Scientific studies and experiments are carried out by a research lab technician. She is in charge of setting up, operating, and maintaining the instruments required for specific experiments. She is usually required to observe, analyze, and record results as the experiments progress, which can sometimes lead to conclusions. The worth and validity of the conclusions are dependent on detailed records of each phase of the experiment.
Principals from the physical, chemical, biological, and life sciences are typically involved in these research experiments. It is critical to have a thorough understanding of the materials being tested. To properly adjust the testing equipment to accommodate changes and recognize possible failures in its performance, you must have a thorough understanding of it.
The position of research lab technician may require working independently or as part of a focused team, depending on the nature of the research project. Some exploratory projects necessitate the technician’s undivided attention throughout numerous phases and stages of testing. Other experiments could produce satisfactory results in a matter of minutes.
To be a successful research lab technician, you must be able to apply theories and principles from various sciences. The technician is usually required to submit the results to her superior for analysis after the initial tests are completed. The senior lab technician will usually tell her to move on to the next phase, repeat the authentication procedure, or abandon the process if no feasible conclusions appear to be within reach.
As the technician gains experience, she may be asked for her opinion on procedures and conclusions. She may propose small or radical changes to testing procedures based on her research and the results of related experiments she has studied. Her research could have given her information on previously unknown variables that were relevant to the experiment and how it was carried out.
Work as a research lab technician is common in a variety of testing environments. Hospitals, clinics, and medical laboratories are common examples of these settings. Plants or companies may have self-contained laboratories on their premises if the experiments are for industries other than health and medicine.
While a four-year college degree isn’t always required for this position, most employers do insist on related training or certification. An associate’s degree or a certificate of completion in applied science or another science-based program can be used to meet this requirement. A bachelor’s degree is usually required to advance in the field of laboratory research or to specialize in a specific industry.