Laboratory Assistant
Typical job description:
Laboratory Assistants conduct materials analysis, tests and experiments for existing and new materials and products applications. They often work closely with the quality department in the testing of polymer materials delivered by the suppliers to ensure compliance with specification.
The work also involves the testing of components or finished products to ensure that they are fit for purpose and comply with the company’s and customer’s specification. Tests may involve colour distortion, fatigue or resistance to heat and fire. Some work may be carried out in sterile conditions when investigating products produced for the medical or electronics industry.
The work also involves the testing of components or finished products to ensure that they are fit for purpose and comply with the company’s and customer’s specification. Tests may involve colour distortion, fatigue or resistance to heat and fire. Some work may be carried out in sterile conditions when investigating products produced for the medical or electronics industry.
Key Processes:
The exact nature of the work will depend on the size of the employing organisation.
However, it will almost certainly involve:
- Performing analysis and experiments on computer controlled testing equipment.
- Writing technical reports.
- Work in development teams to introduce new materials, products.
- Testing products to destruction.
- Analysing colours and pigments
Entry Level:
Four GCSE’s or equivalent in science maths and English and perhaps studying for N/SVQ’s in laboratory skills.
Search for related degrees or courses:
Pay and conditions:
Starting salaries for apprentice technicians commence at £8,000 to £15,000 per year
Laboratory Technicians usually work 37 hours per week. Some jobs involve shifts, nights or evenings duties. Most work is conducted in a clean laboratory environment.
Industry Standard:
ONC/D in Polymer or Materials Science.
Competencies:
- Analytical & diagnostic skills
- High standard in computer literacy.
- Able to work in teams
- Good communication and written skills
- Materials analysis & testing
- Materials processing techniques
- Accuracy and attention to detail
Knowledge needed for the role:
- Knowledge of the properties, characteristics and processing behaviour of polymer materials
- Test and analysis equipment
- Current processing technology methods
- Materials Fow Analysis
- Information Communications Technology
- Specifications and procedures
Other information:
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