Overview

Technical testing role that collects, prepares samples, carries out experiments, makes measurements with scientific equipment, records results and presents results for critical analysis.

What responsibilities will I have?

• Clean, maintain and set up equipment for use in experiments
• Collect, classify and preserve specimens and samples
• Perform diagnostic and other scientific tests on specimens, such as animal and plant tissues, food and water for chemical or cellular or other constituents, bacterial content and chemical contamination
• Carry out experimental procedures, such as taking animal blood samples, testing seed and experimental plants, analyzing soil and monitoring processes, such as fermentation
• Perform routine mathematical calculations and prepare graphs
• Use computers and computer-interfaced equipment
• Carry out routine quality assurance checks on production line samples and materials
• Assist in the writing of lab reports

What education and training is required?

A bachelor’s degree in laboratory science, biology, chemistry, etc. is required to be a laboratory technician.

To pursue a career as a laboratory technician:

The following high school courses are recommended:  agricultural education, anatomy, biology, mathematics, English, chemistry and physics.

Where can I work?

Laboratory technicians can work in a variety of labs. Technicians can work in an academic, government or company setting.  Seed, chemical, biotech and animal health companies are examples of companies that hire laboratory technicians. 

Future Job Market / Outlook

The job outlook for a laboratory technician will be great over the next five years.

Suggested Professional Organizations and Associations

• Association for Clinical Laboratory Science
• The Association of Laboratory Technicians