Lab assistant; lab technician

Artificial skin is a living tissue synthesised in the laboratory from skin cells on a matrix of collagen (protein that provides tensile strength and flexibility). Currently, artificial human skins also are used to test new pharmaceutical and cosmetic products instead of testing on animals. In medicine, artificial skin is used for grafting in cases of burns and ulcers. The cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries usually have artificial skin cultures where researchers test the efficacy and safety of their products. Artificial skin operators are the professionals in charge of the maintenance of artificial human skins in the laboratory.

• Ensure the availability of all necessary biological materials, culture media and reagents.
• Work under strict sterile conditions.
• Keep cells alive and control the production process of artificial skin (removal of cells, incubation in suitable culture media, dilutions, nutrients, etc.).
• Characterise artificial cells or tissues (morphology, characteristics, properties, functions, etc.).
• Perform experiments according to the demands of researchers.

Regulated training and graduates

• Professionalism Certificate: Microbiological and biotechnological tests (Level 3)
• Professional Training Course(s) in the field of Chemical Professional Families - Advanced Level: Laboratory for analysis and quality control

Complementary training

Other specific skills

Concern for order and quality: Level 2

Analytical thought: Level 1

Planning and organisation: Level 1

Scientific research

Individuals who have an affinity for the field of scientific research focus their interest on activities that study different types of organisms and substances in order to obtain valuable products for human beings. A key part of performing this task is the planning and verification of scientific hypotheses through the use of different research designs and techniques. The objective of these searches is the development of new medicines and medical techniques, technological innovation based on the manipulation of cells, molecules and biological agents, as well as the study of cultures in order to improve the characteristics and properties of plants and food.

Logistics

The planning, organisation, control and carrying out of logistics and administrative tasks are the focus of people who work in the field of logistics. Activities in the field of logistics include the organisation and planning of supply, storage, production and distribution systems, taking inventories, controlling stock and estimating production, as well as the organisation and/or carrying out of the administrative tasks necessary for the implementation of these activities. Knowledge of organisation, control and management techniques is essential for carrying out these activities.

Genome sequencing technician

Laboratory maintenance technician

Animal Research Facility Technician

Pharmaceutical laboratory technician

Chemical Laboratory Technician

• Work hours

  The work day may be part or full time, either intensive or split shift.

• Salary

  Gross salary ranges, on average, between 15.417 and 20.095 euros a year, depending on a candidate's experience. Median: 17.588 euros annum gross.
  
  Source: Report "Observatory of Jobs and Salaries of the Labour Market. Barcelona Activa", elaborated by ICSA Grupo. April 2015.

• Professional category

  Technician