Chemistry Lab Technician Job Description

Chemistry Lab Technicians

A chemistry lab technician is in charge of organizing and documenting lab experiments. Technicians have a lot of formal education and training in their specialty. They operate sophisticated equipment and perform complicated math equations.

A chemistry lab technician can work in a university, private research lab, or the research and development division of a chemical manufacturing plant. Most chemistry lab technicians have at least a bachelor's degree in chemistry or engineering, and some labs employ students who are still working on their degrees. A technician needs to have a fundamental understanding of chemical properties and reactions.

A technician needs to be familiar with the periodic table of elements, common ion and compounds, and the physical and chemical changes that occur in various experiments. College chemistry lab classes allow future technicians to become familiar with the equipment and procedures they will use in their future careers. A chemistry technician needs to be organized.

Even the smallest of mistakes can taint the results of an experiment, such as miscalculating the amount of initial compounds or failing to heat a solution to the proper temperature. Since handling and manipulating potentially hazardous chemicals can lead to injury, a technician must follow safety rules at all times. The technician may need to wear gloves, goggles, and a thick lab coat.

Chemical Technicians

Chemical technicians conduct tests on a variety of chemicals. They conduct testing for a variety of purposes. Scientists conduct experiments and analyses, prepare chemical solutions, test products for quality and performance, analyze compounds produced through complex chemical processes, and monitor pollution levels in the air and water.

The quality of products and processes at chemical manufacturing facilities can be monitored by processing technicians. They collect samples from production batches, test for defects, and test packaging to make sure that it is well designed and has a limited impact on the environment. Chemical technicians work in laboratories or industrial facilities that process chemicals, and they get samples from outside sources or in-house at their place of employment.

Chemical technicians are employed in a number of industries, including pharmaceutical, mining, food and consumer products. Most chemical technicians work on teams and are led by chemists or chemical engineers who direct their work and evaluate their results. Chemical technicians may have to work more hours to meet deadlines or fix problems.

Chemical Lab Technicians

Chemical lab technicians keep all equipment running smoothly and safely. When something isn't working correctly, technicians conduct routine maintenance to prevent problems from happening. No scientist wants to discover that the machine they are using contained something.

Working with chemicals requires a lot of attention. Chemical lab technicians wear safety gear. They monitor conditions to ensure proper air flow, store chemicals in appropriate containers, label and dispose of hazardous materials in compliance with regulations, and keep a general eye out for anything that might prove dangerous.

Employers often call upon experienced chemical lab technicians to get new hires up to speed and comfortable with equipment. They may need to teach a veteran scientist how to use a new apparatus. Some chemical lab technicians choose to pursue a bachelor's degree, while others hold an associate's degree.

Students in the classroom learn a lot about math, physics, biology, computer science, and chemistry, but they also spend a lot of time in laboratories learning how to use equipment. Candidates who are knowledgeable in technology are more likely to be hired. Some technicians go on to careers as lab supervisors or chemists with a mixture of experience and education.

Chemistry Lab Technicians: A Career in Science

The chemistry lab technicians work alongside the chemists and other technicians to organize the lab workspace, maintain the equipment, and perform chemical experiments. There are some ups and downs to a chemistry lab technician career. The chemistry lab technicians work with other technicians.

A full-time schedule is not uncommon. The job duties include organizing the lab workspace, maintaining the equipment, and performing chemical experiments. You can advance to designing your own experiments and creating new chemical formulas with job experience and skill level.

An associate's degree is the standard level of education required to get an entry-level position. A 2-year degree program in chemical laboratory technology will likely include courses in analytical chemistry, organic chemistry, and instrumental analysis. You need to learn about lab equipment, techniques, and safety procedures in a laboratory course.

You learn research and communication skills, and some schools help you craft a portfolio that shows your capabilities. If you have a bachelor's degree in chemistry or a related discipline, you can apply for lab technician jobs. The chemistry laboratory technicians must have high-level laboratory skills.

You will need to know how to use equipment such as gas burners, balances, and vacuum pumps. Knowledge of common lab procedures is needed. In addition to technical know-how, precise measurements and attention to detail are important to producing accurate results.