Barcelona City Council | Capital humà

Laboratory assistant; Laboratory technician

The purpose of in vitro techniques is to describe the effects of an experimental variable introduced for a particular product (biological, pharmaceutical, cosmetics, etc.) in a subset of the constitutional components of an organism such as organs, tissues, cells, cellular components, proteins and/or receptors, which can be carried out in test tubes, petri dishes or wells to carry out high-performance, automated assays (HTS - High Throughput Screening). The in-vitro testing technician is the person in charge of carrying out this kind of assay to assess pharmacological or therapeutic effects, establish the action mechanisms involved, potential toxicity, and means of distribution and excretion (ADME-T studies: absorption-distribution-metabolism-excretion and toxicity) of new drugs or cosmetics. These tests reduce the time and cost involved in the study of new product and the number of animal studies (although these are not a substitute, seeing as animal studies are required by law in order to guarantee safety in patients). Any company wishing to initiate the costly process of developing a new product therefore needs data to support this decision and allow the maximisation of investments.

• Conduct experiments according to the protocol and study design established with the main research scientist or head of department.
• Prepare the materials and equipment required to carry out the various necessary tests and daily calibrations.
• Obtain experimental results, to be discussed and reviewed with the person in charge.
• In the case of cell culture laboratories, he/she must ensure that the intrinsic quality of cell lines is maintained and cell growth rates controlled.
• Stay informed as to the appearance of new technologies.
• Suggest improvements for standard testing protocols.
• Must often work under special conditions such as Good Laboratory Practive (GLP) or other pharmaceutical standards.
• Draw up the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) required to work in GLP conditions under the supervision of the person in charge of the department and according to criteria established by the quality assurance department.
  

Regulated training and graduates

• Professionalism Certificate: Microbiological and biotechnological tests (Level 3)
• Professional Training Course(s) in the field of Health - Advanced level: Clinical and biomedical laboratory, professional profile in research
• Grau: Química
• Grau: Bioquímica
• Grau: Biologia
• Grau: Biotecnologia
• Grau: Farmàcia

Other specific skills

Knowledge of English: high level.
Computer literacy (word processors, databases, etc.): user level.

Analytical thought: Level 2

Orientation within reach: Level 2

Concern for order and quality: Level 2

Communication: Level 2

Team work and cooperation: 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.

Chemical library manager

Pharmaceutical chemist

Peptide and oligonucleotide synthesis specialist

Pharmaceutical regulation technician

Crystallography technician

• Work hours

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

• Salary

  Average gross salaries ranges from 18,000 to 30,000 Euros per annum, depending on experience.