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Lab Technician Job Description: Top Duties and Requirements

A Lab Technician, or Laboratory Technician, is someone who works in a laboratory and performs duties to assist Scientists. A Lab Technician is responsible for handling sensitive equipment, analyzing samples or substances, and conducting tests to create reports for the Laboratory Manager.

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Lab Technician duties and responsibilities

Some of the common duties and responsibilities for Lab Technicians include: 

  • Performing pre-analytical procedures
  • Sorting, allocating, and delivering specimens to work stations and loading onto laboratory instruments, as required
  • Receiving, unpacking, and sorting incoming specimens or solutions
  • Participating in basic quality control procedures and inventory management
  • Maintaining good record-keeping practices while adhering to quality and safety programs
  • Maintaining accuracy and calibration of laboratory testing equipment
  • Performing routine inspections on laboratory equipment to determine when maintenance is required
  • Using relevant computer software programs to collect or input data and information
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What does a Lab Technician do?

The role of a Lab Technician optimizes laboratory procedures as they help to produce reliable and important reports or results for experiments undertaken by Scientists. In many cases, a Lab Technician will set up experiments and investigations. The setting up of experiments could include preparing solutions or specimens, disposing of chemicals or waste products safely, and cleaning the lab equipment used. Once the experiments are done, they will collect and analyze the results. A Laboratory Technician may also be responsible for presenting findings to executives or Managers.

Lab Technician skills and qualifications

A successful Lab Technician will have various prerequisite skills and qualifications, including: 

  • Ability to work well with a team and as an individual contributor
  • Ability to multi-task and work in a fast-paced environment
  • Strong communication skills, both written and verbal
  • Strong organizational skills
  • Strong time management skills and ability to meet deadlines
  • Strong attention to detail and adherence to strict processing procedures
  • Ability to keep and record daily logs
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

Lab Technician experience requirements

When reviewing resumes for a Lab Technician, look for job applicants who have previous experience working within a laboratory. Candidates with two to three years of experience may have an advantage. Job applicants with experience working with spreadsheet-based software programs may also be preferred. A successful applicant should also have experience working with sensitive information, specimens, and data.

Lab Technician training and education

Candidates generally need a bachelor’s degree or higher education in a scientific program like biology or chemistry. In some cases, a college diploma in a related field is sufficient if your office provides on-the-job training. Look for applicants registered with a specific local association or national society such as the Canadian Society of Orthopaedic Technologists. It’s an asset for a candidate to have completed short-term programs related to the specific lab work of your department or organization.

Lab Technician salary expectations

According to Indeed Salaries, the average pay for a Lab Technician in Canada is $24.76 per hour. This can vary depending on experience, location or type of company that is hiring.

Job descriptions for similar roles

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Lab Technician job description FAQs

What should you look for in a Lab Technician's resume?

When reviewing applicants for the role of a Lab Technician, it is important to ensure the applicant has the right educational experience for the type of laboratory they will work in. It is best to look for a candidate who has experience in a laboratory if on-the-job training isn’t provided. If the applicant needs particular computer skills, look for an applicant with similar experience.

Job Description Examples

Need help writing a job description for a specific role? Use these job description examples to create your next great job posting. Or if you’re ready to hire, post your job on Indeed.

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