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 Technician
Scientific Laboratory Technicians 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. Similar job titles include Laboratory Assistant, Laboratory Technician, Technical Laboratory Assistant, Scientific Laboratory Assistant, Laboratory Operator and Laboratory Support Technician.
Scientific Laboratory Technicians can work 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 Technician can be an interesting and varied job. A typical day’s work for a Scientific Laboratory Technician could involve tasks such as setting up experiments and investigations, collecting and analysing samples, preparing samples and specimens, ordering and controlling stock, disposing of chemicals and waste products safely, cleaning and maintaining equipment, performing laboratory tests, constructing, maintaining and operating laboratory equipment and using IT.
Work is often carried out in teams with scientists and other technicians. The specific tasks performed by a Scientific Laboratory Technician will vary dependent upon the employer. Scientific Laboratory Technicians 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 Technicians will be required to wear protective clothing and equipment.
Qualifications, Skills and Experience Required
- 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 Technicians 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 Laboratory Technicians. Senior Laboratory Technicians in management or supervisory roles salaries can be as high as £30,000 to £40,000.
Career path and progression
Scientific Laboratory Technicians can progress to Senior Laboratory Technician roles and then on Team Leader, Team Manager or Laboratory Supervisor positions. An alternative career path for Scientific Laboratory Technicians who do not necessarily with to supervise staff can include moving into more scientific, technical and analytical roles.
Scotland
Scotland is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. Covering the northern third of the island of Great Britain.
The global cell and gene therapy market was valued at $6.68 billion in 2019 and is expected to reach $13.23 billion in 2023 at a CAGR of 24.10% (Ref. BusinessWire).Also in 2019, a joint report from The Alliance for Regenerative Medicine (ARM) and the BioIndustry Association (BIA) stated that the UK is a leading source of innovation and development of advanced therapy medicinal products (ATMPs) in Europe. These products, which include gene therapies, cell therapies, and tissue-engineered products, are intended to augment, repair, replace, or regenerate organs, tissues, cells, genes, and metabolic processes within the body. Scotland has a strong reputation in research & translational development in these fields and is rapidly growing a vibrant cluster of spin-out therapeutic companies, increasing clinical trials of new Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products (ATMPs) as well as expanding its manufacturing capability.
Scotland also has established expertise in developing and manufacturinghuman vaccines(the global market projected to grow to $96b by 2023 according to Business Research Company) and animal vaccines (worth $9b by 2025 – Global Market Insights, Inc).
Scotland’s profile and contribution towards the growth of the UK ATMP sector is increasing rapidly. A strengthening supply chain is supporting new advanced therapy applications – fuelled by world-leading academic expertise in cell & gene therapy and regenerative medicine,. With a forward focus on translation, specialised clinical trials, and GMP manufacture and analysis, Scotland is growing a vibrant infrastructure to support end-to-end development of advanced therapies.
Human and animal vaccine development is a strength in Scotland represented by companies such as Valneva, Neogen, and GalvMed as well as the Moredun Research Institute. In addition to Valneva’s Covid-19 Vaccine programme, Scotland’s supply chain made huge contributions to the development of Covid-19 vaccines including Merck BioReliance, Charles River, Symbiosis, SGS, Ingenza & ReproCell Europe.
One of the largest life sciences clusters in Europe, Scotland is home to a range of multinationals and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) with a strong track record of creating and growing startups.
Scotland has comprehensive supply chains and world class manufacturing expertise supplying chemical and healthcare equipment, pharmaceutical services, medicines, vaccines and diagnostics to the world.
The cluster continues its rapid expansion building on a strong industry base, leading universities with a thriving entrepreneurial culture and close collaborations across industry, academia, the National Health Service and government.
Scotland is a great place to further your career in life sciences. If you are a looking for pharmaceutical jobs in Scotland, scientific careers in Scotland or want to discuss cell therapy, gene therapy, ATMP, medical device, technology, biotech or pharmaceutical job opportunities in Scotland, give our Next Phase team a call. The Scottish 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 Scotland, 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 Scottish area.