17 Analytical Lab Technician Interview Questions and Answers

An analytical lab technician is responsible for conducting laboratory tests to support scientific research. These technicians work in a variety of settings, including universities, pharmaceutical companies, and government agencies.

To become an analytical lab technician, you need to have a strong background in science and math. You also need to be able to use a variety of laboratory equipment. And, of course, you need to be able to communicate your findings clearly and concisely.

If you’re hoping to land a job as an analytical lab technician, you’ll need to be able to answer a range of interview questions. In this guide, we’ve compiled a list of common analytical lab technician interview questions and answers to help you prepare for your interview.

Are you familiar with the various types of microscopes used in the lab?

The interviewer may ask this question to assess your knowledge of the tools used in an analytical lab. Use your answer to highlight your understanding of microscopes and how you use them in your work.

Example: “I have experience using a variety of different types of microscopes, including compound light microscopes, polarizing light microscopes, electron microscopes and scanning electron microscopes. I find that each type of microscope has its own unique benefits for analyzing samples, so I try to use the most appropriate one for each situation. For example, when examining large objects or specimens, I prefer using a compound light microscope because it allows me to see both color and detail. When looking at smaller objects, however, I prefer using a scanning electron microscope because it can magnify things up to 200 times.”

What are some of the most important safety protocols you follow in the lab?

Interviewers may ask this question to make sure you understand the importance of safety in a lab environment. They want to know that you will follow all protocols and procedures, especially those related to safety. In your answer, explain what steps you take to ensure your own safety as well as the safety of others around you.

Example: “I always wear my protective eyewear when working with chemicals or handling samples. I also never eat or drink anything while performing any tests or experiments. I am aware that some substances can be dangerous if ingested, so I always wash my hands before leaving the lab at the end of the day.”

How would you handle a situation where you have to test a sample that you know has been tampered with?

Interviewers may ask this question to assess your analytical skills and how you would react in a challenging situation. In your answer, try to show that you can use your critical thinking skills to solve problems and make decisions.

Example: “In my previous role as an analytical lab technician, I had to test samples that were tampered with on several occasions. When this happened, I first tried to determine what the sample was originally before it was tampered with. If I couldn’t figure out what the original sample was, I would then analyze the sample for whatever elements or compounds it contained at that time. This allowed me to still provide accurate results even though the sample wasn’t exactly what it appeared to be.”

What is your process for handling and disposing of hazardous materials in the lab?

The interviewer may ask you this question to assess your knowledge of safety protocols in the lab. Use examples from your experience that show how you follow proper procedures for handling hazardous materials and disposing of them safely.

Example: “In my last role, I was responsible for identifying and disposing of all hazardous materials in the lab. For example, if a sample contained any toxic or flammable chemicals, I would dispose of it by placing it into an appropriate container and then storing it in a locked cabinet until disposal day. Then, I would transport the samples to our designated disposal facility where they were incinerated.”

Provide an example of a time when you had to conduct a complex experiment and explain how you ensured its success.

Interviewers may ask this question to assess your analytical skills and how you apply them in the workplace. When answering, it can be helpful to describe a specific experiment or project that you completed and explain what steps you took to ensure its success.

Example: “In my previous role as an analytical lab technician, I was responsible for testing samples of soil from different locations around the state. The company I worked for wanted to know which areas had the best soil conditions for growing crops. To complete this task, I first analyzed each sample’s pH levels, organic content and mineral composition. Then, I used these results to determine which areas were most suitable for farming.”

If hired, what would be your area of focus within our analytical lab?

This question is an opportunity to show your interviewer that you have done some research on the company and its operations. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention a specific project or initiative that the analytical lab has been working on recently.

Example: “I would focus my attention on helping the analytical lab achieve its goal of reducing the amount of time it takes for results to come back from testing samples by 50%. I’ve read about how the lab implemented new software that allows them to track test results in real-time, which will help reduce turnaround times. I think this is a great idea and would love to work with the team to implement similar solutions.”

What would you do if you noticed another lab technician was not following safety protocols?

Interviewers may ask this question to assess your ability to work as part of a team. In your answer, you can describe how you would approach the situation and what steps you would take to help ensure that all lab technicians are following safety protocols.

Example: “If I noticed another lab technician was not following safety protocols, I would first speak with them privately about my concerns. If they continued to disregard protocol after our conversation, I would report it to my supervisor so that they could address the issue. As an analytical lab technician, it is important for us to follow safety protocols because we have access to dangerous chemicals and equipment. It’s also our responsibility to make sure other lab technicians are following these protocols.”

How well do you follow written and verbal instructions?

This question can help interviewers assess your ability to work independently and follow instructions. Use examples from previous experiences where you had to rely on written or verbal instructions to complete a task successfully.

Example: “In my current role as an analytical lab technician, I am responsible for following all of the steps outlined in our standard operating procedures when performing tests. This includes everything from calibrating equipment to recording data. In my last position, I was also responsible for following the directions of my supervisor regarding which samples to test and how to perform each test.”

Do you have any experience using chromatographs?

This question can help interviewers understand your experience with chromatographs and how you use them. If you have no experience using chromatographs, consider describing a time when you used similar equipment to analyze samples.

Example: “I’ve never worked in an analytical lab before, but I did work as a research assistant for my chemistry professor during college. My job was to collect data from the experiments we ran on chromatographs. I learned how to operate the machines and interpret the results they produced. This helped me learn more about what it means to be an analytical lab technician.”

When analyzing samples, do you prefer to work independently or in a team?

Analytical lab technicians often work independently, but they may also collaborate with other lab technicians or scientists. Employers ask this question to learn more about your interpersonal skills and how you might fit into their team. In your answer, try to explain that you are comfortable working both independently and collaboratively. Explain what steps you take to ensure the quality of your work while collaborating with others.

Example: “I am a very independent person, so I prefer to work on my own when analyzing samples. However, I understand that collaboration is important for ensuring accuracy in our work. To balance independence and collaboration, I always double-check my results after working with another technician. This helps me make sure that we have analyzed all samples correctly.”

We want to improve our testing methods to be more efficient and accurate. If you had to pick one area to focus on, what would it be?

This question is a great way to see how analytical and critical thinking skills are used in the workplace. It also shows that you’re willing to take on challenges and improve processes for the betterment of the company. When answering this question, try to pick an area that you have experience with or would like to learn more about.

Example: “I think it’s important to always be learning new testing methods and techniques. I’d focus on improving our current methodologies by researching new ways to test samples and implement new technology into our lab.”

Describe your process for handling and storing samples.

This question can help interviewers understand your attention to detail and how you handle samples in the lab. Use examples from previous work experience to explain how you handled samples, including any specific processes or procedures you used for handling samples.

Example: “I always make sure to label all samples with a permanent marker before storing them in their appropriate containers. I also use color-coded labels on each sample container so that anyone who handles the samples knows what they are looking at. This helps me avoid mistakes when working with multiple samples at once. In my last role, I was responsible for labeling and organizing samples every day, which helped me get into a routine of consistently following these steps.”

What makes you an ideal candidate for this lab technician position?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your qualifications and how you can contribute to their team. Before your interview, make a list of all the skills and experiences that make you an ideal candidate for this position. Consider including any certifications or education credentials you have as well as any previous work experience.

Example: “I am passionate about science and enjoy working in a lab environment. I also have several years of experience working as an analytical lab technician, which has given me valuable insight into what it takes to succeed in this role. My communication skills are excellent, and I am always willing to help others with their questions. These skills make me an ideal candidate for this position.”

Which analytical tests do you commonly perform?

This question can help the interviewer determine your level of experience in an analytical lab. Use your answer to highlight your expertise and knowledge by mentioning a few tests you perform regularly, along with their purpose.

Example: “In my previous role as an analytical lab technician, I performed several different types of tests including pH testing, colorimetric analysis and titration. These tests are important for measuring the quality of products like food and beverages, ensuring that they meet industry standards. For example, when performing pH testing, I would measure the acidity or alkalinity of a product using litmus paper. This test is used to ensure that products have the right amount of acidity.”

What do you think is the most important aspect of your job as an analytical lab technician?

This question can help interviewers understand what you value about your work and how it impacts the lab. Your answer should show that you are passionate about your job, but also highlight some of your technical skills.

Example: “I think the most important aspect of my job is ensuring that all of our results are accurate. I take pride in my ability to use my analytical skills to ensure that we’re testing samples correctly and using the right equipment. It’s rewarding to know that my work helps doctors make better decisions for their patients.”

How often do you perform tests on samples?

This question can help interviewers understand how much experience you have with analytical lab testing. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention a specific test that you perform often and the steps involved in performing the test.

Example: “In my previous role as an analytical lab technician, I performed tests on samples every day. In fact, I was responsible for running all of the daily tests at my company. The most common type of test I performed was pH testing, which is used to measure the acidity or alkalinity of a substance. To perform this test, I would first calibrate my equipment and then add the sample to the solution. After waiting for the color change, I would record the results.”

There is a discrepancy between your results and another lab technician’s results. How do you handle this?

This question is an opportunity to show your problem-solving skills and ability to work with others. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention a specific situation where you had to resolve a discrepancy between two lab technicians’ results.

Example: “In my previous role as an analytical lab technician, I worked alongside another lab technician who was new to the job. One day, we were testing for lead in water samples when he accidentally switched our test tubes. He used my sample while I used his. We both realized what happened after running the tests. Instead of letting the mistake affect our overall productivity, we decided to retest all of the samples that day. This helped us learn from our mistakes and improve our processes moving forward.”