Laboratory technicians
Our laboratory technicians provide technical assistance in a range of laboratories. They need to meet certain requirements to practice, depending on the laboratory.
As a laboratory technician at Forensic and Scientific Services (FSS) you'll provide technical assistance, surveillance and epidemiological data to our clients. Your work will assist them in the investigation of outbreaks, justice and coronial matters, and events of public or environmental health importance.
There are always unexpected samples or isolates turning up for investigation. One day you could be testing water from swimming pools, the next you could be testing samples from a possible bioterrorism threat.
The types of samples you may work with include:
- blood
- urine
- food
- soil
- drugs
- water
- other unusual materials.
Your work will vary and you may be able to specialise in a particular area of work and become a leader in your field.
Qualification requirements
To practice as a laboratory technician in Queensland, you must have an Associate Diploma or Diploma of Laboratory Technology.
We also value additional studies in science at a degree or master's level but these aren't mandatory.
Opportunities
Our laboratory technicians work in the following areas:
- microbiology
- virology
- organic chemistry
- forensic chemistry
- forensic toxicology.
We advertise our forensic pathologist vacancies on Smart Jobs and Seek.
What duties you'll undertake
Working in an FSS role, you'll:
- perform analysis and test biological samples in response to personal health and safety, food contamination or spoilage, infectious disease outbreaks and public health issues
- develop a library of cultures
- accept, store, retrieve and dispose of specimen samples.
You'll also undertake continual professional development and quality and workplace health and safety activities.
In addition, you'll work with, and maintain, a range of laboratory equipment, computers and software. You'll also assist in the development and application of new technologies within the laboratory.