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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Laboratory Technician

💰 $45,000 - $65,000

ScienceResearchHealthcareQuality Control

🎯 Role Definition

As a Laboratory Technician, you are an essential contributor to our scientific and research objectives. Your primary role is to perform hands-on technical procedures, experiments, and analyses in a laboratory environment. You will work under the guidance of senior scientists and laboratory managers to ensure that all tasks are executed with precision, in compliance with established protocols and safety standards. This position requires a blend of technical proficiency, meticulous record-keeping, and collaborative spirit to support our mission of innovation and quality. You will be responsible for the entire lifecycle of laboratory samples, from receiving and preparation to analysis and reporting, playing a crucial part in generating reliable and high-quality data.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Recent graduate with a degree in a relevant scientific field (e.g., Biology, Chemistry).
  • Laboratory Assistant or Sample Prep Technician.
  • Intern or Co-op in a research or clinical lab setting.

Advancement To:

  • Senior Laboratory Technician or Lead Technician.
  • Research Associate or Scientist I.
  • Laboratory Manager or Supervisor.

Lateral Moves:

  • Quality Assurance (QA) / Quality Control (QC) Specialist.
  • Field Application Scientist or Technical Support Specialist.

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Perform a wide range of routine and complex analytical tests on biological, chemical, or physical materials according to established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
  • Meticulously prepare samples, standards, and reagents for various testing procedures, ensuring precision and preventing cross-contamination.
  • Operate, calibrate, and maintain sophisticated laboratory instrumentation and equipment, such as HPLC, GC-MS, spectrophotometers, and automated analyzers.
  • Troubleshoot common and complex issues with laboratory equipment, performing minor repairs and coordinating with vendors for major service needs.
  • Accurately document all experimental procedures, observations, and results in physical laboratory notebooks and digital Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS).
  • Analyze, interpret, and critically evaluate test results, identifying deviations, out-of-spec findings, and trends that require further investigation.
  • Adhere strictly to Good Laboratory Practices (GLP), Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), and other relevant regulatory guidelines to ensure data integrity and compliance.
  • Maintain a clean, organized, and safe laboratory workspace, following all environmental health and safety (EHS) protocols and procedures.
  • Conduct chemical and biological assays, such as ELISA, PCR, western blotting, titration, and cell-based assays, with a high degree of accuracy.
  • Prepare detailed technical reports, summaries, and graphs to communicate findings to senior staff and for inclusion in official documentation.
  • Manage the inventory of laboratory supplies, chemicals, and consumables, initiating purchase orders to ensure uninterrupted workflow.
  • Participate in the development, optimization, and validation of new analytical methods and laboratory procedures under the direction of senior scientists.
  • Execute stability testing programs for products and materials, collecting and analyzing data over extended periods to assess shelf-life and degradation.
  • Perform environmental monitoring within cleanrooms and controlled environments, including air and surface sampling, to ensure aseptic conditions.
  • Assist in the training of new team members and junior technicians on laboratory protocols, safety procedures, and equipment operation.
  • Handle and dispose of hazardous materials and biohazardous waste according to strict institutional and federal safety regulations.
  • Perform routine quality control checks on reagents and equipment to guarantee the reliability and accuracy of all analytical testing.
  • Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including R&D, Quality Assurance, and Manufacturing, to support project goals and timelines.
  • Maintain cell cultures using aseptic techniques, including media preparation, cell passaging, cryopreservation, and cell counting.
  • Prepare solutions and media with precise calculations and measurements, ensuring all preparations are correctly labeled and stored.

Secondary Functions

  • Assist senior research staff with ad-hoc experiments and specialized projects as needed.
  • Participate in internal audits and regulatory inspections by providing documentation and explaining procedures.
  • Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing laboratory efficiency, safety, and workflow.
  • Maintain and update the laboratory's database of SOPs, safety data sheets (SDS), and equipment manuals.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Proficiency in Aseptic/Sterile Technique for cell culture or microbiology.
  • Hands-on experience with analytical instrumentation (e.g., HPLC, GC, Spectrophotometer, PCR machines).
  • Knowledge of Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) and/or Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).
  • Experience with Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) for data entry and tracking.
  • Competency in wet chemistry techniques, including titration, pipetting, and solution preparation.
  • Experience with specific assays such as ELISA, Western Blotting, and flow cytometry.
  • Ability to perform instrument calibration and routine preventative maintenance.
  • Strong understanding of laboratory safety protocols and hazardous material handling.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) for data analysis and reporting.
  • Skills in microscopy, including sample preparation, staining, and imaging.

Soft Skills

  • Exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a collaborative team.
  • Strong time management and multitasking skills to handle competing priorities.
  • Adaptability and flexibility to work in a fast-paced, evolving research environment.
  • Meticulous record-keeping and documentation habits.
  • A proactive and results-oriented mindset.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • Associate's Degree in a scientific discipline.

Preferred Education:

  • Bachelor's of Science (B.S.) degree.

Relevant Fields of Study:

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

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 1-3 years of hands-on experience in a clinical, research, or industrial laboratory setting.

Preferred: Experience in a regulated environment (e.g., CLIA, ISO, FDA) is highly desirable. Entry-level candidates with significant internship or academic lab experience will be considered.

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