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Microbiological laboratory technician skills for your resume and career

Q: What hard/technical skills are most important for Microbiological Laboratory Technicians?

For most positions, employers should provide training for specific instruments, equipment, and protocols used in the lab. However, I expect some basic Microbiology-related skills such as aseptic technique, making various growth media, familiarity with various diagnostic tests, isolating colonies from plates, along with knowing how to use common equipment such as microscopes, autoclaves, and dishwashers would be beneficial in general. Many positions also require basic computers skills, and some prefer previous experience with specific software.

Q: What skills stand out on Microbiological Laboratory Technician resumes?

For Microbiological Laboratory Technicians, I believe hands-on experience in laboratory settings will stand out on resumes. Companies hiring for these types of positions prefer candidates who have worked in lab settings because they will know how labs "work." For example, job candidates who have this experience should know how to follow directions in laboratory protocols, how to set up and conduct experiments, how to work as part of a team, and how to keep accurate records of your laboratory work. If someone applying for Microbiological Laboratory Technician positions can emphasize these skills on their resume, they will convey their trainability to future employers.

Q: What skills will help Microbiological Laboratory Technicians earn the most?

Generally speaking, having previous experience working in a laboratory setting will help applicants earn more. Educational background in a Microbiology-related field will also help. For positions in medically related labs, obtaining a certification in medical laboratory science should also increase opportunities for career growth and higher earnings.

Q: What soft skills should all Microbiological Laboratory Technicians possess?

Often, soft skills tend to be forgotten or under-emphasized on resumes for these positions because applicants tend to focus more heavily on technical skills. However, soft skills are extremely important to include on your resume. In particular, attention to detail, good organization skills, good written and oral communication, ability to multitask, and ability to work as part of a team are all valuable soft skills to have for Microbiological Laboratory Technicians.

Updated January 8, 2025

7 min read

Quoted experts

Dr. Rainer Glaser,

Kristen Johnson Ph.D.

Microbiological laboratory technician example skills

Below we've compiled a list of the most critical microbiological laboratory technician skills. We ranked the top skills for microbiological laboratory technicians based on the percentage of resumes they appeared on. For example, 9.4% of microbiological laboratory technician resumes contained microbiology lab as a skill. Continue reading to find out what skills a microbiological laboratory technician needs to be successful in the workplace.

15 microbiological laboratory technician skills for your resume and career

1. Microbiology Lab

Here's how microbiological laboratory technicians use microbiology lab:

Performed all required duties of Microbiology Laboratory, including but not limited to setting up bacterial cultures and necessary sensitivities.
Updated and documented Standard Operating Procedure for any changes and new procedures for accuracy and efficiency for the Microbiology laboratory.

2. Laboratory Procedures

Here's how microbiological laboratory technicians use laboratory procedures:

Trained new undergraduate assistants in laboratory procedures for this project.
Received and processed specimen following laboratory procedures and protocols.

3. Aseptic Technique

Aseptic technique is a routine measure or series of actions used to prevent or minimize the risk of harmful microorganisms being introduced into a sterile area of the body during procedures that violate the body's natural defenses. The primary aim of the aseptic technique is to eliminate germs, that is, pathogenic microorganisms, to avoid contamination of a wound and other sensitive parts of the body, as this can lead to infection.

Here's how microbiological laboratory technicians use aseptic technique:

Completed microbiological tests, shelf studies and activity tests utilizing aseptic technique and maintained documentation to support General Mills business.
Plate pouring, aseptic technique, media preparation, population determination of biological indicators.

4. Lab Equipment

Here's how microbiological laboratory technicians use lab equipment:

Maintained detailed records including lab equipment calibrations and certifications.
Inventory control of lab equipment and lab consumables, general lab maintenance and repair of laboratory equipment and sterile lab clean-up.

5. Food Safety

Here's how microbiological laboratory technicians use food safety:

Report to management any conditions or practices that may adversely affect food safety, food quality and personnel safety
Experience operating in a Quality Systems program accredited to the highest standard for food safety testing laboratories.

6. Test Results

Here's how microbiological laboratory technicians use test results:

Performed and interpreted laboratory tests, demonstrating a keen ability to identify and correct discrepancies; record and communicate test results.
Entered and reviewed test results, requisitions patient information, and print accurately documented laboratory activity.

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7. Media Preparation

Here's how microbiological laboratory technicians use media preparation:

Assisted and trained university students with media preparation, research projects, testing protocols and result interpretations.
Directed growth and isolation media preparation area to supply the Microbiology Department and Medallion Lab.

8. Pathogens

Here's how microbiological laboratory technicians use pathogens:

Skilled in operating and understanding diagnostic equipment for the detection of pathogens.
Performed and reported susceptibility testing to aid physicians with treatment of pathogens.

9. Laboratory Tests

Here's how microbiological laboratory technicians use laboratory tests:

Performed laboratory tests on raw materials, in process materials and finished goods for both nutritional supplements and pharmaceutical products.
Analyzed culture results including identification and sensitivity of various different organisms utilizing a wide array of laboratory tests and instruments.

10. Food Products

Food products are the types of various food items that are created and processed to be sold as a product. These products are consumed by humans for nourishment and are mostly processed and created in a huge factory. Tinned goods, milk, meat, etc are the most common food products, and they are not limited to any specific kind except tobacco, beers, and alcohol as they are not considered food products.

Here's how microbiological laboratory technicians use food products:

Perform microbiological assessment on developmental stage of different food products formulations by running spoilage and pathogenic challenge studies.
Conducted chemical analysis of food products composition.

11. GMP

GMP stands for Good Manufacturing Practice. It is a system that ensures that all products like food, beverages, and medicinal drugs that are produced comply with the quality standards. It helps in minimizing the risks and hazards that cannot be eliminated after the testing of final products.

Here's how microbiological laboratory technicians use gmp:

Completed necessary documentation according to regulatory standards and policies (GMP)
Provided service to local plants performing environmental testing at production facilities, while observing GMP and FDA and USDA rules.

12. Data Entry

Data entry means entering data into a company's system with the help of a keyboard. A person responsible for entering data may also be asked to verify the authenticity of the data being entered. A person doing data entry must pay great attention to tiny details.

Here's how microbiological laboratory technicians use data entry:

Conducted basic secretarial duties including, but not limited to, data entry, report print outs, and faxing.
Enhanced my knowledge of testing matrices and data entry of all necessary general and pathogen testing.

13. Lims

A LIMS - Laboratory Information Management System is a software solution to improve laboratory productivity and efficiency with modern support of laboratory operations to address the challenges of data and sample management, automation, and regulation of laboratories from around the world and thus maintaining workflows and standardized testing and reporting procedures.

Here's how microbiological laboratory technicians use lims:

Identify and communicate results with management, submit accurate and timely results using Lab Information Management System (LIMS)
Received and logged samples in LIMS as well as compiled work batches, QC sheets and data reports.

14. Environmental Monitoring

Environmental monitoring is a method to manage and assess a particular environmental condition or situation. It plays an essential role in society as it affects how people can work and implement regulations and guidelines on protecting and conserving the environment to prevent further impact or damage. Other can assessment, monitoring also needs a support policy for and concrete plan for a long term effect.

Here's how microbiological laboratory technicians use environmental monitoring:

Performed environmental monitoring testing regularly.
Perform Microbiological Environmental Monitoring to aseptic areas using RABS (Restricted Access Barrier System) and related personnel in Pharmaceutical process.

15. Chemistry

Chemistry is the branch of science that tells us about the composition, properties, and structure of elements and compounds. The processes these elements undergo and how they undergo change all come under the branch of chemistry.

Here's how microbiological laboratory technicians use chemistry:

Provided coverage to Chemistry Department.
Perform in-house wet chemistry operations, fat extractions, and salt content tests by meticulously following SOP and laboratory methods.

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What skills help Microbiological Laboratory Technicians find jobs?

Tell us what job you are looking for, we’ll show you what skills employers want.

What skills stand out on microbiological laboratory technician resumes?

Dr. Rainer Glaser

Professor and Chair, Missouri University of Science and Technology

Chemistry competence is key, of course. As a close second, chemists need to demonstrate effective team player competence. Communication skills are essential, in conversation and in writing. Effective collaboration requires highly developed skills to work with team members, peers, and leadership.

What soft skills should all microbiological laboratory technicians possess?

Kristen Johnson Ph.D.

Assistant Professor of Biotechnology, University of New Hampshire- Manchester

Communication, Team work, problem-solving.

What hard/technical skills are most important for microbiological laboratory technicians?

Kristen Johnson Ph.D.

Assistant Professor of Biotechnology, University of New Hampshire- Manchester

This is entirely dependent upon the position, as there are so many different positions in the biotech industry. For R&D, PD, MS&T, QC, manufacturing type positions, for example, hands-on lab skills are important. For this, the aseptic technique work in microbiology, cell culture, liquid chromatography, and with various assay equipment. Bio and chemical engineers are also in demand in these areas in order to under the fluid dynamics in manufacturing. Depending upon the size of the company and the stage of R&D, there is a wide range of (molecular and cellular biology) technical skills that can be very useful for particular positions. Computational Biology has become a big part of many biotech company's portfolios.

What microbiological laboratory technician skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?

Gerald Bergtrom Ph.D.

Professor of Biological Sciences (Emeritus) & Teaching & Learning Consultant, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

The answers here depend on why the gap year is needed. If the need is to have an income, this would need to be balanced against other desirable needs and wishes.
- Thinking about a whole gap year, the student should make a long-term commitment to skills improvement and fill in gaps in a resume or job application.
-If the new graduate can afford it, spend some time traveling, to be exposed to different cultures and languages. If the student lives in an area with a growing LatinX population, learning some Spanish would be useful.
-If it looks like the gap year will not include activities related to the job they hope to get at the end of the year, then take at least one STEM course in their area of interest so as not to lose their edge. This could be an online course (for example, a MOOC). Do it for credit if necessary, to prove (to themselves and others) that they still love and want to succeed in science.

What type of skills will young microbiological laboratory technicians need?

Dr. Noelle Cutter

Associate Professor, Molloy College

Skills for upcoming graduates...I am a big believer in graduates having a firm foundation in liberal arts and sciences. Employers are looking for employees who can advance in the profession, not just entry-level work. That will be the future of the workforce. The liberal arts and sciences provide a solid foundation for long term employment and career success. It is an approach to college learning that empowers individuals and prepares them to deal with complexity, diversity, and change.

This approach emphasizes broad knowledge of the wider world (e.g., science, culture, and society) as well as in-depth achievement in a specific field of interest. In terms of skills, they are lifelong learning skills that are non-subject specific. These skills include the capacity to think critically, communicate clearly (both written and oral), and solve complex problems. I mean, think about the current pandemic....understanding and communicating the science of the virus is absolutely critical. The need for rigorous, critical, engaged thinking to understand the challenge and be informed citizens. It is absolutely critical.

What technical skills for a microbiological laboratory technician stand out to employers?

Max Haggblom Ph.D.

Distinguished Professor and Chair, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey

For microbiologists it is important to have broad laboratory skills, microbiological technique of course, but also proficiency in biochemical and molecular assays. Knowledge in the use of relevant lab instrumentation, such as PCR. The ability to analyze and interpret data is a must, as are strong writing and presentation skills. Critical thinking and the ability to troubleshoot experimental methods as well as analytical instrumentation are important.

Do you want to know more?

List of microbiological laboratory technician skills to add to your resume

The most important skills for a microbiological laboratory technician resume and required skills for a microbiological laboratory technician to have include:

Microbiology Lab
Laboratory Procedures
Aseptic Technique
Lab Equipment
Food Safety
Test Results
Media Preparation
Pathogens
Laboratory Tests
Food Products
GMP
Data Entry
Lims
Environmental Monitoring
Chemistry
FDA
Microorganisms

Bioburden
QC
ISO
PH Meter
QA
Equipment Maintenance
Proficiency Testing
Gram Stains
Sample Preparation
E Coli
PCR
Water Samples
Microbiological Tests
Salmonella
Product Samples
Environmental Samples
Yeast

R
USP
GLP
Autoclaves
Growth Promotion
Microbiological Analysis
Medical Devices
Specimen Tracking
Elisa
Log Book
Vitek
Coliform
Aoac
Qc Testing
Pipettes

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

Microbiological Laboratory Technician skills FAQs

What hard/technical skills are most important for Microbiological Laboratory Technicians?

What skills stand out on Microbiological Laboratory Technician resumes?

What skills will help Microbiological Laboratory Technicians earn the most?

What soft skills should all Microbiological Laboratory Technicians possess?

Have more questions? See all answers to common life, physical, and social science questions.

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Updated January 8, 2025

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