Laboratory Assistant
Assist laboratory staff with setting up and preparing experiments.
What's it like to be a Laboratory Assistant?
Laboratory Assistants work with scientists and researchers, assisting during lab tests and experiments. They set up and prepare the experiments, and when the tests are completed they clean and maintain the lab.
Tasks and duties
- Processing samples to identify suitability for experiments.
- Preparing experiments.
- Setting out test samples and setting up laboratory equipment.
- Keeping accurate records.
- Labelling specimens.
- Performing quality assurance on samples.
- Cleaning and maintaining the lab.
- Cleaning and maintaining the lab equipment and supplies.
- Communicating with warehouse and distribution teams.
- Taking direction from Laboratory Manager.
Salary lookup
What can I earn as a Laboratory Assistant?
Find out the average salary for a Laboratory Assistant across Australia
Latest Laboratory Assistant jobs on SEEK
Be one of the first to discover these recently listed jobs, or browse all Laboratory Assistant jobs on SEEK right now.
All
NSW
VIC
WA
QLD
TAS
SA
NT
ACT
How to become a Laboratory Assistant
You may be able to work as a Laboratory Assistant without any formal qualifications, however many employers prefer candidates with a relevant vocational qualification.
- Build foundational knowledge by completing a Certificate III in Laboratory Skills (MSL30118). This course will prepare you for entry-level roles in the industry.
- Alternatively, complete a Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques (MSL40118). This course will provide you with further skills to collect and prepare samples.
- Consider furthering your education and broadening your career opportunities by completing a Diploma of Laboratory Technology (MSL50118) or Bachelor of Science.
Explore related qualifications
SEEK users who have worked as a Laboratory Assistant have studied these qualifications.
All
NSW
VIC
WA
QLD
TAS
SA
NT
ACT
Bachelor of Science
Develop broad skills in science to prepare for opportunities in a range of industries with this qualification.
Diploma of Laboratory Technology
This qualification provides specialised skills to conduct scientific-technical tests using a range of laboratory technologies.
Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques
This qualification provides the basic skills to assist other laboratory personnel.
Powered by
Skills and experience employers are looking for
Hi there, have any of these? Add your skills directly to your SEEK Profile.
Hi there, have any of these? Add your skills directly to your SEEK Profile.
VenepunctureData EntryLaboratory PracticeBlood CollectionAbility to Work At A Fast PaceChemistryPaediatricsCustomer ServiceMedical TerminologyMultitaskingSkills listed in your SEEK Profile
Based on your skills, here are some roles to explore
Did you find this helpful?
Source: SEEK job ads and SEEK Profile data
Upskill with an online short course
Get instant access to online training for these in-demand Laboratory Assistant skills
Is Laboratory Assistant the right role for me?
Job market trends for Laboratory Assistants
All
NSW
VIC
WA
QLD
TAS
SA
NT
ACT
Source: SEEK job ads and SEEK Role Reviews
Latest Laboratory Assistant reviews
Latest reviews from 25 Laboratory Assistants surveyed on SEEK
All
Positive
Negative
Laboratory assistant is not a long term job anybody expects to do when they pursue a science career.
Reviewer's Qualification
Bachelor of Science
Experience
10+ years
Organisation size
Large (200+ employees)
Specialisation
Specimen Reception
The good things
If you have the right personality and get on well with the right people you can find other roles and move into those positions. In certain laboratories you get paid for your time at a reasonable rate....
The challenges
People do not need to particularly treat you well from most areas that deal with you. You can have workloads put on you that are too high given your role and outside your responsibility but you will b...
Read more
At the right company and good management laboratory assistant is a great starting point.
Reviewer's Qualification
Diploma of Laboratory Technology
Experience
1 – 4 years
Organisation size
Medium (20-199 employees)
Specialisation
Microbiology
The good things
The bad things
Poor work life balance. Poor career progression. Too much favouritism and gossiping kills your motivation.
The challenges
If you're in the right department and company with good management it's a good career to go for.
Read more
Source: SEEK Role Reviews
Explore similar careers
Source: SEEK job ads and SEEK Profile data