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Career for You
- Life Science Technicians (Excluding Medical) (MASCO 3141)
- Medical and Pathology Laboratory Technicians
Life Science Technicians (Excluding Medical) (MASCO 3141)
Life science technicians (except medical) provide technical support to life science professionals undertaking research, analysis and testing of living organisms, and development and application of products and processes resulting from research in areas such as agriculture, natural resource management, environmental protection, plant and animal biology, microbiology, and cell and molecular biology.
Job description
A life science technician participates in the research, development and manufacture of products and processes by assisting scientists, researchers and other professionals in designing, setting up and conducting experiments. They are also responsible for setting up, calibrating, operating and maintaining laboratory instruments and equipment. Their knowledge of equipment used must be good as they often use complex and high-powered equipment to perform work.Life science technicians collect and prepare specimens and samples, chemical solutions and slides and growing cultures for use in experiments. They also preserve, classify and catalogue specimens and samples, as well as maintain laboratory supplies.
Their work includes monitoring experiments to ensure adherence to correct laboratory quality control procedures and health and safety guidelines. They also make observations of tests, and analyse, calculate, record and report test results using appropriate scientific methods. This may involve using computers to develop models and analyse data, and maintaining relevant databases.
Work environment:
Most life science technicians work indoors (in laboratories) as well as outdoors. They have regular work hours per week and usually do not need to work overtime unless they are involved in special projects. Some may have to work in 8-hour shifts on projects that operate 24 hours per day.Some life science technicians have to go to remote areas and unpleasant terrains which can be physically demanding. These life science technicians include agricultural, forest and conservation technicians, geological and petroleum technicians as well as environmental science and protection technicians.
In some fields, life science technicians may be exposed to hazardous chemicals and toxic materials such as radioactive isotopes. Biological technicians may have to work with disease-causing organisms or radioactive agents.
Places of Employment
Life science technicians find work in the manufacturing, agriculture and scientific industry, for the government as well as large private organisations. The types of manufacturing include chemical manufacturing, pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing as well as food processing. Some life science technicians choose to specialise in the gas and petroleum industry. Some may work for non-government organisations or other non-profit organisations, especially for human rights groups and environment protection groups.
Job Requirements:
Applicants must have studied applied science or science-related technology. A bachelor’s degree in chemistry, biology, biochemistry or forensic science with several science and mathematic subjects at secondary school and tertiary level are necessary. Work experience in related field as trainee is an advantage.
Candidates must be strong in the principles of mathematics and science. They must have problem solving skills, be analytical and have interest in research work. Good communications skills and the ability to work in a team are also necessary.
Career Advancement
Life science technicians may choose to specialise in a specific field by concentrating their work experience in this field and by further studies. They can advance to supervisory positions or become life scientists with continuous studies and good experience.Medical and Pathology Laboratory Technicians
Medical and pathology laboratory technicians perform technical tasks, normally under the direction and supervision of medical pathologists. Their work helps in contributing to scientific knowledge in the field of medical sciences to develop public health and other practical applications of research results.
Job description
Medical and pathology laboratory technicians prepare and collect specimens, materials and equipment and grow cultures of microorganism for tests, analyses and experiments. They also prepare and collect specimens of body fluids and tissues of patients and evaluate results to determine the nature, stage of development and possible sources of infection. They assist with and perform experiments, tests, analyses and record observation results.These technicians need to know how to operate laboratory instruments and equipment, and organise the maintenance and repair of such equipment. Their duties also include supervising other workers and estimating quantities and costs of materials and labour required for projects.
Work environment:
The working hours for medical and pathology laboratory technicians depends on the industry which they are in. While some may work regular hours, those working in large hospitals may work long hours or shifts round the clock. Some may have to work weekends and public holidays.Generally, the environment in a laboratory is well lit, clean and comfortable. Because these technicians work with specimens which can be infectious, they need to follow safety measures and wear protective masks, gloves and even goggles.
They use sophisticated scientific equipment or automated instruments as well as computers and computerised equipment. It is common for these technicians to work alone though urgent or big projects may require working as a team.
Places of Employment
Medical and pathology laboratory technicians work in hospitals, clinics of physicians, private medical and diagnostic laboratories as well as for the government sector. Some find work in ambulatory healthcare services, blood or organ banks, outpatient care centres as well as scientific research and development services.
Job Requirements:
Medical and pathology laboratory technicians must have a diploma or degree with a major in medical technology or one of the life sciences. They must have studied subjects like chemistry, biological sciences, microbiology, mathematics and statistics.
Experience and attention to detail is important. Technicians must be prepared to spend hours examining samples and specimens. They must have analytical and problem solving skills and good eyesight with normal colour vision.
Career Advancement
With related qualifications and experience, they may advance to become technologists, laboratory supervisors or management positions. Powered byStudyMalaysia.com |