Technician, chemistry

Chemical and physical science technicians perform technical tasks in support of research in fields such as chemistry, physics, geology, geophysics, meteorology and astronomy, and in the development of industrial, medical, military and other practical applications of the results.

• collecting samples and preparing materials and equipment for experiments, tests and analyses;
• performing routine laboratory tests and carrying out various technical support activities for physical scientists and chemists in their research, investigation, development, analysis and testing;
• controlling the quality and quantity of laboratory materials by testing samples and monitoring their use, and preparing detailed estimates of quantities and costs of materials and labour required for projects according to the specifications provided;
• setting up, operating and maintaining laboratory instruments and equipment, monitoring experiments, making observations and calculations and recording results;
• preparing materials for experiments, e.g. by freezing and slicing samples and mixing chemicals;
• collecting and testing water and soil samples, recording observations and analysing data in support of geologists and geophysicists.
• Examples of occupations in this unit group:
• Technician, chemistry
• Technician, geology
• Technician, meteorology
• Technician, physics