Working in a laboratory
Do you want to work in a laboratory? Perhaps you are currently studying chemistry, life sciences or food and are wondering what it’s like to work in a lab, or you may be considering a career change to a laboratory position. The lab is a place where theory and practice meet to solve scientific and technical issues. On this page you will discover more about the different types of laboratories, the various roles and the activities you can expect.
Types of laboratories
What it’s like to work in a laboratory depends on the type of lab you work in. There are different types of laboratories, each with its own specialisation and working methods. We discuss a few below:
1. Research and Development (R&D) Laboratories
- Goal: Focused on developing new products, processes and technologies.
- Examples: Pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology companies and Food R&D centres.
2. Quality Control (QC) Laboratories
- Goal: Ensuring the quality and safety of products.
- Examples: Food industry, pharmaceutical production and cosmetic industry.
3. Diagnostic laboratories
- Goal: Performing tests and analyses to diagnose diseases.
- Examples: Hospitals, clinical laboratories and diagnostic centres.
4. Environmental laboratories
- Goal: The analysis of environmental samples to detect the presence of contaminants and monitor environmental quality.
- Examples: Government agencies, environmental consultancies and research institutes.
5. Academic and medical research centres
- Goal: Conduct research to increase fundamental and applied knowledge within the medical and scientific fields.
- Examples: Academic hospitals, universities, research institutes
Roles in the laboratory
Besides the type of lab you work in, your work in a lab also depends on the position you have. Within the laboratory there are various roles, each with their specific tasks and responsibilities. Some of the most common positions are:
1. Lab assistant
Supporting laboratory staff by sample pre-processing and sample management. They manage stocks, keep work areas clean and ensure that all necessary materials are available.
- Duties: Sample pre-processing, sample management, stock management, cleaning and maintenance of work areas.
- Requirements: Secondary vocational education (MBO-3) in a relevant field, organisational skills and an eye for detail.
2. Lab technician / QC analyst
Performing tests and analyses to ensure the quality and consistency of products and processes. They prepare samples, operate equipment and document results. Depending on their specialisation, laboratory technicians may work in chemical, biological, medical or environmental laboratories.
- Duties: Conducting tests and experiments, quality control, equipment maintenance, documentation of results.
- Requirements: Have completed secondary vocational or higher professional education (MBO/HBO) in a relevant field, technical skills and accuracy.
3. Research analyst
Analysts often have a deeper knowledge of certain techniques and methods. They interpret test results and may be involved in developing new analytical methods.
- Duties: Developing or optimising analysis methods, analysing and interpreting test results and reporting findings.
- Requirements: Higher professional or university education in chemistry, life sciences or related field, analytical thinking skills and technical expertise.
4. Scientist
These professionals lead research projects, design experiments and publish their findings. They often work on the development of new products or technologies and can be active in both the academic world and the industry.
- Duties: Leading research projects, designing and conducting (complex) experiments, analysing data and publishing results.
- Requirements: PhD or university degree with several years of experience in chemistry, life sciences or a related field, analytical thinking and research skills.
5. Lab supervisor or Team leader
In larger laboratories, the lab supervisor or team leader is an important link between the laboratory manager and the analysts on the shop floor. These professionals coordinate daily activities and support the manager in administrative and operational tasks.
- Duties: Coordinating daily activities, managing analysts, ensuring compliance with safety and quality guidelines, reporting to the lab manager.
- Requirements: Higher professional education (HBO) in a relevant field, management experience, strong communication skills and organisational talent.
6. Laboratory manager
This role involves the management of the laboratory, including the management of staff, budgeting and coordination of research projects. The Lab manager ensures that the lab functions efficiently and effectively.
- Duties: Coordinating laboratory activities, directing staff, managing budgets and resources.
- Requirements: Higher professional or university education in a scientific field, management skills and experience in a laboratory environment.
7. Product developer
Product developers often work in the chemical and food industries and are involved in the development and improvement of products. They often work in R&D teams and are responsible for designing and testing new products.
- Duties: Designing and testing new products, optimising existing products, collaborating with R&D teams.
- Requirements: Higher professional or university education in food technology, chemistry or related field, creativity and innovation skills.
8. Customer service in sales
Customer service and sales professionals don’t work in a laboratory, but they are closely involved with it. They maintain customer relationships and promote the sales of equipment and technologies, for example. They often work for laboratory suppliers, contract laboratories and companies in food, chemistry and life sciences. Roles vary from account manager and consultant to sales support and customer service.
- Duties: Maintaining customer relationships, advising on laboratory processes and equipment, generating new business opportunities.
- Requirements: Higher professional or university education in a relevant field, commercial aptitude, excellent communication and organisational skills.
Duties in the laboratory
Depending on your role within the laboratory, you will be performing certain tasks on a daily basis. Some of the most common tasks in a laboratory include:
- Conducting experiments: From basic tests to advanced experiments, depending on the role and type of laboratory.
- Analysing data: Processing and interpreting collected data to draw conclusions and prepare reports.
- Maintaining equipment: Ensuring the proper operating of laboratory equipment and instruments.
- Quality assurance: Monitoring compliance with protocols and regulations, e.g. HACCP, GMP and ISO standards.
- Collaborating: In a lab you often work in a team with other researchers, technicians and managers to ensure that projects are run and completed successfully.
What does working in a laboratory entail?
Working in a laboratory is diverse and can vary depending on the specific role and type of laboratory. Some key aspects are:
- Accuracy and precision: Whether you’re analysing samples or conducting experiments, accuracy is crucial. Errors can have major consequences for research results or product quality.
- Teamwork: Much laboratory work requires collaboration with colleagues and other departments. Good communication and teamwork are important to ensure the success of projects.
- Innovation and development: Laboratories are constantly working on new methods and products. This requires an innovative mindset and a willingness to learn and grow.
- Safety and procedures: Laboratories work with hazardous substances and complex equipment. Strict adherence to safety procedures is of the utmost importance to minimise risks.
Working in a laboratory through CheckMark
CheckMark has been a specialist in the secondment, recruitment and selection of laboratory professionals for almost 30 years. We will help you find a suitable position in a laboratory environment that matches your ambitions and qualities. Whether you are at the beginning of your career or looking for a new challenge, we can help you find the right match within food, chemistry or life sciences.
Register with CheckMark and discover the possibilities for a successful career in the laboratory! You can register with us whilst still studying so we can help you find your first job after you graduate. Would you like advice from one of our recruiters, for example on finding an internship post? Feel free to contact us. We are happy to give you tips for finding an internship post that will be of great use to you if you want to work in a laboratory later on in life.
