• Question: whats a labratory technician

    Asked by rude532skua66 to Diana on 27 Feb 2026.
    • Photo: Diana Martin

      Diana Martin answered on 27 Feb 2026:

      A laboratory technician can have lots of different roles. Some technicians have specialist knowledge, perform certain tasks (such as preparing samples performing a test or analysing data) in the laboratory or run a particular piece of equipment. Others have more general roles (such as myself) and perform a support role, to contribute to the general running of a laboratory or facility. My tasks within a University lab include health and safety management, equipment maintenance, inductions and teaching basic skills to new staff and students. It’s a great job, but them I’m biased 😉

Comments

  • Photo: James L

    James L commented on :

    I am a technician with a more specialist role as I manage and work in the microscopy facility. My job includes:
    *Cleaning and maintaining the microscopes;
    *Teaching people how to use the microscopes and perform the analysis;
    *Helping people design their experiments;
    *Developing new methods, protocols and techniques;
    *Performing experiments for people;
    *Applying for grants to get new equipment;
    *Dealing with budgets and accounting;
    *Promoting our facility and equipment.
    It is a pretty good job as it’s quite varied and you get to interact with lots of different science projects.