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.
Technical Laboratory Assistant
Technical 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, Laboratory Technician, Scientific Laboratory Technician, Scientific Laboratory Assistant, Laboratory Operator and Laboratory Support Technician.
Technical Laboratory Assistants can work in labs in a wide variety of areas including education, forensics, medical research and development, clinical trials, scientific investigations and health services.
Working as aTechnical Laboratory Assistant can be an interesting and varied job. A typical day’s work for a Technical Laboratory Assistant could involve tasks such as setting up experiments and investigations in the laboratory, collecting and analysing samples, preparing samples and specimens, ordering and controlling 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/software.
Work is often carried out in teams with scientists and other lab technicians. The specific tasks performed by a Technical Laboratory Assistant will vary dependent upon the employer. Technical 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 environment is required in order to prevent contamination of samples. In many laboratories Technical Laboratory Assistants will be required to wear protective clothing and equipment.
Qualifications, Skills and Experience required to become a Technical 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 Technical 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 Laboratory Technicians. Senior Technical Laboratory Assistants in management or supervisory roles salaries can be as high as £30,000 to £40,000.
Career path and progression
Technical Laboratory Assistants can progress to Senior Laboratory Technician roles and then on Team Leader, LaboratoryTeam Manager or Laboratory Supervisor positions. An alternative career path for Technical Laboratory Assistants who do not necessarily with to supervise staff can include moving into more scientific, technical and analytical roles.
London
In addition to being the capital city of the United Kingdom, London (aka Greater London) is one of the nine official regions of England and consists of 32 boroughs plus the City of London. London is a global city with a population of 9 million and is the most densely populated region in Europe.
London is one of the centres in Europe for cell therapy, gene therapy and advanced therapies (ATMPs). Next to Stevenage, Cambridge and Oxford, London is a major site for biotechnology innovation, pharmaceutical development and rare diseases. London is the world's leading financial centre for international business and as such the financial services industry in London, including banking, insurance, broking and fund management make the largest contribution to London's economy. Other major industries in the London region include real estate, legal, accountancy, creative industries such as fashion, design and art, media and TV, legal, construction, London tourism, pharmaceuticals, biotech and retail. In recent years many technology companies, especially those in FinTech, have set up in the area of East London known as the “Silicon Roundabout”, putting London on the map as a key area of growth.#
The vibrancy of the London life sciences cluster is reflected in the activities of various networking groups which provide regular opportunities to make new contacts via events, conferences and other meetings:
One Nucleus: Established in 1997, a not-for-profit Life Sciences & Healthcare membership organisation centred on the Greater London-Cambridge-East of England corridor. Through providing local, UK-wide and international connectivity, One Nucleus seeks to enable its members to maximise their performance.
The Royal Veterinary College (RVC): The RVC is pre-eminent among veterinary schools, and offers the highest quality in undergraduate and postgraduate teaching and research - meeting the growing demand for veterinary professionals and biomedical scientists. It also provides support for the veterinary profession through its three referral hospitals, diagnostic services and CPD courses.
MedCity: MedCity represents the life sciences cluster of London and the Greater South East of England. Their expert knowledge, industry experience and sector-wide perspective means they can maximise opportunities for growth and collaboration within the region and beyond.
The BioIndustry Association: The BioIndustry Association (BIA) is the trade association for innovative enterprises in the UK's bioscience sector. Its mission is to encourage and promote a thriving, financially sound sector of the UK economy, built upon developments across the biosciences.
London has a wealth of iconic and world famous London attractions such as Buckingham Palace, St Paul’s Cathedral, the Tower of London, Tower Bridge, beautiful parks, numerous world class museums, a vibrant London theatre land and global cuisine, the combination of which attracted over 19 million visitors to London in 2016. London tourism numbers have received a substantial boost thanks to the hugely successful Olympic Games held in London in 2012.
London is a great place to further your career in life sciences. If you are a looking for pharmaceutical jobs in London, scientific careers in London or want to discuss cell therapy, gene therapy, ATMP, medical device, technology, biotech or pharmaceutical job opportunities inLondon, give our Next Phase team a call. The London 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 London, 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 London area.
