A laboratory technician supports scientific research and operations by conducting hands-on tests, preparing samples, maintaining equipment, and recording data. They ensure experiments run smoothly in fields like healthcare, pharmaceutical, or environmental science, often focusing on accuracy and safety protocols, such as cleaning, sterilizing, and calibrating equipment.
Laboratory technician qualifications typically require a foundation degree, HND, or degree in a scientific subject (biology, chemistry, physics, or biomedical science).
The salary trajectory of a Lab Technician ranges between locations and employers. The salary starts at £23,107 per year (estimate) and goes up to £23,904 per year (estimate) for the highest level of seniority.
If your research scientists and teams request help with basic lab tasks such as cleaning, recordkeeping and organization, a lab assistant may be the right choice. However, if they need more technical assistance to keep lab equipment running well or begin analyzing test results, a lab technician could be a better hire.
A Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS), also known as a Clinical Laboratory Scientist or Medical Technologist, is an advanced laboratory professional responsible for complex diagnostic testing and in-depth analysis. Unlike MLTs, MLS professionals operate with a higher level of autonomy in the laboratory.