method transfer protocols.
  • Calibration and verification of laboratory equipment, maintenance of calibration logs and traceability documentation.
  • Sample preparation techniques: extraction, dilution, filtration, centrifugation and concentration methods.
  • Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, SOPs and regulatory documents.

Soft Skills

  • Meticulous attention to detail and commitment to data integrity and reproducibility.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills for clear reporting and cross-team collaboration.
  • Problem-solving mindset with ability to troubleshoot experimental and instrumentation issues.
  • Time management and prioritization skills to manage multiple tests and tight turnaround deadlines.
  • Team orientation and willingness to mentor junior staff and share best practices.
  • Adaptability to changing protocols, regulatory requirements and workload peaks.
  • Organizational skills for inventory management and maintaining a tidy, compliant laboratory.
  • Ethical judgment and confidentiality in handling sensitive data and proprietary projects.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • Vocational diploma or technical certificate in laboratory technology, MTA, or equivalent (e.g., Lab Assistant qualification) OR
  • High school diploma with relevant certified laboratory training and 1+ years of hands-on laboratory experience

Preferred Education:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Medical Laboratory Science or related field

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Biochemistry
  • Microbiology
  • Medical Laboratory Technology / Clinical Laboratory Science

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 1–5 years of laboratory experience (depending on role seniority)

Preferred:

  • 2–4+ years working in analytical, quality control, pharmaceutical, food, environmental or clinical laboratories with documented experience in GLP/GMP and method execution

If you’d like, I can tailor this profile for a specific industry (pharmaceutical, food & beverage, environmental testing, clinical diagnostics) or seniority level (Junior, Senior, Lead).

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