LABORATORY ASSISTANTS AND TECHNICIANS help chemists, physicists, and other scientists in conducting tests, experiments, and analyses. Laboratory Assistants and Technicians are employed in a wide variety of industries such as food processing, chemical production, environmental monitoring, agricultural and pharmaceutical Research. Specific duties vary according to the industry, the purpose of the laboratory, and the type of tests completed. Typically, Laboratory Assistants work at the entry level under close supervision performing routine tasks in processing or preparing laboratory specimens and materials.

Medical and dental laboratory workers require distinct specialized skills and knowledge. See Related Occupational Guides section.

The following are the most common tasks a Laboratory Assistant and Technician may perform:

• Set up laboratory and field equipment to assist Research workers.
• Clean, sterilize, and maintain laboratory equipment and work areas.
• Collect specimens from appropriate sources.
• Prepare samples for testing and analysis.
• Operate laboratory equipment common to laboratories such as microscopes, spectrophotometers, and autoanalyzers.
• Weigh, analyze, and measure ingredients used in testing.
• Calibrate microscopes.
• Record and compile test results.
• Enter test results into computerized databases and/or data entry books.
• Prepare charts, graphs, spreadsheets, chromatograms, and reports using a variety of software.

Laboratory Assistant is generally the entry-level position for this occupation. In contrast, Laboratory Technicians perform the more specialized complex tasks that require more training and experience: preparing solutions and reagents, assisting in product development, installing and repairing laboratory equipment, performing experimental testing, maintaining quality control records, and writing test result analysis reports. Technicians may also supervise subordinates.

Laboratory Technicians employed in specialty fields may perform the following tasks:

Agricultural/Biological Technicians

• Plant seeds in a designated area to determine the rate of seed germination.
• Examine animals and specimens to determine the presence of disease.
• Collect blood samples from animals for testing.
• Feed and water laboratory animals.
• Prepare culture media according to standard laboratory procedures.

Chemical Technicians

• Prepare chemical solutions.
• Prepare experimental solutions.
• Test and analyze the chemical properties of liquids, solids, gases, and biological substances.
• Guide other laboratory workers in compounding and distilling chemicals.

Food Science Technicians

• Conduct standardized tests to determine the physical and chemical properties of food, beverages, additives, and preservatives to compare the results with product specifications for nutrients, color, and texture.
• Smell and/or taste food or beverage samples to assure that flavor meets test specifications.
• Blend or mix substances to create reagents or manufacture foods.
• Use mathematics and chemical procedures to compute the moisture, salt content, or percentage of ingredients.
• Use a microscope to study specimens to identify cell structure or bacteria.
• Perform test runs and evaluations of new product performance.

Environmental Science Technicians

• Gather gas, soil, water, and asbestos product samples for pollutant level testing.
• Use laboratory instruments to complete chemical tests on collected samples to determine compliance with pollution standards.
• Use chemical or mathematical formulas to determine the level of pollutants in test samples.
• Assemble field equipment to observe and gather pollutant samples from manufacturing plants.

Forensic Science Technicians

• Gather and preserve crime scene evidence samples.
• Perform standardized laboratory tests on tissue samples, physical materials, and chemical substances.
• Provide expert evidence testimony at criminal trials.

Important skills, knowledge, and abilities for Laboratory Assistants and Technicians include:

• Science - Knowledge of scientific methods to solve problems.
• Mathematics - Knowledge and use of arithmetic and algebra, including how to use mathematics to solve problems.
• Problem Identification - Knowledge of how to identify the nature of problems.
• Equipment Selection - Knowledge of the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
• Information Gathering - Knowledge of how to find information and identify essential information.
• Information Organization - Determining the method of structuring or classifying multiple pieces of information.
• Critical Thinking - Using logic and analysis to identify the strengths and weaknesses of different approaches.
• Solution Appraisal - Observing and evaluating the outcomes of a problem solution to identify lessons learned or redirect efforts.
• Computers - Knowledge of personal computers and software applications.

Laboratory Assistants and Technicians generally work in clean, well-lighted, and well-ventilated laboratories. Standing for long periods of time is common for these workers. Laboratory employees may be exposed to strong odors and potential hazards from equipment, chemicals, or toxic materials. However, the risks are small when proper laboratory safety procedures are followed.

Depending upon the industry, Laboratory Assistants and Technicians may occasionally work in the field to collect samples, set up and monitor equipment, or conduct testing.

Union membership requirements vary widely. Generally, academic and government employees belong to unions.

The projected growth rate of 21.6% indicates that Laboratory Assistant and Technician occupations are growing at an average rate compared with all occupations in California.

The current manpower needs are driven by new product development, consumer demand for product and food safety, and regulatory requirements for environmental protection and monitoring.