Laboratory Technician
Prepare, organise, conduct and record laboratory tests using a range of tools and equipment.
Job opportunities
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Jobs in SEEK right nowJob growth
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5-year projectionSalary
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Typical salaryJob satisfaction
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Job opportunities
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Jobs in SEEK right nowSalary
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Typical salaryJob growth
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5-year projectionJob satisfaction
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On this page
- What's it like to be a Laboratory Technician?
- How to become a Laboratory Technician
- Latest Laboratory Technician jobs
- Top skills and experience for Laboratory Technicians
- Is Laboratory Technician the right role for you?
- Laboratory Technician role reviews
What's it like to be a Laboratory Technician?
A Laboratory Technician is responsible for the maintenance of lab tools and equipment, data recording, preparing experiments and inspecting, calibrating and maintaining test equipment. Laboratory Technicians may work in various settings such as medical laboratories, school science laboratories and forensic, pharmacology or manufacturing companies. Laboratory Technicians can also work in scientific research and development. As a result, having excellent attention to detail, efficiency and accuracy is crucial for these professionals.
Tasks and duties
- Maintaining lab tools and equipment.
- Assisting with experiments.
- Answering, screening and forwarding telephone calls.
- Copying, filing and maintaining documents and records.
How to become a Laboratory Technician
You usually need a tertiary-level qualification to become a Laboratory Technician in Australia. Membership with an industry body may be beneficial.
- Complete a relevant VET qualification, such as a Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques (MSL40118) or Diploma of Laboratory Technology (MSL50118). Some employers offer traineeships that allow you to complete your chosen course while working.
- Alternatively, a degree can introduce you to more advanced skills and open pathways to a broader set of roles, such as Medical Laboratory Scientist, Pathology Technician and Research Officer. This could be a Bachelor of Science.
- Depending on your specific role, consider seeking opportunities for membership with the Royal Australian Chemical Institute, Australian Society for Microbiology or the Australian Institute of Medical Scientists.
Compare your salary
Find out how your salary compares with the average salary for Laboratory Technicians.Latest Laboratory Technician jobs on SEEK
Be one of the first to discover these recently listed jobs, or browse all Laboratory Technician jobs on SEEK right now.Did you find this helpful?
Skills and experience employers are looking for
Having the right skills and experience can make you an in-demand applicant. Laboratory Technician employers on SEEK are looking for job seekers with expertise in the following areas. Laboratory Practice
Laboratory Equipment
Calibration
Sample Preparation
Chemistry
Science
Laboratory Testing
Laboratory Operations
Professional Housekeeping
Quality Control
Source: SEEK job ads and SEEK Profile data
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Latest Laboratory Technician reviews
May 2021
Laboratory work is the last place for a Scientist.
Reviewer's QualificationBachelor of Science
Experience1 – 4 years
Organisation sizeMedium (20-199 employees)
SpecialisationScience & Technology
The good thingsLaboratory Technician jobs are available as soon as your leave college/university due to the benefits of most laboratory work not actually needing any sort of degree-level skills or knowledge to start...
The challengesGreatest challenge is that you'll be surrounded by people with 10 time the amount of degrees and scientific knowledge than yourself doing a job that pays about as much as a retail worker and the amoun...
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Oct 2018
Laboratory Technician roles can be repetitive, but is rewarding for those who enjoy hands on work.
Reviewer's QualificationCertificate IV in Laboratory Techniques
Experience10+ years
Organisation sizeLarge (200+ employees)
SpecialisationChemistry and Calibration
The good thingsHands on job with opportunities to learn and improve skills and knowledge. Laboratory testing is always changing and improving so there are always new processes to learn and new technology to learn.
The challengesSome laboratories require shift work or rotating night shifts which can have a negative impact on your health and home life. But if you gain enough experience there are roles that do not require nigh...
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SEEK has not verified the truth or accuracy of these comments and does not adopt or endorse any of the comments posted on this page.SEEK collects and posts the comments for what they are worth and for information purposes only to assist candidates to find employment through www.seek.com.au
