Job Profiles

Laboratory Technician

Doing the behind-the-scenes work that clinical research depends on.

Education: Associate in Science/Associate in Applied Science degree, Bachelor’s degree

Average salary: varies depending on prior experience

The work of lab technicians is one of the most important pieces at R&D, clinical research, and diagnostic testing labs. In their role, lab techs will handle all things related to the maintenance of lab equipment, as well as collecting samples and preparing testing solutions.

The bulk of a lab tech’s job has to do with performing lab tests, during which they analyze bodily fluids in order to find abnormalities or diseases. Due to the nature of the job, many of these professionals are employed in hospital settings.

Main responsibilities of a laboratory technician include:

• Maintaining, cleaning, calibrating, and testing lab equipment
• Preparing solutions to be used on samples gathered
• Analyzing chemical and bacterial content of samples and lab equipment

An associate degree can prepare you for a role as a medical laboratory technician but a bachelor’s degree is often required for other lab tech roles.