Lab Technician Work

Lab technician work is usually performed in the vicinity of a lab or the area where the scientist works. Lab technicians are found to specialize in the proficiency required for each definite sector of research. The regular duties of a lab technician includes running of samples, collecting data, analyzing data, background research, running and maintaining lab apparatus, and monitoring of experiments. The lab technician however, is not restricted only to these duties. Some lab technicians have their part in the field work as well. Lab technicians can always expect a room for advancement depending on the work they are involved in.

Lab technicians can tune their skills to come forward with more competent lab procedures. It is possible that the lab technicians may be needed to perform independent research under the guidance of the appointed scientists. Lab technician job positions cover a large number of sub fields which include conservation health, oceanography, nuclear sciences, environmental sciences, chemical sciences, etc.

Job Profiles

There are different job profiles that can be listed under lab technician jobs. They are as follows:

• Biological Lab Technician: A biological lab technician is responsible for operating, maintaining, and setting up of laboratory equipments that are utilized in biological studies and experiments. These technicians are very detail oriented and are involved in formulating conclusions, scrutinizing the data, and designing precise reports.

• Chemical Lab Technician: Chemical lab technicians are mostly involved in the manufacturing and research process in different kinds of industries. They concentrate on laboratory tests so as to come up with new medications. They study and examine the gases, solids, and liquids for investigation and improvement.

• Forensic Lab Technician: Forensic lab technicians carry out scientific investigation of evidences. They visit the crime site and gather the evidences such as hair, blood samples, body tissues or fluids and work on them. They often provide adept testimonials during legal proceedings.

• Photographic Lab Technician: Photographic lab technicians are mostly employed in retail shops where the photographs are developed. Their primary work is to print the photographs, however they also capture moving and still images and similarly, retouch, edit, transfer and enlarge them.

• Dental Lab Technicians: Dental lab technicians do not come in direct contact with the patients as they usually work in the background. They are involved in the creation activity of dental prosthetics as prescribed by the dentist. Some of these dental prosthetics include bridges, crowns, and dentures.

Job Requirements

The credentials and skills required for lab technician jobs are give below:

• Bachelor's degree in Applied Sciences (Microbiology, chemistry or Medical Science)

• Lab technician license issued by the state. Licensing regulations are different for each state which can be made available through the Board of Occupational Licensing.

• Additional certification for lab technicians through accredited organizations such as the National Credentialing Agency for Laboratory Personnel can be a good advantage for the candidate.

• Excellent observation, computer handling, technological and communication skills with superior analytical judgment and normal color vision.

Job Prospects

Lab technician job prospects are more in the industrial setting and are growing at a faster pace. Job vacancies in the conservation, private, and environmental labs are less, generally because of funding. Recently graduate students with some hands-on experience or internship have good opportunity to improve their odds of winning a job in this field. Employment prospects for lab technicians are projected to develop greatly. With an improvement in the medical field, the demand for trained lab technician personnel in testing laboratories is increasing so as to ensure correct diagnostics.

Working Conditions

Lab technicians typically enjoy a flexible way of living. The working hours of lab technician jobs need not necessarily be nine to six. They can work on weekends and night shifts as well. Lab technicians have the advantage of moving from one position to another very easily, in case a particular position is not relatively working out or another position is found to be a better match. Candidates should be willing to relocate as these job opportunities can be found in different states or even in a different nation. Lab technicians are required to work most of the time on their feet.

Lab technician work is demanded not only in the private sector but in public sector as well.