Scientific Laboratory Technician Science & Engineering Technicians
SaveWhat Does a Scientific Laboratory Technician Do?
Scientific laboratory technicians carry out laboratory-based research, analysis and testing and support life science professionals. They sample, test, measure, research and analyse in areas such as biology, biotechnology, environmental science, forensic science and pharmacology. Scientific laboratory technicians also observe and monitor laboratory activities, record test sequences and analyse the results.
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Where Do I Start?
Laboratory Techniques
Techniques applied in the different fields of natural science in order to obtain experimental data such as gravimetric analysis, gas chromatography, electronic or thermic methods.
Sign up to trackReady to go deeper? Pick up to 3 skills to focus on from the list below.
These are common skills for this role. Real-world experience matters more than ticking every box — use this as a guide, not a checklist.
Skills You Need to Become a Scientific Laboratory Technician
Essential Skills
Essential Skills
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EssentialLaboratory Techniques knowledge
Techniques applied in the different fields of natural science in order to obtain experimental data such as gravimetric analysis, gas chromatography, electronic or thermic methods.
No book recommendations available yet.
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EssentialApply Safety Procedures In Laboratory skill
Make sure that laboratory equipment is used in a safe manner and the handling of samples and specimens is correct. Work to ensure the validity of results obtained in research.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialCalibrate Laboratory Equipment skill
Calibrate laboratory equipment by comparing between measurements: one of known magnitude or correctness, made with a trusted device and a second measurement from another piece of laboratory equipment. Make the …
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialMaintain Laboratory Equipment skill
Clean laboratory glassware and other equipment after use and inspect it for damage or corrosion in order to ensure its proper functioning.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialMix Chemicals skill
Mix chemical substances safely according to recipe, using the proper dosages.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialOperate Scientific Measuring Equipment skill
Operate devices, machinery, and equipment designed for scientific measurement. Scientific equipment consists of specialised measuring instruments refined to facilitate the acquisition of data.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialPerform Laboratory Tests skill
Carry out tests in a laboratory to produce reliable and precise data to support scientific research and product testing.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialPerform Sample Testing skill
Examine and perform tests on prepared samples; avoid any possibility of accidental or deliberate contamination during the testing phase. Operate sampling equipment in line with design parameters.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialPrepare Samples For Testing skill
Take and prepare samples for testing, verify their representability; avoid bias and any possibility of accidental or deliberate contamination. Provide clear numbering, labelling and recording of the sample details, in …
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialRecord Test Data skill
Record data which has been identified specifically during preceding tests in order to verify that outputs of the test produce specific results or to review the reaction of the subject …
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialTest Chemical Samples skill
Perform the testing procedures on the already prepared chemical samples, by using the necessary equipment and materials. Chemical sample testing involves operations such as pipetting or diluting schemes.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialUse Chemical Analysis Equipment skill
Use the laboratory equipment such as Atomic Absorption equimpent, PH and conductivity meters or salt spray chambre.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialWear Appropriate Protective Gear skill
Wear relevant and necessary protective gear, such as protective goggles or other eye protection, hard hats, safety gloves.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialWork Safely With Chemicals skill
Take the necessary precautions for storing, using and disposing chemical products.
Course recommendations coming soon.
Optional Skills (5 of 59 displayed)
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OptionalMicrobiology-Bacteriology knowledge
Microbiology-Bacteriology is a medical specialty mentioned in the EU Directive 2005/36/EC.
Recommended Books
2 books -
OptionalData Protection knowledge
The principles, ethical issues, regulations and protocols of data protection.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalHistopathology knowledge
The procedures needed for the microscopic examination of stained tissue sections using histological techniques.
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OptionalClinical Biochemistry knowledge
The various types of tests performed on bodily fluids such as electrolytes, renal function tests, liver function tests or minerals.
Recommended Books
1 book -
OptionalBiological Chemistry knowledge
Biological chemistry is a medical specialty mentioned in the EU Directive 2005/36/EC.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalBiology knowledge
Tissues, cells, and functions of plant and animal organisms and their interdependencies and interactions with each other and the environment.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalChemistry knowledge
The composition, structure, and properties of substances and the processes and transformations that they undergo; the uses of different chemicals and their interactions, production techniques, risk factors, and disposal methods.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalClinical Cytology knowledge
The science of the formation, structure, and function of cells.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalImmunology knowledge
Immunology is a medical specialty mentioned in the EU Directive 2005/36/EC.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalMathematics knowledge
Mathematics is the study of topics such as quantity, structure, space, and change. It involves the identification of patterns and formulating new conjectures based on them. Mathematicians strive to prove …
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalPhysics knowledge
The natural science involving the study of matter, motion, energy, force and related notions.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalTechniques Of Blood-Sampling knowledge
The appropriate techniques for the collection of blood samples for laboratory work purposes, depending on the group of people targeted such as children or elderly.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalVirology knowledge
The structure, characteristics, evolution and interactions of viruses and the diseases they cause.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalAutomated Analysers In The Medical Laboratory knowledge
The methods used to introduce samples into the laboratory instrument that analyses biological samples for diagnosis purpose.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalBlood Collection On Babies knowledge
The recommended procedure for collecting blood from babies through their heel.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalBlood Donation knowledge
The procedures related to collecting blood samples from volunteers, the screening testing against disease and the follow-up.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalBlood Transfusion knowledge
The procedures involved in blood transfusions, including compatibility and disease testing, by means of which blood is transferred into blood vessels, taken from donors with the same blood type.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalBlood Type Classification knowledge
The classification of blood types such as group A, B, AB, 0 and their characteristics.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalFine-Needle Aspiration knowledge
The type of biopsy through which a thin needle is inserted into an area of body tissue and analysed in the laboratory to determine whether the tissue is benign or …
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalMicroscopic Techniques knowledge
The techniques, functions and limitations of microscopy to visualise objects that cannot be seen with the normal eye.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalPaediatric Phlebotomy Procedures knowledge
The paediatric blood collection procedures related to the age and specificity of the children involved, how to interact with children and their family to prepare them for the blood collection …
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalAnalyse Blood Samples skill
Analyse blood samples using computer-aided and manual techniques, looking for white or red blood cell abnormalities and other risk factors.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalAnalyse Cell Cultures skill
Analyse cell cultures grown from tissue samples, performing also screening of the cervical smear to detect fertility issues.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalAnalyse Experimental Laboratory Data skill
Analyse experimental data and interpret results to write reports and summaries of findings
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalAnalyse Test Data skill
Interpret and analyse data collected during testing in order to formulate conclusions, new insights or solutions.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalAnswer Patients' Questions skill
Respond in a friendly and professional manner to all inquiries from current or potential patients, and their families, of a healthcare establishment.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalArchive Healthcare Users' Records skill
Properly store the health records of healthcare users, including test results and case notes so that they are easily retrieved when required.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalArchive Scientific Documentation skill
Store documents such as protocols, analysis results and scientific data using archiving systems to enable scientists and engineers to take methods and results from previous studies into account for their …
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalAssist In The Production Of Laboratory Documentation skill
Assist in documenting laboratory work, especially paying attention to policies and standard operating procedures.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalAssist Scientific Research skill
Assist engineers or scientists with conducting experiments, performing analysis, developing new products or processes, constructing theory, and quality control.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalCheck Material Rescources skill
Verify that all requested resources are delivered and in good working order. Notify the appropriate person or people of any problems related to technical and material resources.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalCollect Samples For Analysis skill
Collect samples of materials or products for laboratory analysis.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalCommunicate Effectively In Healthcare skill
Communicate effectively with patients, families and other caregivers, health care professionals, and community partners.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalDevelop Scientific Research Protocols skill
Develop and record the procedural method used for a specific scientific experiment in order to enable its replication.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalEnsure Compliance With Environmental Legislation skill
Monitor activities and perform tasks ensuring compliance with standards involving environmental protection and sustainability, and amend activities in the case of changes in environmental legislation. Ensure that the processes are …
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalExecute Analytical Mathematical Calculations skill
Apply mathematical methods and make use of calculation technologies in order to perform analyses and devise solutions to specific problems.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalIdentify Patients' Medical Records skill
Locate, retrieve and present medical records, as requested by authorized medical personnel.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalLabel Samples skill
Label raw material/ product samples for laboratory checks, according to implemented quality system.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalMaintain Healthcare User Data Confidentiality skill
Comply with and maintain the confidentiality of healthcare users` illness and treatment information.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalManage Chemical Testing Procedures skill
Manage the procedures to be used in chemical testing by designing them and conducting tests accordingly.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalManage Supplies skill
Monitor and control the flow of supplies that includes the purchase, storage and movement of the required quality of raw materials, and also work-in-progress inventory. Manage supply chain activities and …
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalMonitor Stock Level skill
Evaluate how much stock is used and determine what should be ordered.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalOrder Supplies skill
Command products from relevant suppliers to get convenient and profitable products to purchase.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalReport Test Findings skill
Report test results with a focus on findings and recommendations, differentiating results by levels of severity. Include relevant information from the test plan and outline the test methodologies, using metrics, …
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalWork With Chemicals skill
Handle chemicals and select specific ones for certain processes. Be aware of the reactions which arise from combining them.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalCarry Out Quality Control In Microbiology Laboratories skill
Perform quality assurance testing of media, reagents, laboratory instrumentation and other materials used in microbiology laboratory.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalCheck The Received Biological Samples skill
Ensure that the received biological samples such as blood and tissues, are correctly labeled, registered and contain the appropriate information about the patient.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalCollect Biological Samples From Patients skill
Follow recommended processes to collect bodily fluids or samples from patients for further laboratory testing, assisting the patient as required.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalDispose Medical Waste skill
Dispose all types of medical waste such as infective, toxic and radioactive waste.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalExamine Cell Specimens Microscopically skill
Prepare and put the cell specimens received for examination on slides, stain and mark cellular changes and abnormalities.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalInterpret Hematological Test Results skill
Review blood samples and bone marrow under the microscope and interpret results of the tests.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalInterpret Medical Results skill
Interpret, integrate and apply results of diagnostic imaging, laboratory tests and other investigations as part of the assessment of the client, in consultation with other healthcare practitioners.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalLabel Blood Samples skill
Label blood samples taken from patients in compliance with regulations and the identity of the patient.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalMaintain Medical Laboratory Equipment skill
Regularly check the condition of medical laboratory equipment used, clean, and perform maintenance operations, as necessary.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalManage Chemical Processes Inspection skill
Manage the chemical in-process inspection, making sure the inspection results are documented, the inspection procedures are well written and the checklists are updated.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalPerform Bone Marrow Transplant skill
Perform cord blood transplant and manage its side effects in order to replace damaged or destroyed bone marrow with healthy bone marrow stem cells for patients affected by cancers, such …
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalSend Biological Samples To Laboratory skill
Forward collected biological samples to the concerned laboratory, following strict procedures related to the labeling and tracking of the information on the samples.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalSterilise Medical Equipment skill
Disinfect and clean all medical devices and equipment gathered from operating rooms, wards and other departments of a hospital or clinic and check for bacteria after disinfection using a microscope.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalTransport Blood Samples skill
Ensure that the blood samples collected are transported safely and correctly, following strict procedures to avoid contamination
Course recommendations coming soon.