Are you a lab assistant in need of a new job, or do you know an active job seeker with some lab experience? Whichever the case, we have something for you. In this article, we will look at one of the main requirements in a lab assistant job application- the resume. A good resume informs the interviewer about your skills, education, work experience, and certifications, thus determining whether you make it to the interview list or not.
We also intend to help you understand your roles and responsibilities and the requirements in this position if you are new to it. Let’s find out more about what is expected of you in the lab setting as a lab assistant.
Job Description
As the name implies, a lab assistant aids in tests and experiments. These professionals work closely with the laboratory director when conducting tests or processing specimens. They are also mandated to perform administrative tasks, which differ from one lab to another. Additional roles, which we will shortly look at, include recording data, cleaning and sanitizing equipment and setting up experiments. Owing to these responsibilities, some of the needed skills for lab assistants include excellent report writing and analysis. Let’s take an in-depth look at their roles and responsibilities.
Roles and Responsibilities
- Accurately and dutifully maintaining laboratory records
- Setting up experiments and using different laboratory equipment to prepare test samples
- Classifying and labeling laboratory samples to avoid accidents
- Performing a range of administrative tasks, including filing and phone call management
- Following up on the latest industry trends, best practices, and techniques and executing them
- Maintaining all lab equipment and reporting defects
- Cleaning and sanitizing lab equipment and areas for conducting tests
- Assisting in studies by collecting and preparing all the needed research and information
- Analyzing results and accurately reporting findings
- Conducting lab tests either independently or in liaison with the lab technician
- Collaborating with other laboratory workers, including the lab director, on tests and experiments
- Accurately documenting different lab activities, test results, and experiments and repairing back to the lab director or management
- Ensuring that tests are done using the right policies, procedures, and safety regulations
Required Knowledge and Skills
- Extensive knowledge of lab procedures
- Knowledge of how to operate automated lab equipment
- Knowledge or computer research
- Familiarity with laboratory information systems
- Extensive knowledge of analysis programs
- Excellent mathematic and numeric skills
- Ability to keep and maintain records
- Excellent interpersonal skills
- Excellent reporting skills
- Excellent analytical skills
- Ability to work in team settings
- Ability to work well under pressure
- Excellent time management skills
- Excellent problem-solving skills
- Verbal and written communication skills
- Outstanding researching skills
- High levels of accuracy
- Attention to details
- Ability to follow instructions to the latter
Education and Experience
- High School Diploma
- A degree or associate degree in biotechnology, biology or relevant fields.
- License and certification. For Americans, some employers may require an American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science certification
- Proven experience working in the lab setting
- Experience using and operating automated laboratory equipment
- Experience working in team settings
- Extensive experience with Laboratory Information Systems
- Experience offering administrative assistance
Salary
As of August 2022, Glassdoor reports that laboratory assistants earn a base pay of roughly $33,000. They may also enjoy an additional payment of $33,000 or thereabout. However, you will make more if you are a lead or lab assistant supervisor. A lead lab assistant should expect base pay of roughly $40,000, while lab assistant supervisors’ base pay can go as high as $50,000. This will be a position worth your time if you have the right associate degree and some experience.
Lab Assistant CV Example 1
James Allen
Physical address: 58 Riverside Lane, Salinas, California 98686
Email address: allenjames17@gmail.com
Phone number: (898) 670-8768
Personal Profile
Qualified laboratory assistant with 9+ years of experience working in clinical laboratories and operating different computerized lab systems. An avid researcher and team worker with extensive knowledge of laboratory procedures and experience with laboratory information systems. A dedicated professional ready to make a difference in the lab setting.
Work Experience
05/2019- 08/2022, Lab Assistant, Bethany Pharmaceuticals, Louisiana
- Collected, analyzed and recorded data of an average of 50 urine samples weekly
- Cleaned and maintained 70+ lab equipment, ensuring that they were functional at all times
- Managed to reduce downtime brought about by equipment failure by 30% through regular maintenance of equipment
- Promoted to head lab assistant in 2021 for my flexibility and dependability
- Worked closely with the lead lab technician, conducting an average of 200 experiments weekly
- Made preparations for major upcoming research experiments two days prior by preparing, maintaining and cleaning all the lab equipment to be used
- Cleaned and sterilized equipment and work areas, resulting in zero accidents to counter safety and health concerns
- Undertook 5+ basic tasks such as telephone management and filing, doing them to the best of my ability
- Trained ten new laboratory assistants on lab procedures, techniques and best practices
- Correctly classified and labeled samples, ensuring 0 accidents and incidences arising from confusion
- Participated in at least 1 study weekly by collecting and preparing all the needed information
- Identified and implemented a new system for lab test storage that saved the entity 2 hours a week on documentation
- Ensured that lab test results reached other facilities within the required duration, 99% of the time
03/2016- 05/2019, School Laboratory Assistant, Gifted Group of Schools, Texas
- Organized tests and experiments for groups of 30+ chemistry students
- Maintained 50+ lab equipment, including 4 microscopes, reducing downtime from equipment malfunctions by 40%
- Supervised 30+ students during experiments to ensure 0 accidents or mischievous incidences
- Conducted 10+ administrative tasks, including and not limited to record and inventory management
- Safely lifted and moved lab equipment of up to 17kgs around the lab, ensuring no breakages or malfunctions
- Safely maintained set of reagents to be used in special lab activities, ensuring at least 99% successful lab experiments
- Offered information and assistance to 5 different factions, including parents, students, staff, management, and the public
- Awarded the best lab assistant of the year in 2018 for my commitment to maintaining a safe lab environment for students and teachers alike
- Regularly assisted five teachers in the Science department to mark and grade objective student work
- Sterilized equipment and surfaces for zero incidences and maintenance of a safe working environment
08/2013- 02/2016, Junior Lab Assistant, Bounce Group of Hospitals, Bakersfield, CA
- Offered general support for the laboratory by following 100% of all the established lab policies and procedures
- Ensured that the laboratory area was clean and safe by cleaning and sanitizing it at least five times a day
- Used and wore 5+ protective clothing and equipment, including gas masks, depending on experiments and tests for safety and health reasons
- Maintained 50+ lab equipment, including computerized systems, reducing downtime from equipment malfunctions by 25%
- Performed inventory management, ensuring that the lab had enough supplies 100% of the time
- Awarded the best junior lab assistant of the year in 2015 for meeting and exceeding all my productivity goals and targets
- Trained at least two junior lab assistants yearly on lab procedures and techniques.
Education
- 03/2010- 05/2012, Associate Degree in Clinical Laboratory Technology, Bakersfield College, Bakersfield, CA
- 05/2007- 05/2009, High School Diploma, Bakersfield Senior High School, Bakersfield, CA
Skills
- Languages
- English
- Croatian
- Japanese
Technical Skills
- Phlebotomy
- Ability to operate computerized lab equipment and systems
- Specimen collection
- Dissection
- Pipetting
- Record keeping
- Data entry
- Computer skills
- Microsoft Office Suite proficiency
Soft Skills
- Communication
- Interpersonal
- Ability to work in team settings
- Collaboration
- Interpersonal
- Customer service
- Empathy
- Time Management
- Organization
Certifications
10/13, Certified Medical Laboratory Assistant (CMLA), National HealthCareer Organization
Lab Assistant CV Example 2
Faith Ng’eno
Physical address: 245 Mayfield St. Rosemead, CA 91689
Email address: ng’enofaith78@gmail.com
Phone number: (789) 678- 5498
Personal Profile
A well-learned and professional lab assistant with 10+ years of medical laboratory technology experience. Team worker with excellent research and experimentation skills, ready to improve the operations of clinical facilities. A certified assistant with extensive knowledge of lab procedures and techniques.
Work Experience
04/2019- 06/2022, Senior Lab Assistant, Yard Clinics, Kent, Ohio
- Managed and supervised three junior lab assistants, ensuring that they adhered to best practices and experimentation guidelines
- Updated and reviewed all test and experiment paperwork to ensure that they were 100% accurate
- Handled laboratory inventory, ensuring that the lab was well-stocked 100% of the time to avoid inconveniences
- Maintained excellent relationships with five vendors for timely reorder and delivery of dwindling supplies
- Ensured that the laboratory was clean and tidy for zero negative impacts on future tests and experiments
- Collaborated with the laboratory director and 2 lab technicians to conduct technical tests
- Ensured that the lab equipment was regularly maintained, reducing downtime resulting from equipment malfunctions by 40%
- Analyzed 30+ test results daily to identify any anomalies, trends, and findings
- Monitored all major ongoing tests and experiments and documented any changes and trends
- Trained junior lab assistants on best practices, operating procedures, and testing standards, increasing test accuracy by 90%
- Correctly operated 40+ laboratory equipment and ensured that they were regularly maintained
02/2014- 12/2018, Lab Assistant, Bethwell Clinics, San Pablo, CA
- Collected, received, and tested an average of 50+ blood samples daily
- Cleaned and sterilized lab equipment to ensure zero negative impacts on current and future test and experiment results
- Set up, maintained, and operated 50+ lab equipment
- Regularly inspected laboratory equipment for physical and operational defects, reducing downtime occasioned by equipment failure by 50%
- Collected, labeled, and delivered 100+ specimens daily
- Performed routine lab maintenance with the help of the lab technician to ensure that experiments and tests went undisturbed
- Accurately matched patient information with test results, ensuring zero mistakes
- Checked 100+ samples daily to ensure that they were stored in the right containers
- Performed 5+ administrative duties in the lab setting, including phone calls and inventory management
- Prepared detailed and 100% accurate reports on test and experiment results
- Accurately logged and prepared 100+ samples for testing daily
- Kept the lab environment clean and tidy at all times for improved morale and quality testing purposes
01/2011- 12/2013, Junior Lab Assistant, Bramwell Healthcare Centre, Los Angeles CA
- Worked under the supervision of the senior lab assistant to prepare tests and experiments with 100% efficiency
- Cleaned and routinely maintained 60+ lab equipment, decreasing downtime associated with equipment failure by 50%
- Tested an average of 60 blood samples daily and documented 100% accurate records
- Cleaned the lab environment thrice a day, making it neat for better testing and experimentation
- Kept myself updated on laboratory best practices, operating standards, and testing techniques for a 100% success rate at work.
Education
- 03/2008- 05/2010, Associate Degree in Medical Laboratory Technology, Fresno City College, Fresno, California
- 02/2005- 12/2007, High School Diploma, Sanlam College Prep School, California
Skills
- Languages
- Kiswahili
- English
- Spanish
Technical Skills
- Computer-related skills
- Phlebotomy
- Data Entry
- Microsoft Office Suite proficiency
- Pipetting
- Ability to handle computerized lab systems
- Ability to sterilize equipment
- Equipment management
- Data management
Soft Skills
- Ability to work in team settings
- Organizational skills
- Time management
- High degrees of empathy
- Problem-solving
- Verbal and written communication skills
- Interpersonal skills
Certification
11/13, Certified Phlebotomy Assistant (CPT), National Healthcareer Association
Lab Assistant Resume  Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Which Keywords Should I Include in My Lab Assistant Resume?
Applicant tracking systems are often programmed to identify keywords in resumes, meaning that you must include certain words in your resume if you intend to get the hiring manager’s attention. Note that these keywords should appear in your skills and work experience sections. Here are a few: sampling, documenting, specimens, experiments, computerized laboratory equipment, phlebotomy, clerical tasks, customer service, coordination, MS Office, data entry, analysis, microbiology, collaboration, clinic, and detail-oriented. Others include scheduling, laboratory tests, innovation, specimen processing, medical laboratory, and clerical skills. The trick is to ensure that you use profession-specific terms, including skills such as phlebotomy. Prove to the hiring manager that you understand whatever goes around in your job.
2. How Can I Become a Lab Assistant?
You can become a laboratory assistant in five easy steps. You first need to get a high school diploma where your emphasis should be on Mathematics and Sciences. Some of the most important math courses you should focus on include Calculus, Trigonometry, Geometry, and Algebra. Once you have your high school diploma, get an associate’s degree. Some available options are Associate of Science in Medical Lab Technician, Associate of Science in Clinical Lab Science or Associate of Science in Clinical Lab Science. You will learn lots of skills while pursuing your associate’s degree, including and not limited to body fluids analysis and communication with colleagues and patients.
You should expect to cover topics such as Anatomy, Physiology, Bacteriology, Parasitology, Lab Technology, and Safety, which will all come in handy in your career. The next step is to complete an internship or clinical practicum where you get to observe and participate in the daily lab operations. The fourth step is to get the right certification since most employers prefer certified lab technicians. Lastly, you should actively seek employment in a lab or clinic and do your best to climb the career ladder. Note that you can get as many certifications as you need; therefore, do not hold back.
3. What Are Some of the Lab Assistant Certifications That I Can Pursue?
Several lab assistant certifications can come in handy in your career. The right one will offer you additional skills and better your career. Some of the most common certifications are Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) by National Healthcareer Association, Certified Medical Laboratory Assistant by the National Healthcareer Association, Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT(AAB)) by the American Institute of Bioanalysts, Certified Clinical Medical Assistant by National Healthcareer Association, Certified Medical Administrative Assistant by National Healthcareer Association, Certified EKG Technician(CET) by National Healthcareer Association and Clinical Laboratory Technician(CLT) among others. Remember, these certifications will give you an advantage over other applicants in different sectors,
4. Which Technical Skills Should I Include in My Resume?
You must have adequate technical skills to thrive as a lab assistant. These role-specific skills come in handy in task execution and should therefore be prioritized. Some of the must-have technical skills for a lab assistant include excellent record keeping skills, ability to create hypotheses, outstanding dissection skills, ability to sterilize equipment, pipetting skills, ability to operate computerized lab equipment, specimen collection skills, phlebotomy, data entry skills and ability to perform diagnostic tests.
You should also be able to operate computer systems and perform troubleshooting operations as you will be expected to enter lab data after conducting experiments. To properly highlight your technical skills, ensure that you break down your skill section into sub-sections as we did with our resume examples. Give the hiring manager an easy time to increase your chances of making it to the shortlist.
5. Which Soft Skills Should I Include in My Resume?
Even though we have stressed technical skills in our last FAQ question, soft skills are equally important as they determine how you interact with those around you and if you succeed in your job. Some soft skills that every lab assistant should have include attention to detail, excellent verbal and written communication skills, experience working in team settings, empathy, flexibility, and a range of other skills that aid interaction.