About Chemical Lab Technology

Chemical Lab Technology promotes real-world innovations, whether that’s natural health products, bio-sourced plastics or life-saving vaccines. Professionals within this field analyse technologies and chemicals, conducting research to bring new products to the market, in line with industry standards.

　　As a chemical lab technician, you can work in a variety of industries like food and beverage, cosmetics or vitamins, improving people’s quality of life or protecting the environment.By thoroughly understanding the chemical composition of substances, chemical lab technicians are able to carry out research and develop innovative new products.

　　

Is Chemical Lab Technology right for me?

Working in Chemical Lab Technology requires you to be a critical thinker with great problem-solving and time management skills. Chemical lab technicians need to comply with safety and hygiene standards as well as keep thorough records on the tests they conduct, so a detail-oriented mindset is also necessary. You’ll also work closely with other scientists, which means collaboration and communication are key. 40-hour weeks are the norm and you’ll typically work in laboratory settings or production facilities, sometimes dealing with hazardous materials.

　　

Chemical Lab Technology study options and costs

　　To get into Chemical Lab Technology, a degree in Chemical Technology, Applied Science or Chemistry will usually be necessary. It’s also possible to get into Chemical Lab Technology by studying Computer Science or Natural Sciences, as the industry involves a great deal of modelling and data analysis. Associate’s or Bachelor’s degrees are most common, but you can also choose to pursue a Master’s or PhD if you are interested in the research side of things.

　　As a general idea, a relevant degree will cost you around CAD$15,000 a year in Canada or around AUD$40,000 a year in Australia.

　　

Future outlook

The demand for chemical lab technicians will remain steady, representing a stable career path. The main advantage of studying Chemical Lab Technology is just how many industries it can open the door to. Lab technicians can work for government departments, environmental agencies, pharmaceutical companies and more, tackling diverse issues like pollution control, sustainability or quality control. The potential to change industries throughout your career makes for a diverse and exciting life path. As well as becoming a chemical lab technician, a background in Chemical Lab Technology can also get you into biochemistry, chemical analysis or biology.

　　

Career pathways for Chemical Lab Technology graduates

　　

Chemical Lab Technician

　　Chemical lab technicians work alongside chemists and chemical engineers to research and develop new products and processes. Working within a specific industry, chemical lab technicians conduct tests to uphold high standards of quality control and environmental responsibility. In this way, chemical lab technicians help companies continuously innovate and improve their product offering.

　　

Research Chemists

　　Research chemists help to improve processes and products through their deep knowledge of chemical compounds. The most common industries for research chemists to work within are pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, with these professionals making a valuable contribution to the development of new products. In this way, research chemists also help to advance scientific development in general.

　　

Clinical Biochemist

　　If you have more of a penchant for medicine, a career as a clinical biochemist may be for you. Clinical biochemists analyse bodily fluid samples to diagnose and manage diseases. Working in tandem with GPs and clinicians, clinical biochemists run tests and interpret the chemical and biochemical results, as well as identify whether any follow-up tests are needed.

　　

Organic Chemist

　　Organic chemists investigate the structure and properties of carbon molecules, studying the way these molecules react with one another. This allows them to design and develop new organic substances to be used in product development, especially pharmaceuticals.

　　

Analytical Chemist

　　Analytical chemists help to further science and medicine by investigating the chemical nature of substances and their behaviour in various conditions. This allows them to determine if products are safe for human consumption, particularly in the pharmaceutical, food and water industries.