Technicians and lab managers are invaluable for research. Here's how lab leaders and institutions can support them.
Research technicians and laboratory managers are important for keeping scientific research moving forward. They collect data, oversee budgets and supplies, and manage research teams. Yet, these positions aren’t always recognized as long-term career options and individuals in these roles often lack the resources and support needed to develop their own careers.
The environment for laboratory technicians has been great, not only to support my career goals, but also for raising my three children, who are now adults. Many researchers at the university have lived abroad, so they have flexible attitudes toward women who are raising children and working at the same time. I didn’t have to worry about or feel guilty for taking leave when my child was sick or to attend school events.
I wish there were more mentorship services available for research technicians, but I have learnt that it’s important to advocate for yourself to ensure that you get the opportunities you need to progress in your career. As a tech, it can be difficult to approach a supervisor about new opportunities and advocate for your career growth.
Over the past 15 years, I’ve learnt that I need to understand the requirements of each researcher and project to ensure that I execute studies correctly. Lab managers constantly need to update their knowledge base about the latest technologies and procedures, which can be challenging because research is so dynamic. I read a lot of scientific literature and regularly ask the researchers I work with about the equipment and protocols they use or would like to use.
As a lab manager, my main responsibility is to keep track of the undergraduate lab techs who maintain media to grow bacteria, clean and prep glassware and sterilize equipment. I train them on lab techniques, and I give them advice on navigating university and their career paths. I order equipment, make sure everyone’s safety trainings are up to date and occasionally do lab work.
I’ve always liked the practical side of making equipment work, which is why becoming a lab manager was probably the right decision for me. I’ve been at the British Antarctic Survey since 2003, starting as a genomics technician and growing into the senior lab manager role I have today. I now oversee all of the BAS labs, including six research stations, a research ship and five laboratory suites in Cambridge.
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