Interview prep for lab tech position

  • Context: Job Skills 
  • Thread starter Thread starter efekwulsemmay
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Interview Lab Position
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around preparing for an interview for a Science Lab Tech position at a community college. Participants explore potential interview questions and the responsibilities associated with the role, focusing on chemistry knowledge and laboratory safety standards.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Homework-related
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • The original poster expresses concern about their chemistry knowledge and seeks help in anticipating interview questions.
  • One participant suggests specific questions that may be asked, including dilution calculations and safety information retrieval for unknown chemicals.
  • The original poster provides a detailed list of job duties, highlighting the importance of safety standards, laboratory maintenance, and communication with instructors.
  • The original poster later shares that they did not receive the position, indicating that the interview focused heavily on OSHA and safety standards, which they felt unprepared for.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that preparation for safety-related questions is crucial, but the original poster's experience indicates a lack of consensus on the emphasis placed on safety standards during the interview process.

Contextual Notes

The original poster's preparation was limited by their unfamiliarity with specific safety standards and the nature of the interview questions, which may not have been fully anticipated based on the job description.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals preparing for lab technician interviews, especially those with a focus on safety standards and laboratory procedures.

efekwulsemmay
Messages
53
Reaction score
0
Ok so I have my AA in General Studies, Science Emphasis and I applied for and have scheduled an interview for a job entitled Science Lab Tech out at my local community college where I graduated.

I know the interview will be with a commity and I have been told that I won't be able to fake any chemistry questions posed to me. I am trying to study for it and think of interview questions that might be asked but am very rusty when it comes to chemistry and am having trouble thinking of questions they would ask.

Any help would be appreciated.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Of course we can't know exactly what will be asked of you, but I'd be ready for questions such as these:

You have 1 liter of 5 M solution of NaOH, and you need to make 2 liters of 0.5 M NaOH. How do you do that?

What equipment have you worked with?

You have a chemical that you have not worked with before. How do you find information about it, such as what safety equipment you need to wear?
 
Thanks :) I understand that you wouldn't know what exactly will be asked but it helps to have ideas. Probably should have posted a small exerpt of the duties summery to give a better idea too.

This is a list from the job description of duties I will be required to perform.

1. Set up and break down daily laboratory activities as requested. Ensure OSHA standards for lab safety are met and maintained. Responsible for proper function of equipment. Arrange for equipment repairs as needed.
2. Responsible for maintaining laboratory cleanliness including disinfecting procedures and accurate inventory of laboratory supplies and assist in reordering as necessary. May be required to care for laboratory animals in biology labs – clean cages/ tanks, feed animals, monitor health.
3. Communicate with lecture instructor to meet student needs. Handle sensitive information and confidential records and materials in compliance with state and federal regulations.
4. Follow a written experimental procedure offered by the lecture instructor to plan and make up necessary reagents and solutions needed for the procedure prior to the start of the laboratory session.
5. Responsible for maintaining up-to-date Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS).
6. Organize and maintain science labs. Routine duties include washing glassware; wiping lab benches; putting materials away properly; proper microscope maintenance; and assisting students when needed.
7. May supervise student workers.
8. Adhere to college, federal and state administrative procedures, guidelines, initiatives and directives to ensure compliance with all relevant regulations affecting college operations, health and safety.
9. Perform other tasks of a similar nature or level as assigned.

I appreciate any and all help I recieve.
 
As a follow up to let everyone know: I didn't receive the position and the interview mainly focused on OSHA and other safety standards that I was unfamiliar with and couldn't have truly prepared for unless I had known that it was going to be incorporated as a larger chunk of importance of the interview than I thought it would be. Thank you lisab for your input and time in the attempt to help me better prepare. Hopefully my next application to the science field goes better than this one did.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
3K
  • · Replies 80 ·
3
Replies
80
Views
6K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
5K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
4K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
4K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K