Chemistry lab technicians assist chemists in performing experiments, operating equipment, and documenting results. They require extensive education and training, and must be organized, detail-oriented, and safety-conscious. Technicians are responsible for preparing and conducting experiments, recording observations, and composing official documents. Strong technical writing skills are essential for submitting articles to scientific journals.
A chemistry laboratory technician assists chemists in organizing, performing, and documenting various laboratory experiments. Technicians have extensive formal education and training in their specialty and understand the details and importance of proper techniques. They operate sophisticated equipment and run complicated math equations to get accurate results. A chemistry lab technician may work at a university, private research laboratory, or the research and development division of a chemical plant.
Most chemistry lab technicians hold at least a bachelor’s degree in chemistry or engineering, although some labs employ students who are still working on their degrees. Extensive education is important to provide the technician with a fundamental understanding of chemical properties and reactions. A technician needs to be very familiar with the periodic table of elements, common ions and compounds, and with the physical and chemical changes that occur in various experiments. In addition, 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 very organized and detail oriented. Even the smallest omissions can blemish the results of an experiment, such as miscalculating the amount of starting compounds or failing to heat a solution to the proper temperature. Because many experiments involve handling and manipulating potentially hazardous chemicals, the technician should always follow protocol and safety rules to reduce the risk of injury. Depending on the type of experiment being performed, the technician may need to wear gloves, goggles, and a thick lab coat. A technician’s job is often stressful, although most professionals find the job very interesting and rewarding.
In most laboratories, technicians are responsible for most tasks related to preparing and conducting an experiment. A chemist might design and supervise an experiment, but a chemistry lab technician typically does much of the actual practical work. Before a project, he or she clears tables and equipment, gathers supplies, and prepares standard lab reports. Following the chemist’s personal instructions or directions, the technician carefully conducts the experiment. He or she records observations and describes the final results.
After a chemist has thoroughly reviewed and verified the findings, he or she may ask a chemistry lab technician to compose an official document. Strong technical writing skills are important to ensure that an article presents information that is accurate and easy to understand. The technician may also be involved in the process of submitting the article to scientific journals for peer review and publication.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
