Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Volunteer Research Technician

🎯 Role Definition

The Volunteer Research Technician provides practical, day-to-day support for laboratory and field research projects. Working under the direct supervision of principal investigators, postdocs, or senior technicians, this role is responsible for sample collection and processing, routine lab maintenance, accurate data capture, basic assays and instrument operation, and strict adherence to safety and regulatory procedures. The position is ideal for candidates seeking to build technical skills (PCR, microscopy, aseptic technique), learn research workflows, contribute to meaningful projects, and prepare for graduate study or entry-level research roles.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Undergraduate student (biology, environmental science, chemistry)
Laboratory volunteer or intern
Field technician or seasonal research assistant

Advancement To:

Research Assistant / Laboratory Technician (paid)
Project Coordinator or Study Coordinator
Graduate study (MSc / PhD) or specialized technical roles (molecular technician, ecology field lead)

Lateral Moves:

Quality Control / QA Technician
Data Coordinator or Data Technician
Environmental Field Technician

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Assist with the collection of biological, environmental, or clinical samples in the field or clinic following established sampling protocols and chain-of-custody procedures to preserve sample integrity.
Prepare, label, and document samples for processing, ensuring accurate metadata entry (date, time, GPS, sample ID, collector) and adherence to cold-chain or preservation requirements.
Perform routine laboratory procedures under supervision, including pipetting, buffer and reagent preparation, weighing and aliquoting, solution sterile filtration, and basic aseptic technique.
Operate and maintain laboratory instruments used in routine assays (centrifuges, vortexes, microplate readers, microscopes, gel boxes), following standard operating procedures (SOPs) and completing instrument logs.
Assist with molecular biology workflows such as DNA/RNA extraction, PCR setup and cleanup, gel electrophoresis, and sample normalization, under direct supervision and following contamination-control practices.
Conduct basic immunoassays (ELISA), sample dilutions, and plate handling according to protocol checklists and quality control criteria.
Enter experimental data into electronic lab notebooks (ELN), spreadsheets, or laboratory information management systems (LIMS) promptly and accurately, and support basic data validation.
Maintain laboratory inventory: receive shipments, inspect reagents and consumables, label and store materials appropriately, and update inventory systems to support ordering decisions.
Sterilize and clean glassware, disposables, and work surfaces; manage waste segregation, chemical neutralization, and autoclave cycles in compliance with institutional guidelines.
Follow biosafety, chemical safety, and radiation safety rules; don appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and participate in safety trainings, drills, and hazard assessments.
Prepare reagents, media, and buffers from recipes and checklists, verify concentrations, and document lot numbers and expiration dates for traceability.
Support participant recruitment, scheduling, and informed consent logistics for human-subjects research when needed, under IRB-approved procedures and with appropriate training.
Assist with animal handling and basic husbandry tasks for approved protocols (feeding, weighing, monitoring), following animal care and use committee (IACUC) requirements and humane handling guidelines.
Perform routine quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) checks: run controls, record deviations, and report anomalies to supervisory staff for follow-up.
Monitor and log environmental conditions (temperature, humidity, freezer temperatures), perform sample transfers to cryostorage, and coordinate emergency sample recovery procedures.
Conduct standardized field surveys (transects, quadrats, point counts) and deploy/maintain field equipment (data loggers, traps, nets, sensors) with meticulous field notes and GPS documentation.
Support basic microscopy tasks: slide preparation, staining, imaging, and preliminary morphological observations under guidance from senior staff.
Assist with running and maintaining cold chain shipping for samples, including packaging, labeling, and completion of shipping manifests in compliance with IATA/UN regulations where applicable.
Help prepare materials for presentations, posters, and manuscripts: compile methods descriptions, organize figures and tables, and assist with reference management and citation checking.
Troubleshoot routine procedural issues and escalate technical problems; follow corrective action checklists and document any deviations from SOPs to support reproducibility.
Participate in team meetings, protocol development reviews, and training sessions; contribute suggestions for workflow improvements and efficiency gains based on hands-on observations.
Provide cross-training coverage across multiple projects and shifts as needed to ensure continuity of sample processing and time-sensitive assays.
Maintain confidentiality of sensitive data and participant information, adhering to data protection policies and research ethics.

Secondary Functions

Support ad-hoc data requests and exploratory data analysis using spreadsheets and basic statistical tools to summarize experimental results.
Contribute to reagent and equipment purchasing lists; prepare quotes and receive vendor communications to support lab budgeting and procurement.
Assist with updating SOPs, checklists, and training materials based on observed protocol changes or improvements.
Coordinate logistics for field trips, including equipment checklists, permits, transportation, and volunteer scheduling.
Help onboard new volunteers and interns: provide hands-on demonstrations, review safety procedures, and ensure competency checks are completed.
Capture photos and videos of experimental setups or field sites for documentation, outreach, and protocol validation.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Aseptic technique and accurate micropipetting (10–1000 µL), with demonstrated ability to follow volume protocols precisely.
Basic molecular biology techniques: DNA/RNA extraction, PCR setup, gel electrophoresis, and nucleic acid quantification.
Experience with common laboratory equipment: centrifuges, microscopes, microplate readers, autoclaves, and refrigeration/freezer systems.
Sample collection and preservation methods for biological, clinical, or environmental specimens, including cold-chain handling and labeling.
Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) or Electronic Lab Notebook (ELN) data entry and sample tracking fundamentals.
Standard reagent preparation and solution chemistry: buffer formulation, media preparation, and sterile technique.
Basic immunoassay handling (e.g., ELISA) and plate-based assay support, including running controls and interpreting basic QC metrics.
Fieldwork skills: GPS use, sample site selection, transect/quadrat methodology, and field equipment deployment and maintenance.
Basic data management and processing using Excel, Google Sheets, and familiarity with data quality checks and summary statistics.
Knowledge of biosafety practices, hazard communications (GHS), PPE selection, waste handling, and relevant institutional compliance (IRB/IACUC) procedures.
Instrument maintenance basics: cleaning, calibration logs, troubleshooting common faults, and documenting preventive maintenance.

Soft Skills

Strong attention to detail and methodical record-keeping to ensure reproducibility and chain-of-custody integrity.
Clear verbal and written communication for coordinating with PIs, lab members, participants, and vendors.
Team-oriented mindset and ability to follow instructions while proactively identifying opportunities to support project goals.
Time management and prioritization in fast-paced labs with competing sample processing deadlines.
Problem-solving and critical thinking to identify procedural deviations and escalate issues effectively.
Reliability and punctuality; ability to maintain consistent attendance for scheduled experiments and fieldwork.
Adaptability to shifting project priorities, protocol updates, and varying work environments (lab bench, field sites, clinic).
Respect for confidentiality, ethical research conduct, and sensitivity when interacting with human subjects or protected data.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High school diploma or equivalent; current enrollment in a related undergraduate program (biology, biochemistry, environmental science, public health) is commonly acceptable for volunteer roles.

Preferred Education:

Pursuing or completed Bachelor's degree in Biology, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Environmental Science, Ecology, Chemistry, Public Health, or related field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Biology / Microbiology
Environmental Science / Ecology
Molecular Biology / Biochemistry
Public Health / Epidemiology
Chemistry / Biomedical Sciences

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 0–2 years of laboratory or field experience; volunteers often include students and recent graduates.

Preferred: Prior volunteer or internship experience in a laboratory or field research setting, demonstrated familiarity with basic lab safety, sample handling, and data entry; experience with PCR, microscopy, or environmental sampling is strongly advantageous.