What does an analytical laboratory technician do?
An analytical laboratory technician is responsible for operating various equipment to perform laboratory research and investigations under a professional scientist's supervision. Analytical laboratory technicians ensure the laboratory and machinery's safety and cleanliness to avoid potential hazards and keep accurate laboratory results. They also manage the adequacy of laboratory inventories, create purchase requests, and document findings for reference. An analytical laboratory technician must have excellent communication and organizational skills, especially in performing examinations accordingly while following strict safety protocols and regulatory policies.
Analytical laboratory technician responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real analytical laboratory technician resumes:
- Lead aerobic, anaerobic and UV light testing, chemical residue testing and centrifuge to separate chemicals from water.
- Analyze raw materials and finish products using HPLC, UV, GC, and FTIR according to specifications.
- Acquire extensive knowledge of GMP and FDA regulations as well as specifications.
- Prepare and analyze calibration curves and daily QC standards on GC and HPLC using ChemStation software.
- Maintain and operate laboratory equipment and commendably troubleshoot and resolve an assortment of laboratory testing analyzers and perform diverse chemical tests.
- Maintain and operate laboratory equipment and commendably troubleshoot and resolve an assortment of laboratory testing analyzers and perform diverse chemical tests.
Analytical laboratory technician skills and personality traits
We calculated that 7% of Analytical Laboratory Technicians are proficient in Lab Equipment, Analytical Lab, and HPLC. They’re also known for soft skills such as Ability to use technology, Observation skills, and Time-management skills.
We break down the percentage of Analytical Laboratory Technicians that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Lab Equipment, 7%
Maintain lab inventory and consumables, calibrations, troubleshooting and routine maintenance on lab equipment.
- Analytical Lab, 6%
Served as analytical laboratory technician to monitor process quality and assure customer satisfaction.
- HPLC, 6%
Analyzed raw materials and finished products using HPLC, UV, GC, and FTIR according to specifications.
- Chromatography, 5%
Analyzed chemical weapons samples using Gas Chromatography Mass Spectroscopy instruments and provided accurate and defensible data to our clients.
- Wet Chemistry, 4%
Analyze customer materials through wet chemistry and fire assay methods for precious metal content using ICP-OES and AA.
- Analytical Methods, 4%
Established developed and validated analytical methods, performed maintenance and calibration of the laboratory systems.
"lab equipment," "analytical lab," and "hplc" are among the most common skills that analytical laboratory technicians use at work. You can find even more analytical laboratory technician responsibilities below, including:
Analytical skills. A big part of what analytical laboratory technicians do relies on "analytical skills." You can see how essential it is to analytical laboratory technician responsibilities because "chemical technicians must be methodical in conducting scientific experiments and interpreting data." Here's an example of how this skill is used from a resume that represents typical analytical laboratory technician tasks: "experience with usda and fda audits data management, record keeping, simple maintenance of laboratory equipment. "
Communication skills. Another common skill required for analytical laboratory technician responsibilities is "communication skills." This skill comes up in the duties of analytical laboratory technicians all the time, as "chemical technicians must explain their work to scientists and engineers or to workers who may not have a technical background." An excerpt from a real analytical laboratory technician resume shows how this skill is central to what an analytical laboratory technician does: "utilized internal lims computer database for data entry and communication. "
Interpersonal skills. While "interpersonal skills" is last on this skills list, don't underestimate its importance to analytical laboratory technician responsibilities. Much of what an analytical laboratory technician does relies on this skill, seeing as "chemical technicians must work well as part of a team that often includes scientists, engineers, and other technicians." Here is a resume example of how this skill is used in the everyday duties of analytical laboratory technicians: "excelled in interpersonal skills, both oral and written while maintaining excellent customer service. "
The three companies that hire the most analytical laboratory technicians are:
- ProMedica Toledo Hospital18 analytical laboratory technicians jobs
- The Mosaic Company6 analytical laboratory technicians jobs
- HCR ManorCare5 analytical laboratory technicians jobs
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Compare different analytical laboratory technicians
Analytical laboratory technician vs. Chemist
Chemists are generally responsible for observing and investigating chemical substances to create new and safe compounds essential for practical applications. They are often grouped depending on a particular area of specialization to focus and understand the complexities of the matter. A chemist usually takes time performing research and conducting experiments to test and further improve the quality and usage of a specific chemical substance. Chemists are expected to write on their observations and findings to establish scientific results.
While similarities exist, there are also some differences between analytical laboratory technicians and chemist. For instance, analytical laboratory technician responsibilities require skills such as "analytical lab," "chromatography," "wet chemistry," and "lis." Whereas a chemist is skilled in "chemistry," "product development," "method development," and "gc." This is part of what separates the two careers.
Chemists tend to make the most money working in the manufacturing industry, where they earn an average salary of $75,495. In contrast, analytical laboratory technicians make the biggest average salary, $42,564, in the pharmaceutical industry.chemists tend to reach higher levels of education than analytical laboratory technicians. In fact, chemists are 6.9% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 2.6% more likely to have a Doctoral Degree.Analytical laboratory technician vs. Assistant research scientist
An Assistant Research Scientist assists in planning, conducting, and analyzing various research projects. They also order and manage lab inventory, materials, and equipment.
Each career also uses different skills, according to real analytical laboratory technician resumes. While analytical laboratory technician responsibilities can utilize skills like "analytical lab," "chromatography," "wet chemistry," and "iso," assistant research scientists use skills like "research projects," "cell culture," "chemistry," and "laboratory equipment."
Assistant research scientists earn a higher average salary than analytical laboratory technicians. But assistant research scientists earn the highest pay in the education industry, with an average salary of $71,080. Additionally, analytical laboratory technicians earn the highest salaries in the pharmaceutical with average pay of $42,564 annually.In general, assistant research scientists achieve higher levels of education than analytical laboratory technicians. They're 12.2% more likely to obtain a Master's Degree while being 2.6% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for analytical laboratory technicians in the next 3-5 years?
Dr. Betsy Smith
Assistant Professor of Chemistry, Elmira College
Analytical laboratory technician vs. Research chemist
A research chemist specializes in conducting studies and experiments to develop new products. Their duties primarily focus on conducting research and assessments, gathering and analyzing chemical samples, developing ideas, conducting tests to study chemical reactions, maintaining records of all procedures, and utilizing previous studies. Their research findings can be used to create new medicines, enhance existing products, and lead to innovations. When it comes to employment, a research chemist may work for pharmaceutical companies, private laboratories, government agencies, and learning institutions.
There are many key differences between these two careers, including some of the skills required to perform responsibilities within each role. For example, an analytical laboratory technician is likely to be skilled in "lab equipment," "analytical lab," "chromatography," and "wet chemistry," while a typical research chemist is skilled in "laboratory equipment," "method development," "analytical chemistry," and "polymer."
Research chemists make a very good living in the energy industry with an average annual salary of $92,565. On the other hand, analytical laboratory technicians are paid the highest salary in the pharmaceutical industry, with average annual pay of $42,564.When it comes to education, research chemists tend to earn higher degree levels compared to analytical laboratory technicians. In fact, they're 11.1% more likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 10.7% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Analytical laboratory technician vs. Microbiologist
Microbiologists are responsible for studying the microscopic organisms causing infections and environmental damage, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Their work focuses on the identification and growth of these microbes to better understand their characteristics that may help in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of infectious and bacterial diseases. They use sophisticated technologies and machinery to study microbes and perform their tasks. These scientists are also responsible for developing best practices and techniques for routine sampling and research. Microbiologists may work in various settings, including laboratories, research institutes, and hospitals.
Types of analytical laboratory technician
Updated January 8, 2025
