Scientific laboratory technician : Career development

Careers develop slowly as structured career progression does not exist. It is quite common for scientific laboratory technicians to stay in a field for 15-20 years, gaining greater management and supervisory responsibilities over time. Although it is difficult to move from a laboratory technician position into scientific research, some opportunities do exist and recent evidence of having acquired specialist knowledge or undertaking academic research, such as a Masters degree or PhD, would help.

Technicians employed in industry and large organisations are likely to have better prospects for promotion and can move into management or become a specialist in their field. For example, in the healthcare setting, it is generally possible for medical laboratory technicians/assistants to develop specialist skills and become phlebotomists, cardiographers or physiologists. Senior/chief laboratory technicians undertake similar but more complex duties, which may involve some analysis and will generally include supervision and management responsibilities for a team of staff and the laboratory.

In addition, science and research companies have strong international links, and there are opportunities within large companies to develop a career in the European Union and further afield, including working in developing countries for periods of time.