Laboratory Assistant Job Description
A Laboratory Assistant provides hands‑on support for laboratory operations, helping with sample preparation, routine testing, equipment cleaning and accurate record‑keeping. This is typically an entry to early‑career technical role suitable for candidates with practical laboratory experience or vocational science qualifications.
What does a Laboratory Assistant professional do?
Entry‑level technical role supporting laboratory workflows, health and safety, equipment maintenance and basic sample processing.
Laboratory Assistant job description template
Use this employer-ready example as a starting point, then replace the placeholders and adjust the content so it accurately reflects your vacancy.
Laboratory Assistant
About the role
[Insert Company Name] is looking for a reliable Laboratory Assistant to join our team at [Location]. You will prepare and process samples, clean and maintain equipment and glassware, support stock control and keep accurate records according to standard operating procedures. This role is [full‑time/part‑time] with a [day/shift] working pattern.
Key responsibilities
- Prepare laboratory workspaces, equipment and consumables for routine tasks and experiments.
- Carry out basic sample preparation and processing under instruction (weighing, pipetting, centrifuging, labelling).
- Clean, sterilise and store glassware, instruments and work surfaces; arrange routine equipment maintenance and calibration checks.
- Record results and observations accurately in laboratory notebooks and electronic systems following SOPs.
- Monitor and manage consumable stock levels; order supplies and receive deliveries as required.
- Follow health, safety and waste disposal procedures (including COSHH and local rules) and report hazards or incidents.
- Assist with simple quality checks, documentation for audits and routine compliance activities.
- Support colleagues and participate in training, team meetings and rota cover as required.
Essential skills and experience
- GCSEs (or equivalent) including science and maths, or an accredited vocational science qualification / relevant hands‑on experience.
- Practical laboratory experience or demonstrable competence in basic lab tasks (pipetting, sample labelling, simple measurements).
- Clear understanding of laboratory health and safety and ability to follow written SOPs and risk assessments.
- Good attention to detail and reliable record‑keeping.
- Basic numeracy and written communication skills and comfortable using standard office software or lab data systems.
- Ability to work as part of a team and follow supervision/instruction.
Desirable
- A‑levels or a BTEC/HND in a science subject, or a vocational qualification (e.g. NVQ/SVQ) in laboratory practice.
- Experience with routine lab equipment (centrifuges, water baths, pipettes, pH meters, basic spectrophotometry).
- Familiarity with Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) or electronic data capture.
- Previous work under a quality system such as ISO, GLP or GMP, or experience in a clinical/analytical setting.
- Formal training in lab safety, first aid or hazardous substances handling.
What we offer
- Pension contribution (details to be confirmed by employer)
- Annual leave entitlement (see employer policy)
- On‑the‑job training and professional development opportunities
- Paid sick leave (employer policy applies)
- Flexible working options where operationally feasible
How to apply
Apply with your CV and any additional information requested. Make the interview process, closing date and any assessment stages clear where known.
Use this as a starting point rather than a final advert. The strongest version will reflect the real role, salary, location, systems, responsibilities, benefits and working arrangements.
What is a Laboratory Assistant role?
Laboratory Assistants support scientific and technical staff by preparing materials, operating and cleaning equipment, and performing routine laboratory tasks under supervision. They ensure the laboratory runs smoothly by maintaining stock, following safety and quality procedures, and recording results accurately. The role is practical and process‑driven, often forming the first step on a laboratory career pathway.
Hands‑on support
Assist with sample preparation, basic testing and equipment setup to enable core laboratory work.
Safety & compliance
Follow SOPs, hazardous waste procedures and local health and safety rules to maintain a safe workplace.
Record keeping
Accurate data entry and documentation for routine checks, audits and traceability.
Typical Laboratory Assistant responsibilities
Responsibilities should reflect the real scope of the vacancy rather than every task someone in this profession might ever complete.
Prepare laboratory workspaces
Prepare laboratory workspaces, equipment and consumables for routine tasks and experiments.
Carry out basic sample preparation
Carry out basic sample preparation and processing under instruction (weighing, pipetting, centrifuging, labelling).
Clean
Clean, sterilise and store glassware, instruments and work surfaces; arrange routine equipment maintenance and calibration checks.
Record results
Record results and observations accurately in laboratory notebooks and electronic systems following SOPs.
Monitor
Monitor and manage consumable stock levels; order supplies and receive deliveries as required.
Follow health
Follow health, safety and waste disposal procedures (including COSHH and local rules) and report hazards or incidents.
Assist with simple quality checks
Assist with simple quality checks, documentation for audits and routine compliance activities.
Support colleagues
Support colleagues and participate in training, team meetings and rota cover as required.
Laboratory Assistant skills and experience to look for
Keep the essential list focused on what the person really needs to perform the role. Move useful-but-trainable experience into desirable criteria.
Usually worth prioritising
- GCSEs (or equivalent) including science and maths, or an accredited vocational science qualification / relevant hands‑on experience.
- Practical laboratory experience or demonstrable competence in basic lab tasks (pipetting, sample labelling, simple measurements).
- Clear understanding of laboratory health and safety and ability to follow written SOPs and risk assessments.
- Good attention to detail and reliable record‑keeping.
- Basic numeracy and written communication skills and comfortable using standard office software or lab data systems.
- Ability to work as part of a team and follow supervision/instruction.
Useful where relevant
- A‑levels or a BTEC/HND in a science subject, or a vocational qualification (e.g. NVQ/SVQ) in laboratory practice.
- Experience with routine lab equipment (centrifuges, water baths, pipettes, pH meters, basic spectrophotometry).
- Familiarity with Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) or electronic data capture.
- Previous work under a quality system such as ISO, GLP or GMP, or experience in a clinical/analytical setting.
- Formal training in lab safety, first aid or hazardous substances handling.
See our guide to what to include in a job advert before publishing.
How to write a Laboratory Assistant job advert
Small role-specific details can make the advert much easier for suitable candidates to assess.
List core tasks and techniques
Name the routine activities you expect the candidate to perform (sample prep, pipetting, cleaning, inventory) so applicants know if they match the role.
Be clear about supervision and progression
State who the role reports to, whether it’s supervised work and what development or training the employer will provide.
Specify shift patterns and working hours
Include typical hours, any required weekend/shift cover and whether flexibility or overtime is needed.
Highlight safety expectations
Explain safety responsibilities and any mandatory site training or PPE the candidate must be willing to undertake.
Laboratory Assistant salary considerations
Pay for Laboratory Assistants varies by sector, location, experience and responsibilities. Rather than a single market figure, consider the following factors when setting a salary range for this post.
depending on experience
- Use a genuine range
- Separate variable pay
- Avoid “competitive” alone
- Match salary to seniority
What Laboratory Assistant candidates will want to know
Practical details can influence whether a suitable candidate applies, even when the title and salary are attractive.
What are the typical working hours and rota?
Experienced applicants will want to know if the role is standard office hours, requires shift work, weekend cover or flexible schedules.
Will I handle hazardous materials or clinical samples?
Clarify the types of samples and hazards involved and the training and PPE you will provide.
What supervision and training are provided?
State whether the role is closely supervised, includes mandatory induction training and opportunities for skills development.
Is there progression from this role?
Candidates want to know potential career paths such as Laboratory Technician, specialised training or scientific roles.
Are there any checks or clearances required?
If you require background checks, occupational health screening or immunisations, note these so candidates are prepared.
Where to post a Laboratory Assistant job
Choose recruitment channels that match the role’s specialism and seniority. For general entry‑level Laboratory Assistant posts, broad UK job boards and local recruitment sites will reach a wide audience. For research, clinical or industry‑specific posts, target specialist scientific job boards, university careers services, technical college networks and professional groups on LinkedIn. Also consider local labs, apprenticeship programmes and vocational training providers if you are open to trainees or candidates requiring on‑the‑job development.
Related science & laboratory job descriptions
Recruiting for a slightly different role? These templates may be a closer fit.
Laboratory Assistant job description FAQs
Do Laboratory Assistants need a degree?
Not necessarily. Many posts accept GCSEs plus practical experience or vocational qualifications. A levels, BTECs or a relevant degree can be advantageous but are not always essential.
How should I assess practical skills at interview?
Use targeted questions about routine techniques, ask for examples of previous lab tasks, include a short practical assessment where safe and permitted, and check references for hands‑on experience.
What mandatory training should I provide?
Provide induction covering health and safety, COSHH, waste disposal, PPE, emergency procedures and any site‑specific SOP training before unsupervised work.
Are background checks required?
It depends on the setting. Clinical or regulated labs may require occupational health screening, DBS checks or other clearances; specify any checks in the advert if they are required.
How can I make the role attractive to candidates?
Be explicit about training, progression routes, typical day‑to‑day tasks, working hours and any flexible or family‑friendly policies. Clear, honest adverts attract better matches.
Ready to hire a Laboratory Assistant?
Use this template to produce a clear advert, specify the working pattern and training you offer, then advertise via the most relevant channels to reach suitable candidates.
