JOB DESCRIPTION
Laboratory workers assist scientists, engineers, technical officers and other laboratory staff by collecting and preparing samples, carrying out experiments, making measurements with scientific equipment, recording results and presenting results for critical analysis. Laboratory workers work in the field, on the process-production line and in the laboratory. They may work in a team or alone. Depending on the type of laboratory, they may handle dangerous or hazardous materials. Safety awareness and compliance with regulations is important. Protective clothing and equipment is usually provided.
DUTIES AND TASKS
Laboratory workers may perform the following tasks:
- clean, maintain and set up equipment for use in experiments
- collect, classify and preserve specimens and samples
- water and observe plants, and feed and observe animals in laboratories
- perform diagnostic and other scientific tests on specimens (such as animal and plant tissues or food and water samples), in order to identify chemicals, minerals, cellular or other constituents, bacterial content and chemical contamination
- carry out experimental procedures and monitor processes
- inspect and test animals and plants for diseases
- perform routine mathematical calculations and prepare graphs
- use computers and computer-interfaced equipment
- carry out routine quality assurance checks on production line samples and materials.
PERSONAL REQUIREMENTS
- enjoy scientific activities
- able to produce accurate and detailed work
- good eyesight (may be corrected) and normal colour vision
- able to work as part of a team