Laboratory technician

Career path and progression

With experience, you could:

• become a lab supervisor or lab manager
• specialise in complex analysis work
• apply to become a Registered Science Technician to develop your career

You could also take further training at degree or postgraduate level to become a research scientist.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

• science skills
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• analytical thinking skills
• the ability to use your initiative
• the ability to work well with others
• thinking and reasoning skills
• maths knowledge
• the ability to work well with your hands
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Related subjects

Most relevant

• Chemistry - Laboratory technicians prepare solutions, cultures, and specimens, and analyse samples using techniques rooted in chemistry. Understanding chemical reactions, concentrations, and safe handling of substances is essential for accurate and reliable lab work.
• Biology - Laboratory technicians often work with biological samples such as tissue cultures, blood, and microorganisms, particularly in medical and biomedical labs. Understanding cell biology, microbiology, and how living systems work helps them prepare specimens and interpret results correctly.
• Mathematics - Laboratory technicians use maths daily to calculate concentrations, dilutions, and volumes when preparing solutions. They also collect and present data using statistics, and need to spot patterns or errors in numerical results.

Also relevant

• Physics - Laboratory technicians use scientific instruments such as spectrometers, centrifuges, and microscopes that rely on principles of physics like optics, electromagnetism, and mechanics. Understanding how these instruments work helps with calibration, troubleshooting, and accurate measurement.
• Environmental Science - Laboratory technicians may test soil and water samples for toxins and pollutants, or analyse data from crop experiments. Understanding environmental systems and how contaminants move through ecosystems helps them carry out this kind of work effectively.
• Computer Science - Laboratory technicians increasingly use software to log data, run automated instruments, and manage laboratory information systems. Some roles involve writing scripts to process large datasets or configuring digital equipment, where understanding how software works is a real advantage.
• Design and Technology - Laboratory technicians maintain, calibrate, and sometimes modify equipment to ensure experiments run smoothly. Practical skills like working carefully with tools and understanding how apparatus is assembled are useful in day-to-day lab work.