The primary role of a laboratory specialist is to support laboratory capacity-building tasks. The duties vary from one employer to another. As a laboratory specialist, you'll be responsible for improving the detection and identification of diseases of public health importance. You'll improve the quality of surveillance systems for pathogens of the highest public health concern. Also, you'll provide technical assistance and training to laboratories to support overall capacity building and continuous improvement schemes. Additionally, you'll help laboratories in the management and sharing of data.
Most employers prefer applicants with a bachelor's degree in life sciences or a related field. Applicants must have prior work experience. You must be conversant with laboratory diagnosis and biosafety regulations. You must also be proficient in basic computer software. Having good communication, interpersonal, organization, problem-solving, and presentation skills is essential. Laboratory specialists earn an average gross salary of $43,994, which ranges from $31,000 to $62,000.