Chemistry Laboratory Technician

Also known as:

Laboratory Technician, Chemistry

Introduction

Chemistry laboratory technicians provide technical support to chemists. They set up equipment, prepare and carry out experiments, take measurements and report on their findings. They may work in industry, medical science, higher education, or research organisations.

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Work Activities

Chemistry laboratory technicians work in support of chemists and other scientists. They may work on research experiments and analysis of results, or the development of new materials and products. In quality assurance, they check that products and materials are safe and meet required standards. They do tests and experiments, and report their findings to the scientist.

Technicians are responsible for the day-to-day running of the laboratory. They set up and clear away equipment for demonstrations in teaching laboratories. They clean and repair equipment, monitor and label stock, and order replacements. They also dispose of laboratory waste.

They help scientists in a wide variety of industries. In the pharmaceutical industry they examine how diseases develop and spread, and help chemists to test the effectiveness and possible side effects of a new drug. In the water industry, they prepare river samples, and set up equipment to test for pollution, for example, from pesticides and fertilisers.

In manufacturing and food industries, technicians are often responsible for quality assurance. They test a product at key stages in its development, anticipating where problems may occur. In the food industry, technicians test food to detect contamination from toxic chemicals, for example, from cleaning fluids. In colour technology, they test chemical colorants like dyes and pigments, to make sure they are colour fast.

In schools, colleges and universities technicians set up materials and equipment for demonstrations and prepare slides and samples for teaching. In schools they may also help pupils with their work.

In hospitals, technicians help doctors to diagnose disease by managing blood and urine samples. Technicians set up and monitor automated testing systems and use computers to analyse results and record laboratory stock.

Senior technicians may have more responsibility for organising experiments and writing reports. They may train other technicians, supervise staff and manage health and safety.

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Personal Qualities and Skills

As a chemistry laboratory technician, you must be thorough, observant, methodical and accurate in setting up and doing experiments. You must be able to record test results and write reports. Good teamwork skills are very important, because technicians work closely with scientists and teachers.

You must show initiative and be able to work without supervision. You need to be able to use a range of equipment including computers to check stock and record results.

Technicians often get on-the-job training, so you must be willing to learn and develop new knowledge and skills. Health and safety is a high priority and you must keep to set procedures, accept health checks and use protective clothing and equipment as required.

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Pay and Opportunities

Salaries vary depending on the company and range of responsibility.

The pay rates given below are approximate.

Chemistry laboratory technicians earn in the range of £14,000 - £16,500 a year, rising to around £17,000 - £25,000 a year.

Chemistry laboratory technicians usually work a 35-39 hour week, Monday to Friday.

Technicians work in a wide variety of industries, including pharmaceuticals, colour technology, textiles, plastics, cosmetics, food and drink, and oil and gas.

They work in forensic science departments, the National Health Service (NHS), or government departments like the Civil Service's Central Science Laboratory.

There are opportunities in university research departments and school and college laboratories.

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Adult Opportunities

It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

Some entrants have a background in laboratory work, eg, as a routine tester or assistant.

Colleges will usually consider applications from candidates who do not meet their usual entry requirements. You should check the admissions policy of individual colleges.

• 16% of laboratory technicians work part-time.
• 16% have flexible hours.
• 8% of employees work on a temporary basis.

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