The primary role of a laboratory technician is to assist industry scientists in their research and testing. This can involve a number of different tasks and these tasks can vary greatly between roles.

Within the pharmaceutical industry, laboratory technicians can be employed in research and development or in production and manufacturing. As a result, the work can be based in a laboratory or on a production line, depending on the specific responsibilities of the role.

Laboratory technicians are expected to have a good awareness of general laboratory practices and techniques but full training is usually given on the specific tasks required for each role.

What does a Laboratory Technician do?

The specific tasks of a laboratory technician can vary greatly depending on the laboratory they’re based in and the types of scientific work that is carried out there. All work must be carried out in strict accordance with both internal protocols and external regulations.

As examples, tasks may include:

  • Preparing experiments
  • Supervision of experiments as they run
  • Taking precise and accurate notes of experiments and their results
  • Sample preparation and testing
  • Cleaning of lab equipment
  • Routine maintenance and calibration of laboratory equipment
  • Mixing compounds during the manufacturing process
  • Write reports on lab-based activities
  • Supervision of junior laboratory staff
  • Liaising with laboratory suppliers as required

Becoming a Laboratory Technician

The level of education needed for laboratory technicians can also vary greatly depending on the role. Some employers may accept an Associate level degree, others may prefer a Bachelors level degree, typically in a science subject. Companies will often provide training for the specific duties they require of employees to ensure they are carried out in full compliance with internal and external regulations.

The ideal skill set for someone moving into project engineering includes:

  • Numerical Skills – often needed for successful running of experiments or reporting of results
  • Team Working – may be required to work as part of a lab-based team or production line, must be able to work in close coordination with other team members
  • Attention To Detail – must be very precise in all activities, following protocols and quality procedures closely, noticing quickly if something is deviating from expected results
  • Organisational Skills – should be running tests in a strictly methodical way as well as maintaining the overall organisation of the laboratory and its supplies and equipment
  • Written Communication Skills – must keep clear and concise records of laboratory activities and experimentation results in accordance with internal SOPs as well as external regulatory requirements

Laboratory Technician Salaries in Singapore

Laboratory Technician salaries in Singapore are extremely competitive. Candidates with 1-2 years of experience earn in the range of $24,000 – 36,000.

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