What does a Laboratory Scientist do?
A laboratory scientist specializes in conducting research and experiments for a company or an academic institution. Their responsibilities primarily revolve around gathering and labeling samples, documenting data and progress, reviewing results, and even maintaining the cleanliness of the laboratory and its apparatus. There are also instances when they have to collaborate with other scientists, report progress, and even contribute them to different publications. Furthermore, a laboratory scientist may supervise less experienced colleagues, all while implementing the safety policies and regulations of the laboratory to maintain a safe and productive work environment.
Laboratory scientist responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real laboratory scientist resumes:
- Develop and manage third party claim investigations and contractor remedial oversight for various insurance companies.
- Perform tests in all sections of the clinical laboratory including chemistry, hematology and microbiology.
- Assure compliance with OSHA, PROSHA, EPA, USP and GMP's as well as corporate policies.
- Acquire basic knowledge of GC/MS and LC/MS
- Accession samples into a LIMS for tracking and reporting.
- Partner with LIMS administrator for the development of tests in StarLims database.
- Introduce super-fast depth profiling method, GD-OES, for thin film troubleshooting.
- Perform diagnostic tests, including ELISA, agar gel, culture plate methods.
- Provide technical expertise in the areas of hematology, coagulation, special coagulation, and special hematology.
- Carry out statistical analyses on hematology data of the patients and draft a professional report on the same.
- Perform routine screening and confirmatory testing for clinical diagnosis utilizing ELISA, LCR, and cell culture technologies.
- Identify microorganisms using API system and/or Vitek identification system.
- Optimize transfection conditions for CRISPR and siRNA overexpression construct delivery.
- Perform laboratory equipment validation and maintenance according to CLIA and GCLP/GLP guidelines.
- Prepare PowerPoint slides and simulation animations for sales/marketing personals to interact with customers.
Laboratory scientist skills and personality traits
We calculated that 9% of Laboratory Scientists are proficient in Chemistry, ASCP, and Laboratory Procedures.
We break down the percentage of Laboratory Scientists that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Chemistry, 9%
Designed and conducted experiments at a chemistry lab in order to monitor the continuous growing of a genetically modified bacterium.
- ASCP, 9%
Obtained ASCP certification as a Technologist in Microbiology, M(ASCP)
- Laboratory Procedures, 7%
Train chemists on laboratory procedures and tests as required by laboratory management.
- Test Results, 6%
Perform quality control procedures to ensure accuracy of clinical data and validate test results through correlation with test parameters.
- Data Collection, 5%
Create new/update existing data collection forms and worksheets to monitor Quality Control/Quality Assurance.
- Molecular Biology, 4%
Perform experiments including immunohistochemistry method development, tissue culture and molecular biology (cloning, PCR and transfection).
Common skills that a laboratory scientist uses to do their job include "chemistry," "ascp," and "laboratory procedures." You can find details on the most important laboratory scientist responsibilities below.
Communication skills. One of the key soft skills for a laboratory scientist to have is communication skills. You can see how this relates to what laboratory scientists do because "medical scientists must be able to explain their research in nontechnical ways." Additionally, a laboratory scientist resume shows how laboratory scientists use communication skills: "played as key member in pre-clinical trial communications and organization, both internal and external coordination. "
Observation skills. Another soft skill that's essential for fulfilling laboratory scientist duties is observation skills. The role rewards competence in this skill because "medical scientists conduct experiments that require monitoring samples and other health-related data." According to a laboratory scientist resume, here's how laboratory scientists can utilize observation skills in their job responsibilities: "ensured glp and protocol compliance of study data through timely and thoroughaccuracy review and quality control observation of technical procedureperformance. "
The three companies that hire the most laboratory scientists are:
- Cedars-Sinai66 laboratory scientists jobs
- Meta57 laboratory scientists jobs
- Amazon22 laboratory scientists jobs
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Compare different laboratory scientists
Laboratory scientist vs. Research fellow
A research fellow is an academic researcher who conducts research and analysis of comprehensive literature, data, and results and provides literature reviews. He/She supervises research assistants and recruits study participants to interview them for a particular study. To become a research fellow, a candidate should have a doctorate in a relevant discipline and publish peer-reviewed papers. Also, a research fellow can be an independent investigator or be supervised by a principal investigator.
These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of a laboratory scientist are more likely to require skills like "ascp," "laboratory procedures," "test results," and "molecular biology." On the other hand, a job as a research fellow requires skills like "patients," "research projects," "cell culture," and "crispr." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.
Research fellows really shine in the non profits industry with an average salary of $57,261. Comparatively, laboratory scientists tend to make the most money in the manufacturing industry with an average salary of $78,424.On average, research fellows reach higher levels of education than laboratory scientists. Research fellows are 6.8% more likely to earn a Master's Degree and 26.8% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Laboratory scientist vs. Chemist
Chemists are generally responsible for observing and investigating chemical substances to create new and safe compounds essential for practical applications. They are often grouped depending on a particular area of specialization to focus and understand the complexities of the matter. A chemist usually takes time performing research and conducting experiments to test and further improve the quality and usage of a specific chemical substance. Chemists are expected to write on their observations and findings to establish scientific results.
In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, laboratory scientist responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "ascp," "laboratory procedures," "data collection," and "molecular biology." Meanwhile, a chemist has duties that require skills in areas such as "product development," "uv/vis," "analytical techniques," and "troubleshoot." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.
Chemists earn a lower average salary than laboratory scientists. But chemists earn the highest pay in the manufacturing industry, with an average salary of $75,495. Additionally, laboratory scientists earn the highest salaries in the manufacturing with average pay of $78,424 annually.In general, chemists achieve similar levels of education than laboratory scientists. They're 1.1% less likely to obtain a Master's Degree while being 26.8% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for Laboratory Scientists in the next 3-5 years?
Dr. Betsy Smith
Assistant Professor of Chemistry, Elmira College
Laboratory scientist vs. Research and development assistant
A research and development assistant is responsible for supporting the research team in collecting studies and information to support research claims and evaluate data materials. Research and development assistants interview participants, conduct data and statistical analysis, and interpret survey results. They ensure to document all findings and research progress and report any concerns to the research supervisor for immediate resolution. A research and development assistant must have excellent communication and organizational skills, especially in participating in brainstorming sessions and finalize research subjects as required.
The required skills of the two careers differ considerably. For example, laboratory scientists are more likely to have skills like "chemistry," "ascp," "laboratory procedures," and "molecular biology." But a research and development assistant is more likely to have skills like "laboratory equipment," "assist r," "java," and "access database."
Research and development assistants earn the best pay in the health care industry, where they command an average salary of $71,587. Laboratory scientists earn the highest pay from the manufacturing industry, with an average salary of $78,424.research and development assistants typically earn similar educational levels compared to laboratory scientists. Specifically, they're 2.8% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 3.7% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Laboratory scientist vs. Microbiologist
Microbiologists are responsible for studying the microscopic organisms causing infections and environmental damage, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Their work focuses on the identification and growth of these microbes to better understand their characteristics that may help in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of infectious and bacterial diseases. They use sophisticated technologies and machinery to study microbes and perform their tasks. These scientists are also responsible for developing best practices and techniques for routine sampling and research. Microbiologists may work in various settings, including laboratories, research institutes, and hospitals.
Types of laboratory scientist
Updated January 8, 2025
