Most commonly reported Work Activities

• Processing Information Compiling, coding, categorising, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
• Interacting With Computers Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
• Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Documenting/Recording Information Entering, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
• Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
• Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
• Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

The Work

Laboratory technicians (Lab Assistants) do routine tasks to help scientists. They often work in research and development, helping to create or improve processes, techniques, equipment, products or materials. Technicians may do tests and experiments, and report their findings to the scientist. They work in a wide range of manufacturing industries, doing quality assurance tests to make sure products are safe and meet required standards.   
  
Technicians are responsible for the day-to-day running of the laboratory. They clean, sterilise and repair equipment like test tubes, and dispose of laboratory waste. Technicians monitor stock and order replacements when necessary. Some technicians work in education laboratories, helping teachers by setting up and demonstrating experiments, assisting students and maintaining equipment.   
  
Quality assurance technicians are very important to manufacturing industries, especially food and drink, pharmaceutical, colour technology and agrochemical companies. Technicians test a product at key stages in its development. Guided by scientists, technologists and production managers, they anticipate where problems or defects may occur. In the food industry, they test products to detect micro-organisms that can cause food poisoning; or they may measure the level of pesticides in fruit. In industries that use colour technology, they test dyes and pigments, making sure that they are colour fast.   
  
In pharmaceutical companies, technicians help scientists to test the effectiveness and possible side effects of a new drug. Biological laboratory technicians often manage samples from plants and animals, including bacteria and tissue cultures. They may be responsible for the care and welfare of animals used in laboratories, or help to breed animals especially for research.   
  
Lab technicians usually need to wear protective clothing, like goggles, gloves, masks and overalls.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Conduct chemical analyses of body fluids, such as blood or urine, using microscope or automatic analyser to detect abnormalities or diseases and enter findings into computer.
• Analyse the results of tests or experiments to ensure conformity to specifications, using special mechanical or electrical devices.
• Set up, maintain, calibrate, clean, and test sterility of medical laboratory equipment.
• Prepare standard volumetric solutions or reagents to be combined with samples, following standardised formulas or experimental procedures.
• Collect blood or tissue samples from patients, observing principles of asepsis to obtain blood sample.
• Supervise or instruct other technicians or laboratory assistants.
• Conduct blood tests for transfusion purposes and perform blood counts.
• Inoculate fertilised eggs, broths, or other bacteriological media with organisms.
• Obtain specimens, cultivating, isolating, and identifying microorganisms for analysis.
• Examine cells stained with dye to locate abnormalities.

Further Information

• Laboratory Technician - from: N.C.S. [UK]

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

Investigative

The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.

Realist

Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.

Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.

Administrative

Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.

They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.

Apprenticeship Route

The official entry route for a Laboratory Technician is through undertaking an apprenticeship.

Click here to find information on the Laboratory Technician apprenticeship

There are many pathways to developing your learning & skills for a Laboratory Technician career. Sometimes referred to as a Laboratory Assiatnt. 

Training & Development 

FET Centre Traineeship Laboratory Assistant, Quality management, Supervisory management at NFQ level 5-6 Search our FET Coursefinder 

FET Centre PLC courses Applied sciences, Lab Tech & Lab science, Lab Techniques at NFQ level 5 Search our FET PLC Coursefinder

Apprenticeship Lab Technician this apprenticeship is available at NFQ level 6, with progession to Lab Analyst NFQ level 7 Search Apprenticeships

Higher Educational CAO entry Laboratory Technicians can progress to a third level qualification in a relevant science discipline. It has been possible to gain employment with a Certificate or a Diploma NFQ Level 6-7 in Industrial or Analytical Chemistry but pharmaceutical companies usually look for honours degrees NFQ Level 8 Search our CAO coursefinder  

Professional Development

Postgraduate Study options Courses in your Scientific path can be explored at NFQ Level 9-10

Pharmaceutical and other companies offer 6-8 months on-the-job training under the guidance of a mentor. From then on, training is on-going and technicians are given refresher courses as they progress.   

Technical and Theoretical Training: As part of the on-going training provided by a company, the laboratory technician will learn Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) as well as health and safety and Quality Control Standard Operating Procedures. The technician would be supervised by the scientist or the senior science technician.

Last Updated: September, 2023

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €30k - €45k

Salaries vary based on employer, location, experience, duties, and role.

Data Source(s):
Brightwater/ CPL / Morgan McKinley/ Indeed

Last Updated: June, 2024

* The lower figures typically reflect starting salaries. Higher salaries are awarded to those with greater experience and responsibility. Positions in Dublin sometimes command higher salaries.

View Salary information from Indeed.ie
Note: data not aways available

This occupation has been identified as a Job in Demand by the most recent National Skills Bulletin.

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).

Employment levels fell between 2021 and 2022, by approximately 3,000 persons, but remained above 2017 levels, resulting in a positive, but below average, annual average growth rate for the five-year period. Employment for this occupation was primarily in industry (accounting for a 60% share of employment). Employment permits issued were across a variety of technician roles (e.g. process, manufacturing, laboratory). The Recruitment Agency Survey identified vacancies for maintenance technicians in manufacturing with electrical/mechanical skills as difficult-to-fill.

Employers (Skills for Growth) experienced difficulties in filling a range of engineering technician roles, including aircraft technicians and manufacturing technicians, particularly for those with digital skills and knowledge of procedures/processes. There was a 3% increase in the number of online job adverts in 2022, driven by increases in electrical/electronic technicians and, to a lesser extent, laboratory technicians.

New apprenticeship registrations for a number of industry related technicians (including lab analysts) have risen strongly since the first of these programmes were introduced in 2017; by 2022 there were 314 new registrations across a range of apprenticeships (lab analyst, manufacturing technology, OEM engineer etc.) up from approximately 100 in 2017. Although demand seems to be lessening for these roles, issues with attracting suitable candidates remain for maintenance and laboratory technicians in particular, at least in the short-term.

• Institute of Biology of Ireland

  • School of Biology and Environmental Service,University College Dublin,Belfield,Dublin 4
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• BioPharmaChem Ireland

  • 84/86 Lower Baggot Street, Dublin 2
  • (01) 6051500
  • Click Here