Welcome to Next Phase Recruitment! We are very experienced in helping people to progress their careers in the lab. Firstly, here is a general guide to a career path in this sector. Please also scroll further down the page to see and apply for our current jobs that match your search criteria. We also invite you to go to the main page of our website for a broader job search and call us on 01403 216216 for a confidential discussion about your career options.
Scientific Laboratory Assistant
Scientific Laboratory Assistants work in scientific laboratories providing technical support to ensure that the laboratory can function effectively and that scientists can carrying out tests, research and investigations in the laboratory. Similar job titles include Laboratory Assistant, Technical Laboratory Assistant, Scientific Laboratory Technician, Laboratory Operator and Laboratory Support Technician.
Scientific Laboratory Assistants can work in laboratories in a wide variety of areas including education, forensics, medical research and development, clinical trials, scientific investigations and health services.
Working as a Scientific Laboratory Assistant can be an interesting and varied job. A typical day’s work for a Scientific Laboratory Assistant could involve tasks such as setting up laboratory experiments and investigations, collecting and analysing samples, preparing samples and specimens, ordering and controlling laboratory stock, disposing of chemicals and waste products safely, cleaning and maintaining laboratory equipment, performing laboratory tests, constructing, maintaining and operating laboratory equipment and using laboratory IT.
Work is often carried out in teams with scientists and other laboratory assistants. The specific tasks performed by a Scientific Laboratory Assistants will vary dependent upon the employer. Scientific Laboratory Assistants have to follow strict health and safety procedures at all times, particularly in laboratories in which toxic chemicals, human tissues, biological waste are processed or in which a sterile requirement is required in order to prevent contamination of samples. In many laboratories Scientific Laboratory Assistants will be required to wear protective clothing and equipment.
Qualifications, Skills and Experience required to become a Scientifc Laboratory Assistant
- A levels, HND or a degree in a relevant science subject which could include biology, biomedical science, chemistry, physics, pharmacy, forensic science, pharmacology
- Experience of working in a laboratory
- Accuracy and attention to detail
- Good hand-eye coordination and the ability to use technical equipment with accuracy;
- The ability to maintain and calibrate technical equipment;
- The ability to learn specific, practical techniques and apply this knowledge to solve technical problems;
- Organisational and time management skills flexibility
- Communication and teamwork skills
- IT skills to record and analyse data
Salary Levels
Starting salaries for Scientific Laboratory Assistants will depend on qualifications held, any experience in the role and the employer, but typically range from £15,000 to £19,000 for new entrants increasing to £20,000 to £25,000 for more experienced Scientific Laboratory Assistants. Senior Laboratory Assistants in management or supervisory roles salaries can be as high as £30,000 to £40,000.
Career path and progression
Scientific Laboratory Assistants can progress to Senior Laboratory Technician roles and then on Laboratory Team Leader, Laboartory Team Manager or Laboratory Supervisor positions. An alternative career path for Scientific Laboratory Assistants who do not necessarily with to supervise staff can include moving into more scientific, technical and analytical roles.
Ireland's Life Sciences sector has grown rapidly from modest beginnings in the 1960s to reach global significance. Collaborative clusters in Pharmaceutical, Biotechnology, Medical Devices and Diagnostics have been a key element behind this remarkable growth in a sector that accounts for 32% of GDP.
The sector continues to develop and evolve, more recently Ireland has expanded its global hub beyond commercialisation to include innovation, digitalisation and next generation technologies.
Ireland is the 3rd largest exporter of pharmaceuticals globally.
85+ Pharmaceutical companies operate in Ireland - and it has 9 of the world's top pharmaceutical companies.
50 FDA approved pharma and biopharma plants.
Dublin is the capital and largest city of Ireland. Situated on a bay on the East Coast, at the mouth of the River Liffey, it lies within the province of Leinster. It is bordered on the south by the Dublin Mountains, a part of the Wicklow Mountains range.
Dublin is the largest centre of education in Ireland, and is home to four universities and a number of other higher education institutions. It was the European Capital of Science in 2012.
The University of Dublin is the oldest University in Ireland, dating from the 16th century, and is located in the city centre. Its sole constituent college, Trinity College (TCD), was established by Royal Charter in 1592 under Elizabeth I. It was closed to Roman Catholics until 1793, and the Catholic hierarchy then banned Roman Catholics from attending until 1970. It is situated in the city centre, on College Green, and has over 18,000 students.
The National University of Ireland (NUI) has its seat in Dublin, which is also the location of the associated constituent university of University College Dublin (UCD), which has over 30,000 students. Founded in 1854, it is now the largest university in Ireland.
As of 2019, Dublin's principal, and Ireland's largest, institution for technological education and research, Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT), with origins in 1887, has merged with two majour suburban third level institutions, Institute of Technology, Tallaght and Institute of Technology, Blanchardstown, to form Technological University Dublin, Ireland's second largest university by student population. The new university offers a wide range of courses in areas including engineering, architecture, scieces, health, journalism, digital media, hospitality, business, art and design, music and the humanities programmes, and has three long-term campuses, at Grangegorman, Tallaght and Blanchardstown.
Dublin City University (DCU), formerly the National Institute for Higher Education (NIHE) Dublin, offers courses in business, engineering, science, communication courses, languages and primary education. It has around 16,000 students.
The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) conducts a medical school which is both a university and a recognised college, there are also large medical schools within UCD and Trinity College. The National College of Ireland is also based in Dublin, as well as the Economic and Social Research Institute, a social science research institute.
Ireland is a great place to further your career in life sciences. If you are a looking for pharmaceutical jobs in Dublin, scientific careers in Dublin or want to discuss cell therapy, gene therapy, ATMP, medical device, technology, biotech or pharmaceutical job opportunities in Dublin, give our Next Phase team a call. The Irish area is continuing to expand as a centre for jobs in science, process development, technology, software development, project management, informatics, quality, reg affairs and supply chain.
At Next Phase we help people find new jobs in life sciences across the UK, Europe and USA. This page lists some of the job opportunities in Dublin, and if you give us a call we can also talk to you about other scientific jobs, pharmaceutical career opportunities and the latest updates in cell and gene therapy and ATMP development in the Dublin area.
