Laboratory Assistant Career Profile

What the role involves

Laboratory assistants provide practical support in laboratories and field-sampling programs. Their work may include preparing samples, setting up equipment, assisting with tests, recording measurements, cleaning work areas, managing supplies and helping ensure laboratory procedures are followed correctly.

Some laboratory assistant roles are used as entry-level positions while people study science, environmental science, laboratory techniques or related qualifications. Others are ongoing support roles in commercial laboratories, government agencies, universities, consultancies or technical service businesses.

Typical employers

Laboratory assistant roles in Australia may be found with:

• environmental testing laboratories
• water, soil and air quality laboratories
• universities and research institutions
• government science, health or environment agencies
• environmental consultancies
• mining, resources and contaminated land projects
• food, agriculture and biosecurity laboratories
• medical or pathology laboratories, depending on training and role type
• industrial, manufacturing or quality control laboratories

Key tasks

• collecting, receiving, labelling and preparing samples
• assisting with laboratory tests, experiments and measurements
• using basic scientific equipment such as balances, pH meters, microscopes or sampling tools
• recording results accurately and entering data into laboratory systems
• cleaning glassware, benches, equipment and work areas
• preparing reagents, materials or sample containers under supervision
• checking stock levels and helping maintain laboratory supplies
• following safety, quality assurance and contamination-control procedures
• supporting scientists, technicians or field staff with routine laboratory work

Skills and qualities

Laboratory assistant roles suit people who are careful, organised and comfortable following procedures. Useful qualities include:

• attention to detail and accuracy
• good record-keeping and data-entry skills
• interest in science, environmental testing or technical work
• ability to follow laboratory methods and safety procedures
• patience with routine and repetitive tasks
• good organisation and time management
• clean, careful and methodical work habits
• teamwork and communication with technical staff
• willingness to learn laboratory equipment, quality systems and safe handling practices

Qualifications and pathways

Laboratory assistant roles may be entry-level, but formal training can improve your chances and help you move into more technical positions. The original career information listed Associate Degree of Science, Diploma of Science, Advanced Diploma of Laboratory Operations and Advanced Diploma of The Sciences as relevant study options.

• Certificate III or Certificate IV in Laboratory Skills or Laboratory Techniques
• Diploma of Laboratory Technology or Diploma of Science
• Advanced Diploma of Laboratory Operations
• Associate Degree of Science
• Bachelor degree pathways in environmental science, biology, chemistry or related science fields
• workplace training in quality assurance, sample handling, laboratory safety and equipment use

With experience, laboratory assistants may progress into laboratory technician, environmental technician, science technician, field sampling officer, quality control technician, laboratory supervisor or environmental scientist roles, depending on further study and work experience.

Salary and job outlook

Laboratory assistant salaries can vary depending on industry, qualifications, location, employer, shift arrangements, level of responsibility and whether the role is in environmental testing, health, research, education, mining, food or industrial laboratories. Salary information changes over time, so it is best to check current Australian occupation, award and salary resources before applying or negotiating pay.

Where jobs are usually found in Australia

Laboratory assistant jobs are found in capital cities, regional centres and areas with environmental testing, universities, hospitals, food production, mining, water utilities or industrial activity. Environmental laboratory roles may be linked to water testing, contaminated land, soil analysis, ecology projects, environmental monitoring or compliance programs.

Tips for getting started

• look for entry-level laboratory assistant, sample preparation or field sampling support roles
• consider a Certificate III or IV in Laboratory Skills or Laboratory Techniques
• build experience with sample handling, data entry, cleaning, equipment preparation and lab safety
• highlight any school, TAFE, university or workplace science laboratory experience
• develop strong attention to detail and confidence following procedures
• learn about quality assurance, chain of custody and contamination control where relevant
• show employers that you are reliable, careful and willing to do routine technical work accurately

Related environmental careers

• Environmental Technician
• Laboratory Technician
• Water Quality Officer
• Environmental Scientist
• Remediation Assistant
• Biodiversity Officer
• Agricultural Technical Officer
• Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator