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Description
Perform laboratory tests and analyses to support research, quality control, or clinical diagnostics under the direction of a scientist, engineer, or medical professional. Prepare and process samples, operate and calibrate instruments, document results, and maintain a safe, compliant laboratory; may collect specimens or materials for testing.
Job tasks Attributes
  • • Record test data and prepare reports, summaries, and charts interpreting results.
  • • Collect, label, and prepare specimens or material samples for analysis.
  • • Provide technical support on test methods, results, and lab procedures to scientists, clinicians, or clients.
  • • Calibrate, verify, and maintain microscopes and analytical instruments.
  • • Identify and report unsafe lab conditions; recommend corrective actions.
  • • Maintain sterile, sanitary work areas and equipment.
  • • Prepare samples, slides, reagents, and photomicrographs for testing.
  • • Perform calculations to quantify analytes and convert units using formulas or software.
  • • Initiate and document corrective actions for out-of-spec results or nonconformances.
  • • Select and prepare chemicals, media, disinfectants, or purification materials.
  • • Communicate test results and data quality with customers or internal stakeholders.
  • • Maintain records, LIMS entries, inventories, and equipment logs.
  • • Perform basic statistical analysis, QC trending, and data validation.
  • • Set up, operate, and monitor laboratory equipment and sampling apparatus.
  • • Prepare and issue certificates of analysis or standardized test reports.
  • • Conduct routine safety and quality inspections of lab spaces and equipment.
  • • Weigh, measure, and analyze sample components to determine concentrations or properties.
  • • Examine materials by microscopy to identify contaminants or characterize samples.
  • • Implement environmental monitoring, instrument calibration, and biosafety or radiation monitoring as applicable.
  • • Evaluate impacts of method or process changes on data quality and compliance; recommend improvements.
  • • Manage labeling, storage, and disposal of chemical, biological, and hazardous waste per regulations.
  • • Monitor and document performance of fume hoods, biosafety cabinets, sterilizers, and other safety devices.
  • • Respond to spills or contamination events; collect samples and assist with incident investigations.
  • • Train, coordinate, or direct activities of junior lab staff or interns.
  • • Develop, validate, and refine testing procedures and standard operating procedures.
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Source
Tasks & skills: O*NET occupational data (work activities, skills, knowledge). Learn more
Sources & Standards: This site includes information from O*NET by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. Career Clutch has modified some of this information for student readability. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
Last reviewed: Jan 2026
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