Laboratory technician
Do scientific tests, research and investigations. Work to improve health and medicine, crime-solving, and science education.
Also known as: lab technician
About the job
Salary
Source: National Careers Service
Weekly
£385
Entry level
£538
Experienced
Monthly
£1,667
Entry level
£2,333
Experienced
Yearly
£20,000
Entry level
£28,000
Experienced
9,200
people are currently employed
Low growth
200 fewer jobs in 5 years
These figures refer to this job and similar ones with comparable skills and qualifications. They only apply to Scotland. Source: Oxford Economics
What it's like
You would do tests, research and investigations and support scientists and their research. You could work in different areas such as forensic science, scientific analysis, the health service, responding to climate change and in education.
You might work to diagnose diseases, measure levels of pollution or help to develop new products. You might work with specialised techniques such as ways of treating infertility.
You would:
Set up experiments or investigations
Do risk assessments for lab activities
Collect and analyse samples
Prepare solutions, cultures or specimens
Analyse samples
Record and present data
Order and control stock
Dispose of chemicals and waste products in a safe way
Make sure that equipment is clean and in good working order.
If you worked in education, you would also set up equipment and demonstrate experiments.
You’d need to have a good awareness of health and safety regulations to work safely.
Your team would include scientists and other technicians. With experience you may also supervise lab support workers or junior technicians.
Hours
Environment
Travel
Explore more information about this job
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Related industries
Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.
Life sciences Chemical sciences Agriculture, forestry and fishing
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Here are some of the skills you'll need to do this job:
- understanding
- analysing
- managing resources
- attention to detail
- researching
- observation
- problem solving
- working with technology
- verbal communication
- cooperating
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore the sections shown for more information about getting into this career.
You might have qualifications which are not shown here but will allow you access to a course. You can compare your qualifications by looking at their SCQF Level. For more information about this, check out the SCQF website.
Always contact the college, university or training provider to check exactly what you'll need.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
Science
Skills for Work: Laboratory Science
There are different entry routes and levels for this role.
Some employers may consider you with SCQF levels 4-6 qualifications for entry level roles.
You may be able to do a Modern Apprenticeship and complete a work-based qualification. Entry requirements for an apprenticeship vary, ranging from no requirements to SCQF level 4-6 qualifications or above.
Most employers will value a Higher National Certificate (SCQF level 7), Higher National Diploma (SCQF level 8) or a degree (SCQF level 9/10) in a science subject.
Some employers may ask for a undergraduate degrees (SCQF level 9), most undergraduate courses ask for at least four Higher (SCQF level 6) passes with a B although this varies depending on the university.
Relevant work-based qualifications such as a Scottish Vocational Qualification in Laboratory and Associated Technical Activities (SVQ level 3).
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