Laboratory Technician

Brief description of position: Reports to the Head of Department, Biological Sciences. To work in conjunction with Science teachers and other heads of Department. Ensure proper equipment of the college laboratory, able to prepare laboratory procedures for class experiments and examinations.

1) Interview Question: What five apparatus can you quickly identify immediately you enter a laboratory study room? Why is this question important? What type of information are you hoping to elicit from the candidate? It is important to examine the understanding of physical laboratory by the candidate and ability to identify the apparatus which are permanently fixed in laboratory study room. The candidate should be able to distinguish between the apparatus and reagents and identify apparatus usually locked in special stores and not easily accessible for reasons such as being delicate.

2) Interview Question: What is the first thing you or your students do immediately you enter in a laboratory room and why? Why is this question important? What type of information are you hoping to elicit from the candidate? The candidate should demonstrate a great sensitivity to laboratory precautions and therefore that ability must start right from the onset of laboratory experiment. The candidate is expected to give an answer that will ensure that the laboratory will be a safe place to stay in from the arrival time and also the period the experiment is planned to last.

3) Interview Question: What makes you consider yourself to be a qualified Science laboratory technician? Why is this question important? What type of information are you hoping to elicit from the candidate? The question is used to test the communication skills of the candidate especially confidence, clarity and certainty. It is also meant to determine the scope of knowledge of the candidate. Proficiency, competency and an elaboration of profession experience showing the candidate’s suitability for the position of a lab technician.

4) Interview Question: Briefly describe about five tests that have personally performed and the results that you managed obtain. Why is this question important? What type of information are you hoping to elicit from the candidate? The question is test the efficiency and ability to remember what is previously studied. This in turn will reveal the mastery of the job and also the candidate’s conversancy with what goes on in a research laboratory. The candidate is expected to correctly identify at least five procedures, the possible results obtained in form of observation and analysis of the results. The results obtained should also include at least one negative observation indicating a failed test and therefore try to give the reasons.

5) Interview Question: What will you do differently if you are carrying out a procedure for observation of erythrocytes gives a negative result? Why is this question important? What type of information are you hoping to elicit from the candidate? First, information about the candidate’s knowledge on cell biology. It also, tests the skills on manipulation of data, proper use of materials for various for the experiment of observing various cells and cell structures. The candidate is expected to portray a great skill in handling laboratory tests using various alternative methods or reagents.

6) Interview Question: During carrying out tests for laboratory procedures, it is necessary to keep records of the various tests carried out? Why is this question important? What type of information are you hoping to elicit from the candidate? There is need find out if the candidate understands that laboratory tests and procedures are repetitive and related in various aspects such as common use of reagents. Therefore, the candidate should vividly show the skill of comparing the procedures and their outcomes .The candidate is expected to give some of the benefits of the tests for science.

7) Interview Question: Briefly describe a lab procedure you carried out using a microscope. Why is this question important? What type of information are you hoping to elicit from the candidate? The question is important since it helps to know the ability of the candidate to use very common laboratory apparatus, whether the expected results can be obtained using the microscope and also the challenges faced when using the machine.

8) Interview Question: Describe a simple procedure for the extraction and isolation of DNA molecule from E. coli. Why is this question important? What type of information are you hoping to elicit from the candidate? The candidate needs to express his mastery of some of the procedures or techniques that take place in a college or university science laboratory. For that matter, the candidate is expected to mention in the correct order, the steps to be followed for successful extraction and isolation of the DNA molecule. Required for mention also are the right reagents and apparatus to be used in the procedure as well as the factors to be kept constant.

9) Interview Question: In the study of surgical procedures, describe your experience in handling some laboratory animals such as guinea pigs, rats and rabbits? Why is this question important? What type of information are you hoping to elicit from the candidate? The question aims to test the knowledge of the various legislations of careful handling of animals which are meant for research and how to prepare surgical procedures involving the animals. The candidate is expected to have substantial knowledge on the clauses that stipulate on the manner of handling these animals and also on how to acquire, keep and use them in surgical purposes.

10) Interview Question: You will be required to work independently in the preparation room for many hours. What experience do you have to prove that the position is going to be a difficult task for you? Why is this question important? What type of information are you hoping to elicit from the candidate? The question seeks to discover the ability of the candidate working independently and attitude towards working for long hours. At this juncture, the candidate is expected to highlight the experience or experience one has towards working independently and for along hours and this is supposed to be illustrated well from the credentials.