Laboratory Technician Jobs in Australia
What does a Laboratory Technician do?
What skills does a Laboratory Technician need to have?
Establishing a stable working environment and efficient processes are essential. A Laboratory Technician needs to have a comprehensive understanding of mining operations and procedures. The laboratory must be set up and maintained in accordance with site, industry, and legislative guidelines. Sound communication with key stakeholders including the maintenance team and processing operators is necessary to collect the necessary materials that are to be tested.
As a Laboratory Technician proficient use of laboratory equipment, testing procedures and methods are required. A great attention to detail and good time management are also considered valuable skills. Manual handling tasks such as sorting, drying, weighing, pulverising, crushing, and milling must be completed using the relevant laboratory equipment. Those with experience using shaking tables, a variety of mills, rotary kilns, flotation devices and magnetic separators will be well-positioned. These tasks are to be completed in a timely manner while following all set procedures to meet QA/QC quality standards.
A key component of the role is entering the data in the LIMS and providing detailed reports to key stakeholders. Effective use of LIMS software ensures effective quality control, efficiency optimisation, accuracy, and compliance with all safety standards. A high degree of precision and accuracy is paramount during this process. Reports must include all specific details and be presented in a clear and concise manner. They should also include recommendations that help improve operational efficiency, enhance safety standards, and reduce costs where possible.
Laboratory Technician job responsibilities
- Collect samples and analyse them using chemical and physical laboratory tests
- Prepare the samples for testing by weighing, drying, crushing and pulverising
- Complete Atomic Absorption processes to read metal concentrations
- Operate mills, crushers and splitters
- Enter data using LIMS and report findings to stakeholders
- Set up, clean and maintain laboratory equipment including automated machinery
- Perform accurate analysis and meet set deadlines
- Implement QA/QC systems to ensure quality standards are met
- Follow safety procedures in accordance with relevant guidelines and report any safety incidents or identified hazards
- Manual handling of 10 - 20 kilo sample bags
- Support other departments – operations, maintenance, and geology etc.
- Maintain stock levels of chemicals
Skills and experience employers are looking for
- Great attention to detail
- Strong communication skills
- Excellent time management and organisational skills
- High level of competency using LIMS software
- Experience in completing Atomic Absorption processes
- Proficient use of laboratory equipment
Core Skills
Technical Skills
What type of employers hire a Laboratory Technician?
Laboratory Technician qualifications
- Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques
- Previous laboratory experience
- Atomic Absorption and Pulverising and Leach is essential
- Manual C class driver’s license
- Experience using LIMS is desirable.
How much does a Laboratory Technician earn?
How to become a Laboratory Technician in Australia
- Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques, Certificate III in Laboratory Skills or comparable.
- Laboratory experience, especially in a mining operation.
- Focus on a great attention to detail and time management skills. Employers in the mining view these core skills as essential.
- High level of competency using LIMS.
- Experience with Atomic Absorption and Pulverising and Leach is advantageous.
- Improve your computer skills and learn how to use autonomous/robotic laboratory equipment.
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