WHAT DOES A LAB TECHNICIAN DO?

Published: Jun 26, 2025 - The Lab Technician adheres to safety, environmental, and company procedures while performing repetitive tasks and maintaining a clean and organized work area. This role requires collaboration with team members, professional communication with staff and customers, and proper use of tools and personal protective equipment. The technician also includes maintaining logs and schedules, supporting customer satisfaction, and understanding reporting systems and environmental responsibilities.

A Review of Professional Skills and Functions for Lab Technician

1. Lab Technician Duties

  • Calibration Management: Ensuring all calibrations are complete and accurately documented
  • Procedure Development: Developing calibration procedures of varying difficulty
  • Vendor Coordination: Interfacing with vendors to ensure that the proper calibration requirements are met
  • Customer Support: Working with customers to ensure requirements are met and issues are resolved
  • Audit Support: Supporting internal and external customer audits and ISO certifications
  • Process Improvement: Develop and implement improvements to reduce costs, processes, and cycles

2. Lab Technician Details

  • Measurement Setup: Support quality and reliability engineers to set up a measurement system to verify the product in the reliability lab
  • Test Planning: Identify the test plan with the requestors to be aware of the requirement, test procedures and acceptance criteria
  • Reliability Testing: Perform reliability testing and measurement before/post each test, reporting the result
  • Failure Analysis: Perform failure analysis with engineers to identify the root cause of the failures
  • Product Auditing: Conduct a product audit to ensure the goods meet the requirements in the field
  • Equipment Management: Join to manage lab equipment including new equipment procurement, training, calibration and maintenance
  • Resource Coordination: Work with the 3rd lab to obtain resources to support reliability test needs, including both reliability test equipment and failure analysis capability
  • Process Improvement: Work with the corporate team on regular correlation efforts and join the improvement process
  • Project Completion: Work with the corporate team to complete multiple improvement projects
  • Compliance Support: Support global compliance-related work
  • 5S Maintenance: Maintain good 5s in the reliability lab

3. Lab Technician Responsibilities

  • Machine Operation: Setting up and running of machinery
  • Quality Checks: Conducting and recording quality checks
  • SOP Compliance: Follow Company Standard Operating Procedures in line with cGMP and ISO Quality Standards
  • Product Inspection: Build and inspect products in line with specifications and drawings
  • Cleanroom Work: Work in a clean room environment
  • Quality Ownership: Take responsibility for individual product quality and productivity
  • Paperwork Completion: Complete paperwork according to the guidelines
  • Material Handling: Control and coordinate the movement of Chambers' raw materials
  • 5S Maintenance: Ensure clean room conditions and 5S standards are maintained

4. Lab Technician Job Summary

  • Lab Procedures: Conducts a wide variety of laboratory procedures
  • QC Testing: Performs challenging and detail-oriented lab work in the QC/QA lab
  • Work Independence: Completes a high volume of work under limited direct supervision
  • Material Testing: Tests products and materials, produces compounds, records findings and operates lab equipment
  • Process Development: Develops new chemical processes and analyzes data
  • Sample Integrity: Focuses on the quality and integrity of samples by strict purity guidelines
  • Instrument Operation: Works with various testing techniques and instrumentation
  • Timely Testing: Ensures all necessary tests are completed promptly
  • Team Collaboration: Maintains a team environment with other departments
  • Safety Commitment: Commitment to and support of EH&S principles and values

5. Lab Technician Accountabilities

  • Cell Manufacturing: Responsible for the manufacture of research cell products used in research including the operation of production equipment
  • Aseptic Technique: Using aseptic technique, performs screening, feeding, passaging, harvesting, and cryopreservation
  • Cell Isolation: Focuses on isolating cells from tissues, bone marrow, peripheral blood, cord blood and leukapaks
  • Cabinet Work: Performs isolations in a Laminar Flow Biological Safety Cabinet
  • Product Labeling: Performs product packaging and labeling of products
  • Equipment Use: Use pipettes and other scientific equipment including microscopes and centrifuges
  • SOP Compliance: Read and follow SOPs and understand the importance of GMP/ISO compliance
  • Problem Solving: Understand and follow cleaning schedules, math skills and problem-solving skills

6. Lab Technician Functions

  • Lab Management: Manage the testing lab by maintaining equipment and materials up to company standards
  • Vendor Coordination: Coordinate with vendors and suppliers
  • Calibration Tracking: Track and perform equipment and instrument calibrations
  • Lab Safety: Maintain a safe and care for the lab and laboratory equipment
  • Chemical Analysis: Perform Chemical analysis to determine salt quality
  • Result Accuracy: Responsible for the accuracy of results reported based on lab testing
  • Internal Auditing: Perform internal audits to ensure procedures are implemented according to standards
  • SOP Updating: Participate in establishing/updating SOPs and policies related to lab testing and standards
  • Document Control: Maintain documentation and act as a document controller for the lab data
  • Stakeholder Coordination: Coordinate with different stakeholders and departments such as logistics and production

7. Lab Technician Job Description

  • Specimen Handling: Following procedures for specimen collection, processing, and test analysis
  • Quality Policies: Following the laboratory’s quality control policies
  • Calibration Documentation: Documenting quality control activities, calibrations, and maintenance
  • Performance Monitoring: Identifying indicators that may impact test performance or reporting
  • Stock Management: Ordering, receiving, and distributing laboratory stock
  • Checklist Execution: Understanding and performing all duties on position-related checklists
  • Safety Adherence: Adhering to safety policies as defined by Patient First and OSHA
  • Customer Service: Providing positive, warm, and friendly customer service

8. Lab Technician Overview

  • Schedule Review: Reviews processing schedules, laboratory logs and procedures and verifies their accuracy
  • Data Entry: Records information on forms, enters them in a computer and notifies shift supervisors
  • Sample Analysis: Run samples from Refinery and other sites
  • Sample Collection: Collects samples taken by other workers and assists with gas samples
  • QA Testing: Perform daily Quality Assurance/Quality Control requirements
  • Wastewater Monitoring: Monitor and ensure quality assurance on wastewater samples
  • Chemical Evaluation: Evaluates the properties of organic and inorganic substances
  • Lab Testing: Conduct routine and special lab testing including various standardized methods
  • Custody Documentation: Provide documentation for Chain of Custody and data entry
  • Catalyst Preparation: Operate equipment and assist in catalyst preparation and chemical handling

9. Lab Technician Details and Accountabilities

  • Patient Communication: Acts as a representative of the department, communicating with patients and care units
  • Patient Care: Provides quality patient care in line with organizational mission
  • Inquiry Response: Responds to inquiries courteously and according to policy
  • Judgment Use: Uses good judgment to escalate to technologist or manager
  • Specimen Knowledge: Knowledge of specimen collection and handling requirements
  • Order Processing: Receives orders from Power Chart and resolves discrepancies
  • LIS Entry: Performs Laboratory Information System (LIS) standard order entry
  • Specimen Tracking: Logs specimens and manages tracking lists in LIS

10. Lab Technician Tasks

  • Test Execution: Following prescribed procedures and performing lab tests
  • Result Calculation: Calculating the results of the tests performed
  • Equipment Maintenance: Operating, calibrating, and conducting checks on lab analyzers
  • Malfunction Correction: Recognizing and correcting basic analyzer malfunctions
  • Reagent Preparation: Preparing reagents or media from prescribed procedures
  • Quality Control: Conducting quality control on tests, reagents, and media
  • SOP Compliance: Reviewing and following Standard Operating Procedures
  • Recordkeeping Accuracy: Maintaining accurate records to meet quality objectives

11. Lab Technician Roles

  • Product Testing: Perform testing of raw materials, intermediates, and final products
  • Analytical Techniques: Practical experience with PCR, Flow Cytometry, and ELISA
  • Equipment Operation: Maintain, calibrate, and operate lab instruments
  • Stability Testing: Track and test products according to study protocols
  • Data Monitoring: Monitor data and review test records for accuracy
  • Lab Maintenance: Maintain the lab in an optimal state
  • Supply Tracking: Track laboratory supplies and follow reagent instructions
  • Document Control: Maintain QC documents and submit to Doc Control

12. Lab Technician Additional Details

  • Product Tagging: Correctly tag bulk product containers or pallets
  • Grade Analysis: Perform attribute grade analysis using USDA criteria
  • Microbial Sampling: Sample products and facility for microbial presence
  • System Verification: Verify function of key plant systems
  • Process Auditing: Audit production processes such as blanching and freezing
  • Variance Reporting: Communicate variances to supervisory personnel
  • Safety Compliance: Comply with all safety policies and procedures
  • Hazard Reporting: Report unsafe activities to supervisor or HR

13. Lab Technician Essential Functions

  • SOP Compliance: Follow established SOPs to support accurate data reporting
  • Sample Preparation: Gather materials and prepare test samples
  • Sample Handling: Perform sample receipt, login, storage, and disposal
  • Solution Preparation: Prepare standards, solutions, and media
  • Equipment Setup: Operate and set up basic lab instruments
  • Lab Maintenance: Clean and sterilize glassware and maintain lab condition
  • Data Recording: Accurately record observations and data
  • Administrative Tasks: Handle lab paperwork and LIMS data entry

14. Lab Technician Role Purpose

  • Bioreactor Operation: Maintain and set up bioreactors and support routine tasks
  • Buffer Preparation: Support medium and buffer preparation
  • Lab Setup: Set up and maintain laboratory and MSAT tools
  • Team Collaboration: Collaborate with scientists and engineers across teams
  • Experimental Support: Conduct experiments and interpret results
  • Experiment Recommendation: Recommend changes or additional experiments
  • Data Presentation: Present data and results to teams

15. Lab Technician General Responsibilities

  • Policy Compliance: Comply with technical, administrative, and safety policies
  • Quality Assurance: Adhere to quality control and preventive maintenance protocols
  • Teamwork Contribution: Work collaboratively to produce consistent results
  • Lab Organization: Maintain a clean and organized laboratory space
  • SOP Adherence: Follow Standard Operating Procedures
  • Robot Operation: Operate high-performance liquid handling robots
  • Education Participation: Engage in continuing education per lab standards
  • Training Completion: Complete training and competency assessments on time

16. Lab Technician Key Accountabilities

  • Waste Removal: Removal of non-hazardous, solvent, and biohazardous waste
  • Hand Washing: Hand-wash small, delicate laboratory items
  • Glassware Transport: Pick up and return clean and dirty lab items
  • Waste Supply: Supply and remove radioactive and biohazardous waste containers
  • Package Delivery: Deliver packages and equipment between laboratories
  • Equipment Moving: Move furniture and lab equipment as needed
  • Lab Housekeeping: Maintain cleanliness in Laboratory Services area

17. Lab Technician Roles and Details

  • Quality Inspection: Conduct all quality inspections in assigned areas
  • Spec Compliance: Maintain quality to specifications through inspections and reporting
  • Process Checks: Perform verifications including metal detector and chilling checks
  • Defect Control: Identify and remove out-of-specification products
  • Procedure Adjustment: Work with departments to update procedures for compliance
  • Spec Interpretation: Apply customer and sales specs to subjective quality evaluations
  • Corrective Action: Address deficiencies affecting shelf life or micro results
  • Root Cause Analysis: Identify causes of process or product failures for improvement

18. Lab Technician Responsibilities and Key Tasks

  • Packaging Testing: Understand and execute packaging test requirements
  • Sample Assembly: Fill and assemble packages for lab testing
  • Data Entry: Collect results and input into XLS templates
  • Schedule Updating: Update PPLs with test reporting and schedules
  • Material Handling: Handle and store incoming testing materials
  • QC Testing: Perform routine quality control testing and record keeping
  • Chemical Analysis: Conduct wet chemical and instrumental sample analyses
  • Product Accuracy: Ensure accuracy of finished product analysis
  • 3D Printing: Operate 3D printer to form patient models
  • Retainer Production: Make clear retainers for orthodontic use
  • Aligner Labeling: Produce and label in-house aligners
  • Team Communication: Communicate effectively with doctors and coworkers

19. Lab Technician Duties and Roles

  • Inventory Management: Keep lab supplies ready by managing stock and orders
  • Data Evaluation: Assist with interpretation of complex test data
  • Problem Solving: Resolve issues through data examination and corrective action
  • Trial Support: Support trials and experiments as directed
  • Safety Practices: Use safe lab practices and attend safety meetings
  • Equipment Calibration: Perform preventive maintenance and calibration
  • Independent Work: Work independently and handle complex tasks
  • Clerical Support: Manage technical or customer support issues with minimal supervision

20. Lab Technician Roles and Responsibilities

  • Sample Analysis: Analyze product samples based on customer requirements
  • Instrument Operation: Use ICP-MS, UV/VIS, and Auto titrator
  • Cleanroom Testing: Analyze contaminants in Class 10/1,000 cleanroom
  • Ultra-Pure Testing: Analyze samples at PPT and PPQ levels with ICP-MS
  • Instrument Maintenance: Perform troubleshooting and scheduled maintenance
  • Team Collaboration: Work with cross-functional teams for improvement
  • Lean Participation: Engage in Lean Six Sigma projects using tools like 6S and Kaizen
  • Audit Participation: Participate in internal and external audits

21. Lab Technician Duties

  • Microscopy Procedures: Perform slit lamp, specular, and OCT microscopy
  • Tissue Processing: Conduct DMEK processing, tissue transfers, and preservation
  • Cell Evaluation: Perform cell counting and processed tissue evaluation
  • Packaging Coordination: Prepare and coordinate transportation of tissue
  • Instrument Maintenance: Clean and maintain surgical instruments and rooms
  • Inventory Management: Manage tissue and supply inventory with rotation
  • Data Entry: Enter data into lab systems and reports
  • Production Support: Monitor production line, collect samples, and follow SOPs
  • Lab Operations: Operate instruments, calculate, and record test results
  • Housekeeping Practices: Maintain clean and organized work areas at shift end

22. Lab Technician Details

  • Lab Cleanliness: Maintain and sterilize equipment and work areas
  • Stock Replenishment: Restock lab materials and supplies daily
  • Waste Treatment: Manage laboratory waste handling and treatment
  • Storehouse Tracking: Track stock levels and maintain storehouse organization
  • Equipment Maintenance: Set up and maintain lab equipment
  • Vendor Coordination: Coordinate routine and preventative maintenance
  • Issue Troubleshooting: Support and resolve lab equipment issues
  • Lab Inspections: Conduct inspections and report safety violations
  • Hazard Disposal: Safely collect and dispose of hazardous materials
  • Glassware Management: Wash, autoclave, and redistribute lab glassware
  • Supply Refill: Replenish lab supplies at points of use
  • Inventory Support: Perform inventory checks, ordering, and distribution

23. Lab Technician Responsibilities

  • Issue Reporting: Identify and report issues affecting test quality
  • Specimen Processing: Prepare and process specimens per SOPs
  • Lab Maintenance: Assist with general upkeep of the laboratory
  • Inventory Management: Maintain lab supplies and inventory
  • SOP Review: Review and provide input on standard procedures
  • Customer Interaction: Communicate with Customer Service on sample issues
  • Quality Support: Assist in quality control and assurance activities
  • Equipment Maintenance: Maintain lab instruments per SOPs
  • Ongoing Education: Participate in continuing education
  • Quality Standards: Maintain strict quality compliance

24. Lab Technician Job Summary

  • Routine Analysis: Perform routine analysis on selected products
  • Sample Handling: Collect, label, and analyze samples with correct equipment
  • Sample Shipping: Arrange and ship sales samples
  • Data Analysis: Record, analyze, and summarize research data
  • Data Extraction: Extract and process production data
  • GMP Compliance: Adhere to GMP and safety regulations
  • Lab Coordination: Coordinate independent laboratory testing
  • Test Execution: Design and execute lab tests per procedures
  • Result Recording: Record experimental data and test results accurately
  • Chemical Storage: Organize and store substances per safety instructions
  • Safety Adherence: Ensure laboratory safety guidelines are followed
  • Log Maintenance: Maintain daily logs and equipment records
  • Equipment Care: Clean, sterilize, maintain, and calibrate lab equipment
  • Scientific Updates: Stay current with scientific and technical developments

25. Lab Technician Accountabilities

  • Robotic Pipetting: Use robotic pipettors to produce calibration plates
  • Plate Validation: Validate accuracy and precision of multi-well plates
  • Plate Shipping: Package and ship plates for calibration use
  • Solution Preparation: Quantitatively prepare standard control solutions
  • Inventory Tracking: Maintain inventory and demand schedule of solutions
  • Fluorescence Assay: Qualify solutions via fluorescence in plate format
  • Curve Troubleshooting: Make, validate, and troubleshoot standard curves
  • Reader Validation: Validate plate readers and pipettors
  • Contamination Prevention: Prevent degradation or contamination of materials
  • Recordkeeping: Maintain clear records for verification and troubleshooting

26. Lab Technician Functions

  • Metal Analysis: Analyze DI water and chemicals for metal impurities using ICPMS and GFAA
  • Spectroscopy Testing: Perform additional spectroscopy lab analyses
  • Solution Preparation: Make metal standards, eluents, and titration solutions
  • Data Interpretation: Interpret analytical data and generate reports
  • QC Documentation: Document quality control standards and results
  • Cycle Optimization: Contribute to sample cycle time improvements
  • Lab Improvement: Participate in continuous laboratory process enhancements

27. Lab Technician Job Description

  • Microbial Analysis: Perform microbiological testing of raw and finished products
  • Product Release: Hold, release, or reject finished goods based on results
  • Chemical Testing: Conduct chemical analysis of materials and products
  • Spec Verification: Verify compliance and report deviations
  • In-Plant Checks: Perform weight, temperature, and pH checks
  • Equipment Calibration: Calibrate and maintain lab equipment regularly
  • Product Evaluation: Conduct daily evaluations of finished products
  • Sensory Testing: Perform sensory evaluation of materials and products
  • Environmental Testing: Carry out environment monitoring and testing

28. Lab Technician Overview

  • Technical Support: Work in Technical Service under supervision
  • Data Recording: Evaluate, collect, and document data
  • Experiment Execution: Perform experiments and summarize results
  • Data Entry: Enter project data into computer systems
  • Solution Preparation: Make cleaners, pretreatments, paints, and coatings
  • Performance Testing: Test characteristics of coated substrates

29. Lab Technician Details and Accountabilities

  • Husbandry Activities: Perform cage changes, sanitation, and maintenance
  • Vivarium Support: Support 5S practices and inventory management
  • Health Monitoring: Assist with veterinary triage and animal monitoring
  • Rodent Handling: Handle and restrain rodents safely
  • Biosecurity Knowledge: Apply disease prevention and control principles
  • Problem Solving: Recognize technical issues and offer solutions
  • Alarm Response: Respond to facility alarms appropriately
  • Protocol Compliance: Follow procedures and protocols for animal studies
  • Work Scheduling: Assist in daily planning and prioritization
  • In Vivo Techniques: Develop skills in dosing, sampling, and monitoring
  • Data Management: Implement documentation and recordkeeping practices
  • Team Collaboration: Work effectively with teams and research partners

30. Lab Technician Tasks

  • Safety Compliance: Comply with safety and environmental policies
  • Behavioral Awareness: Stop at-risk behavior of self and others
  • Teamwork Execution: Perform assignments collaboratively with others
  • Task Repetition: Perform repetitive tasks and maintain cleanliness
  • Policy Adherence: Follow all company rules and procedures
  • Supervision Response: Take direction and respond to guidance
  • Professional Communication: Interact respectfully with team and customers
  • Log Maintenance: Maintain accurate logs and schedules
  • Tool Usage: Use and maintain hand and power tools properly
  • PPE Usage: Wear personal protective equipment correctly
  • Professional Conduct: Present a professional appearance and behavior
  • Customer Understanding: Understand service and satisfaction principles
  • Reporting Awareness: Understand reporting systems and environmental impact
Relevant Information
What Does A General Laborer Do?
What Does A Laboratory Technician Do?
What Does A Lab Assistant Do?