National Occupational Standard for Laboratory Technician

Definition of occupation

The Laboratory Technician is employed in various bio-economy laboratories including research and development (R&D), quality control, and quality assurance laboratories. They perform “on-the-bench” tasks and follow laboratory procedures (applying basic scientific and laboratory concepts and theories related to the specific testing that is appropriate to their scope of work) under the supervision of laboratory researchers, research scientists, and other senior staff.

The Laboratory Technician assists and supports laboratory processes in compliance with good laboratory practices (GLP) and required ISO standards. They may also participate in the development of workflows and standard operating procedures (SOPs) related to the work being performed.

The Laboratory Technician must adhere to industry and workplace policies and health and safety standards when carrying out their work. They may occasionally supervise or oversee the work of other laboratory staff.

The Laboratory Technician can be employed under a variety of job titles by companies of different sizes (small, medium, large) and in the four sub-sectors of the bio-economy (Bio-health, Bio-industrial, Bio-Energy and Agri-Biotech).

How to use a National Occupational Standard 

View summary NOS profile here: Laboratory Technician – National Occupational Standard Summary

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