After a competitive job search, you’ve finally secured a position as a laboratory assistant. It’s an exciting milestone – labs are where those theories that you studied in school turn into actual progress. Now, you’ll be a key part of that process as you help ensure that experiments, analyses and research projects run smoothly. It’s the perfect role for anyone who is practical, detail-oriented, and curious about how things work. But what is it really like to work in a lab? Whether you’re entering straight from university or switching careers mid-life, here’s what to expect, how to settle in quickly, and how to build your own successful long-term path in the lab world.
Your first few weeks as a lab assistant will be about learning the rhythms of your new workspace. You’ll support senior technicians and scientists by preparing samples, labelling specimens, cleaning glassware, and just generally keeping equipment in order. In the process of preparing samples, you’ll also learn a lot about test equipment such as pipettes, centrifuges, and spectrophotometers as you help set up, calibrate and maintain them. Wearing appropriate PPE, following hygiene protocols and logging every task accurately will become second nature by the end of the first month. Your days might also involve essential admin like recording data or restocking supplies to keep everything moving efficiently.
In your first few weeks, it’s important to lay a foundation of strong habits. Attention to detail and teamwork are absolutely crucial for success since a well-run lab depends on accuracy and consistency. Focus on health and safety, ensuring that data is entered accurately, communicating effectively with senior staff, and keeping the workspace organised. You’ll also need to learn calibration routines and how to carry out basic troubleshooting.
You’ll be learning a lot and assisting senior staff, but your job won’t just be about carrying out instructions. You play a key role in helping the lab run like a well-oiled machine. Lab assistants support technicians and scientists by maintaining instruments, organising samples, and ensuring the right materials are available. Always keep in mind that your work ultimately helps experiments stay accurate and efficient. This means that you need to be collaborative, reliable, and show initiative – all qualities that make you indispensable to the wider team.
Where can a lab assistant role take you? Consider your job as the first step to an exciting range of science careers. With experience, you could progress to technician, supervisor, or specialist roles. Alternatively, you could move out of the lab environment into sectors like pharmaceuticals, healthcare, or environmental research. The average starting salary for a lab technician is around £24,000 and this will rise as you get more experience and qualifications. You can fast-track your advancement by gaining certifications (or a full degree in biology, chemistry or applied science).
Becoming a lab assistant is a hands-on way to start a career in science. You’ll learn precision, teamwork and responsibility – all essential qualities for a good researcher. With the right mindset and curiosity, your first lab job can become the foundation for a lifelong scientific journey.
