Laboratory Scientist
Occupation overview
A fully competent Laboratory Scientist will be able to work in a wide range of organisations, including but not exclusively, chemical, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, formulated products, nuclear and analytical services.A scientist can carry out a range of technical and scientific activities which may include laboratory based investigations and scientific experimentation in their specialist field. They will analyse, interpret and evaluate relevant scientific information, concepts and ideas and use these to develop subsequent experiments or investigations and to propose solutions to problems. They will be able to apply knowledge of underlying scientific principles to implement new processes according to the literature or input from senior team members. They will be able to work autonomously and part of a wider scientific team, taking responsibility for the quality of the work that is undertaken, to deliver scientific value to their organisation. They will be proactive in finding solutions to problems, be able to identify areas of business improvement and propose innovative scientific ideas. In all contexts working safely and ethically is paramount and many companies operate under highly regulated conditions because of the need to control the quality and safety, for example medicines. Typical job roles may include; Analytical Chemist, Research & Development Scientist, Molecular Biologist, Microbiologist, Formulation Scientist, Medicinal Chemist, Process Technologist, Biotechnologist.
Skills
Prepare for and perform laboratory tasks using the appropriate scientific techniques, procedures and methods of relevance to the activities of the laboratory.
Work safely within a laboratory environment, maintaining excellent housekeeping whilst following appropriate safety, environment and risk management systems.
Promote and ensure the application of quality standards relevant to the workplace.
Work autonomously to analyse, interpret and evaluate scientific data and present the results of laboratory work and problem solving clearly and concisely in written and oral form.
Lead continuous performance improvement within the scientific and technical environment.
Use creative thinking and problem solving to challenge assumptions, innovate, make new proposals and build on existing ideas.
Plan and prioritise tasks, review and evaluate progress against objectives and investigate alternative scenarios.
Knowledge
Apply knowledge of underlying scientific principles in laboratory based experimentation and implement new processes according to the literature or input from colleagues.
Demonstrate and explain the principles of laboratory techniques and scientific experimentation to contribute to the development of specific technical projects.
Develop and apply a theoretical knowledge of the advanced science and technology required to progress in the job role and relevant area of specialism.
Demonstrate working knowledge of project management procedures and the ability to incorporate these into the scientific work environment working with team members.
Understand the internal and external regulatory environment pertinent to the sector and the sponsoring organisation and comply with regulations including compliance with business rules pertaining to record keeping, traceability & confidentiality.
Understand the business environment in which the company operates including personal role within the organisation, ethical practice and codes of conduct.
Identify and understand the requirements of internal or external customers and recommend the appropriate workflows, improvements or scientific solutions.
In addition the individual must demonstrate skills and knowledge in one of the following specialist option groups:
Laboratory Scientist – Analytical Science
Understand the theoretical basis for applied analytical science including how to apply analytical methods during design and implementation of research programmes, as appropriate.
Prepare for and perform analytical tasks using the appropriate scientific techniques, procedures and analytical methods of relevance to the activities of the laboratory.
Identify and use scientific approaches required to solve problems, support new investigations and follow-up experiments in the laboratory for routine and non-routine analytical tasks.
Understand the requirements for the development and validation of analytical methods and instrumentation, including understanding of suitable sampling methods.
Laboratory Scientist – Chemical Science
Understand the theoretical basis for applied chemistry including how to apply physical, organic or inorganic chemistry during design and implementation of research programmes, as appropriate.
Prepare for and perform laboratory tasks using the appropriate chemistry techniques, procedures and methods of relevance to the activities of the chemistry laboratory.
Identify and use appropriate chemistry approaches required to solve problems, support new investigations and follow-up experiments in the laboratory for routine and non-routine tasks.
Laboratory Scientist – Research & Development
Understand the theoretical basis for formulated product design including how to apply scientific methods during design and implementation of research programmes, as appropriate.
Prepare for and perform laboratory tasks using the appropriate scientific techniques, procedures and methods of relevance to the activities of the formulation development laboratory.
Identify and use scientific approaches required to solve problems, support new investigations and follow-up experiments in the laboratory for routine and non-routine, and new tasks.
Laboratory Scientist – Life Sciences
Understand the theoretical basis for applied microbiology and biotechnology including how to apply scientific methods during design and implementation of research programmes where appropriate.
Prepare for and perform laboratory tasks using the appropriate scientific & microbial techniques, procedures and methods of relevance to the activities of biotechnology laboratories.
Identify and use scientific approaches required to solve problems, support new investigations and follow-up experiments in the laboratory for routine and non-routine, and new tasks.
Behaviours
The individual must also demonstrate the required attitudes, behaviours and interpersonal skills associated with the professional scientific workplace including to:
Communicate effectively using a full range of skills: speaking to a scientific and non-scientific audience, active listening, professional writing, professional body language, scientific presentation.
Demonstrate reliability, integrity and respect for confidentiality on work related and personal matters, including appropriate use of social media and information systems.
Work autonomously and interact effectively within a wide, multi-disciplinary project team. Understand the impact of work on others, especially where related to diversity and equality.
Manage time effectively, being able to plan and complete work to schedule. Able to handle change and respond to change management processes.
Take responsibility for personal development, demonstrating commitment to learning and self improvement.
Entry Requirements
Individual employers will set the selection criteria for their apprentices. Most candidates will have achieved grade C or above in English and mathematics at GCSE level prior to commencement of apprenticeship. Most candidates will also hold A-levels or existing relevant Level 3 qualifications or equivalent. Other relevant or prior experience may also be considered as an alternative.
Duration
It is anticipated that the duration of the apprenticeship will be no more than 5 years, depending on prior qualifications and relevant work experience
Professional Qualifications / Recognition
The apprenticeship is recognised by the relevant professional bodies at Registered Scientist (RSci) level, for which there is a requirement that the scientist will participate in subsequent continuing professional development on completion of the apprenticeship.
Originally published on Gov.uk, this information has been re-used under the terms of the Open Government Licence.
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