Taylor Williams, University Technician

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What I do

I work in a laboratory that does scientific research into things like heart disease, diabetes and metabolism (how the body uses energy).

My job is to help the labs run smoothly so researchers and university students can do their work properly.

I help prepare teaching labs, support research experiments and look after all the equipment and samples.

The work I do helps scientists understand diseases and develop new medical treatments which can improve people’s lives.

University technician Taylor in the lab, wearing a lab coat and gloves, measuring out liquids into test tubes, using a micropipette.

How I became a technician

At school, I didn’t have a clear plan for my career. For my GCSE options, I chose art, history and health and social care.

After Year 11, I didn’t feel A-levels were right for me because I learn best by being hands-on, not just sitting in a classroom.

How I became a technician

I decided to do a Level 2 electrical installation course at college. I completed the two-year course but realised it wasn’t what I wanted to do long term.

While I was figuring things out, I worked at McDonald’s and also at my sister’s pub (all my family work in hospitality).

How I became a technician

I kept hearing about apprenticeships, so I started looking online. I knew I wanted to work in science, but it took two years of searching.

I even started an Access to Higher Education course because I thought university was the only way into a science career.

How I became a technician

Then I saw a job post for this role – a Level 3 Laboratory Technician apprenticeship. I didn’t even know what a technician was before applying, but the job sounded perfect.

It meant I could work in science, learn new skills and not need loads of experience to get started.

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A typical day in my working life

I start work at 8:30am and finish at 4:30pm. Each day is different, which I love.

I spend two days a week with the Scientific Operations Team. We collect glassware, change gas cylinders, refill liquid nitrogen tanks, prepare deliveries and help anyone who needs support with the work they are doing.

A typical day in my working life

Some days I might be running an autoclave, which is like a big steriliser for lab equipment and others I might be preparing media, which is a jelly-like substance that goes in petri dishes, that helps cells grow.

For most of the week, I work in the teaching labs, helping to set up experiments for university students, so they can do the practical experiments linked to what they are learning on their science courses.

A typical day in my working life

Once a week, I work in a research lab, helping scientists study genes. I use a technique called qPCR (which stands for quantitative polymerase chain reaction) that can detect and count how much of a particular gene is in a sample.

It needs a lot of planning and accuracy. I’ve just started analysing the results, which is tricky but really rewarding.

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University technician Taylor in the lab, wearing a lab coat and gloves, looking at some test tubes in a rack, and other equipment on the lab desk.

What I love about my job

I love being surrounded by science every day. There’s so much amazing research happening here which could really change lives, and it’s exciting to see it up close.

Being part of work that could help improve people’s health feels really meaningful.

I also really enjoy learning new skills and understanding how things work. It’s great to be in a team where everyone helps each other out.

It’s a really supportive place, and I’ve learned so much already.

The skills I use most

Being organised is really important. I work with lots of samples and data, so everything has to be clearly labelled (I colour-code it all!) and easy for other people to understand.

I also need patience, especially when pipetting (measuring tiny amounts of liquid very accurately) – every drop counts. Time management matters too because I need to get through big experiments and I only have one day a week in the research lab, so I need to use the time well.

Communication is also a big part of the job, whether that’s emailing, asking questions or explaining problems to other people. I need to express myself clearly, and make sure I understand what I’ve been told.

I love being surrounded by science every day... Being part of work that could help improve people’s health feels really meaningful.

Take your time and find something that makes you happy. It took me a while to get here, but it was worth it.

A little more about my everyday role

The best bits about working in a team

My team is made up of about 10 people. Everyone’s so friendly and supportive. When I first started, I felt quite anxious and had loads of questions, but they made me feel comfortable straight away.

I never feel judged for not knowing something. There’s always someone I can ask, and we all work together to get things done.

My favourite piece of equipment

The tissue lyser is one of my favourites. It’s a machine that shakes up samples to break them down, so that we can study them better.

I put the samples into tiny tubes with small metal balls and liquid, lock them into the machine and switch it on. It shakes the samples really fast until they turn into liquid. It’s noisy but very clever, and I enjoy using it because it feels like ‘real’ science.

What I like to do in my spare time

I like going on long walks, especially with my dog. I also enjoy reading, it’s a great way to unwind after a busy week in the lab.

I used to go indoor rock climbing, which was fun and involves a lot of problem solving, but I haven’t had much time for it recently. I also enjoy spending time with my family and friends. I have lots of siblings, so I’m used to being around people.

My school days

I was always into science, even if I didn’t realise it at the time. In biology lessons, I loved learning about viruses and how small things could have such a big effect on the human body.

That curiosity definitely helped steer me towards the career I have now.

The most exciting thing I’ve achieved so far in my job

One of my proudest moments was being acknowledged in a research paper. I supported the project by using a precise technique that detects and measures the level of a chosen gene in a sample, and the results helped the researchers explore how a specific gene may play a role in obesity. As an apprentice, I never expected to see my name on something like that, and it felt amazing.

I’ve also pushed myself out of my comfort zone by speaking at the BBC Bitesize Careers Tour (which this campaign is part of) at a school near me, and at New Scientist Live. I get nervous speaking in front of people, so pushing myself to do that was a big achievement.

A surprising fact about my job

Before I started, I didn’t know technician jobs even existed. I thought the only way into science was through university. But being an apprentice technician means I’m doing real, important science, all while learning on the job.

You don’t have to know everything to get started. You just need to be curious and willing to learn.

The next steps in my career journey

I want to keep building my lab skills and learning new techniques that are used in research.

In the future, I’d like to move into a more advanced laboratory or research technician role and keep working in science. I’m excited to see where it takes me.

The advice I’d give to someone younger

Don’t rush into a career just because you feel pressured. Take your time and find something that makes you happy. It took me a while to get here, but it was worth it.

Keep looking, stay positive and choose something for the right reasons, not just because it sounds impressive or makes the most money.