What Is a Lab Assistant and How to Become One

By ZipRecruiter Marketplace Research Team

As a laboratory assistant or lab technician, you are responsible for helping scientists conduct experiments in a laboratory environment. You may be asked to prepare, clean, and maintain lab equipment and log readings and results. Your responsibilities may also include performing basic analyses of samples and recording results accurately. Your responsibilities will vary based on the type of lab you work in, but compliance with protocols and commitment to safety and accuracy are critical in any lab.

To become a lab assistant, you will need a high school diploma or equivalent. Many lab assistant jobs require an associate or bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and some work experience in a laboratory setting. The level of responsibility given to a lab technician is usually related to the level of education they have, and so obtaining a bachelor’s degree may open higher level laboratory technician positions to you.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, lab assistant and technician jobs will continue to experience significant growth in the near future. The BLS projects a 13% increase in demand for clinical and medical laboratory technicians between 2016 and 2026. This rate is much greater than the national average for all careers, making a career as a lab assistant an excellent option for those interested in laboratory work.

Laboratory assistants and technicians are required to meet the dress code requirements set forth by their employer. Often, scrubs or a lab coat are the required uniforms. There are also safety requirements for a laboratory that may require long hair to be tied back and no jewelry to be worn. Comfortable footwear is a must since lab assistants often spend a lot of time on their feet.

Job Summary

We are looking for a dedicated and efficient lab assistant to join our team. The lab assistant will work with our senior staff and leadership to run tests, analyze results, and report on data findings. The ideal candidate will be familiar with lab methodologies and understand the importance of clean and orderly workspace by diligently following all lab procedures for health and safety. The lab assistant will also be responsible for compiling data, transferring notes and recordings, and labeling, organizing, and maintaining samples.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Take notes, record data, and results, and organize documentation
• Transfer data and results from notes and records to computer formats
• Organize and maintain lab storage, samples, and specimens
• Follow all health and safety regulations when handling laboratory specimens
• Identify and label samples
• Prepare equipment and workspace
• Perform clerical and administrative duties as needed
• Compile research and information needed for study
• Conduct laboratory tests, analyze, and categorize results
• Record and document analysis results; report results and variations to supervisor
• Comply with all lab procedures, processes, and methodologies
• Sanitize and sterilize equipment and workspace
• Research industry trends and advancement
• Assists all senior laboratory staff and leadership with additional duties as needed

Requirements and Qualifications

• High school degree or equivalent; Associate's or Bachelor's degree in science, life science, medical technology, mathematics, chemistry or related field preferred
• Two (2) years' experience as a lab assistant, or relevant experience in a lab environment
• Able to multitask, prioritize, and manage time efficiently
• Able to work independently or as an active member of a team
• Good interpersonal skills and communication
• Strong computer skills; Microsoft Office Suite or similar software
• Must be comfortable working with hazardous materials and must comply with all health and safety regulations
• Able to work nights, evening hours, weekends, holidays, and extended shifts
• Able to stand on feet, bend, and move through shift; able to lift equipment and samples