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Research Laboratory Technician

A Research Laboratory Technician does the vital lab research needed to develop new products and test their safety - across sectors from pharmaceuticals to beauty

How a Research Laboratory Technician makes a difference

Laboratory research is involved in many different sectors and products, including health, pharmaceuticals, beauty, medical treatments, industrial chemicals and cleaning products, as well as the food and drinks we consume. The range is huge.

Sometimes the research is focused on developing new features. Alternatively it could concentrate on testing whether products and treatments are safe, reliable and do what they say they’re going to do. You could be the technician that helps to create important products and treatments and proves that they work.

Useful skills
Problem solving
Skills & attributes
Useful skills
Precise
Skills & attributes
Useful skills
Critical thinking
Skills & attributes

The type of work a Research Laboratory Technician will do

  • Carrying out repeat experiments
  • Data capture and record keeping
  • Checking findings against standards, highlighting any differences
  • Evaluating data
  • Formulating and reporting evidence
  • Collaborating with the lab team

What you can bring to the Research Laboratory Technician role

An understanding of basic laboratory techniques.

Some knowledge of chemistry or life sciences.

A careful and accurate approach to capturing information and producing reports.

What you can bring to the Research Laboratory Technician role

Confidence using mathematical concepts.

The ability to identify a complex problem, evaluate different responses and decide on the best solution.

The natural ability to think about a subject or idea, ask questions and act on what you’ve learned.

What you can bring to the Research Laboratory Technician role

You could also be right for this role if you have any of the following interests:

- science

- exploring problems and finding answers

- animals and nature

£ 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 , 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Average salary per year *
£ 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 , 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Average salary per month *

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*according to ONS

Future career opportunities for a Research Laboratory Technician

Your technician role will give you skills that are transferrable to many kinds of laboratories, so you could decide to work in several different sectors.

Over time, you’ll have the experience to manage a team and could become a Lab Manager.

How to become a Research Laboratory Technician

There’s no perfect career path or ideal way into your dream job. But if you're interested in education and training options that could be relevant to this role, you might want to consider:  

But if you’re interested in education and training options that could be relevant to this role, you might want to consider:

Options available after GCSEs:

  • A T-level in Science.
  • An apprenticeship as a Laboratory Technician.

Schools and colleges each have their own career guidance plan and can provide detailed information, advice, and guidance on options and next steps.

A little more about the role

Exciting features...

You’ll use established scientific processes and experiments to assess the quality of items and to solve problems. You’ll also have the opportunity to propose new scientific ideas that could support your laboratory’s investigations.

Other job titles...

This role can also be known by some other job titles including:

Analytical Support Chemist
Technical Support Scientist
Microbiology Support Scientist
Process Development Technologist
Laboratory Assistant
Senior Laboratory Technician
Assistant Scientist
Technical Specialist (Scientist)
Quality Control Laboratory Assistant, 
Laboratory Co-ordinator
Technical Laboratory Assistant
Laboratory Analyst
Laboratory Research Assistant

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