Laboratory Technician Job Description

What is the job description of a Laboratory Technician? What are the duties and responsibilities of a Laboratory Technician? What does a Laboratory Technician do?

Job description of a Laboratory Technician

Laboratory Technicians support laboratory-based scientific investigations by carrying out routine technical tasks and experiments. Lab Technicians work with laboratory equipment to analyze samples or substances, they conduct tests on those samples or substances, and report on their findings.

Laboratory Technicians often work in research and development facilities in areas as diverse as hospitals, clinics, pharmaceutical companies, food manufacturers, diagnostic labs and chemical companies where they help to create or improve processes, techniques, equipment, products or materials.

This Laboratory Technician job description example includes the list of most important Laboratory Technician duties and responsibilities as shown below. It can be modified to fit the specific Laboratory Technician profile you're trying to fill as a recruiter or job seeker.

Laboratory Technician Duties and Responsibilities

Laboratory Technician job description should contain a variety of functions and roles including:

  • Collecting, receiving, labeling, and/or analyzing samples or substances using the correct testing equipment, when necessary.
  • Designing and executing laboratory testing in line with standard testing procedures, recording observations, and interpreting findings.
  • Recording all experimental data and test results accurately and in the specified format (written and/or electronic.)
  • Maintaining daily logs and equipment record books.
  • Cleaning, sterilizing, maintaining, and calibrating laboratory equipment.
  • Ordering laboratory supplies, as needed.
  • Providing technical support, when necessary.
  • Organizing and storing all chemical substances, fluids, and compressed gases according to safety instructions.
  • Ensuring that safety guidelines are adhered to at all times within the laboratory.
  • Keeping up to date with relevant scientific and technical developments.

Laboratory Technician Requirements / Skills / Qualifications

Laboratory Technician job description should include these common skills and qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in biology, chemistry, or a related field.
  • Valid Laboratory Technician license.
  • Proven experience working as a Lab Technician.
  • Working experience operating electrical and non-electrical laboratory equipment.
  • Superb dexterity and hand-eye coordination.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Keen attention to detail.
  • Analytical skills.
  • Comfortable handling potentially dangerous substances (flammable liquids, biohazards, etc.)
  • In depth knowledge of QHSE management systems, preventative measures, and laboratory best practices.
  • Working knowledge of MS Office Suite and database systems.
  • Ability to work autonomously and under pressure.

As a hiring manager, recruiting an ideal Laboratory Technician starts with crafting a good job description. Use this Laboratory Technician job description template to save yourself time and help you attract the most qualified candidates. Feel free to revise it to meet your specific needs.

Job seekers interviewing for the role of a Laboratory Technician may also reference it in preparation for the interview.