Finding the Right Lab Assistant: Key Traits to Look For/Interview Questions

According to seasoned lab professionals, these are the most important considerations:

Previous Lab Experience 

Hands-on experience handling lab equipment, chemicals, and processes is extremely valuable even if not directly transferable. Familiarity working in a scientific setting breeds safety-conscious habits and comfort learning technical tools. Consider candidates from various backgrounds like manufacturing, food service, and healthcare where transferable skills intersect.

Accountability 

A good lab assistant has discipline, responsibility, and maturity guiding their work ethic. They show up on time, follow instructions, complete assigned tasks, and track details without constant oversight. Look for indications of accountability in their past roles and evaluate their level of independence. Can they self-direct when needed?

Cooking/Kitchen Skills 

Look for lab assistant candidates with cooking skills from home or commercial kitchens. Safety awareness, timing, multi-tasking, and attention to surroundings transfer. Experience safely handling hot items and following strict protocols breeds the same caretaking mentality needed in a lab setting with hazardous equipment and chemicals. Kitchen veterans translate process diligence and caution to laboratories.

Safety-First Mentality 

Working intelligently and carefully is vital when handing hazardous substances and equipment. Ask behavior-based questions to assess safety acumen. For example: “Tell me about a time you had to make a safety-related decision in the workplace. What was the situation and outcome?” Take note if they merely follow protocol versus demonstrate vigilance.

Communication Skills 

From asking clarifying questions to keeping meticulous notes, an assistant must communicate clearly while collaborating in a team environment. Ensure through interview responses and their resume that they can converse professionally via verbal and written means.

Judgement Under Pressure 

While serious incidents are rare, assess candidates’ ability to use logic and maintain composure when tensions run high. Again, behavioral questions help uncover fit: “Describe a high-pressure situation you faced and how you responded to it.” Take notice if they keep their cool.

Technical Capabilities 

Evaluate equipment knowledge and information system abilities like experience with Laboratory Information Management Systems. Pose open-ended questions about instruments you use, allowing them time to demonstrate their depth of expertise. Consider ramp-up time based on current skill level.

Cultural Alignment

Make sure candidate personalities and priorities align reasonably well with company values for optimal retention and group cohesion. Suss out work styles, motivations for applying and compatibility. Ask lots of “why” questions and watch for enthusiasm signals.

Attention to Detail

A lab assistant needs sharp observational skills to notice subtle changes in experiments and materials, catch errors, and maintain safety standards. Assess attention to detail by reviewing a candidate's resume for mistakes and questioning their ability to follow detailed instructions and produce precise documentation. Look for signs they will translate vigilance into keeping careful notes and flagging quality issues early as an extra safeguard.

DJ Skills

For when your lab-work gets monotonous...okay, maybe this isn't neccessary, just a plus...