Where Can I Find Entry Level Lab Tech Jobs?

[APHELION]

I'm trying to acquire an entry level lab tech/analyst position but have had very little correspondence from prospective employers. Currently, I only hold an associate's degree as a Biological Technician and am still a few years away from graduating with my B.S. in Biochemistry. My professional background is based in litigation support so when I submit my resume to these companies I stress my coursework, degree and technical aptitude as much as possible. I realize there are such things as internships for undergrads but I find it hard to believe that I couldn't at least find a low paying lab job just to gain some experience in a lab environment. Does anyone have any advice as to different approaches I could take or areas to look in? Thanks in advance!

 

[fss]

Are you currently a full-time student?

 

[APHELION]

3/4 time actually.

 

[lisab]

I worked as a lab tech when I was in school - it's a great way to get real world experience and references. The best way I found to get those jobs is through a temp agency - specifically, one that specializes in science/engineering placements.

In fact I was just reading that temp hiring is on the upswing. Companies need workers now, but aren't ready yet to commit to permanent hires until the economy turns around.

 

[fss]

If you're a student, your professors might run labs and be willing to hire students on a part time basis.

 

[chill_factor]

get connections. i was a QC analyst in a chemical plant as a temp. do you have experience working on any common instruments (HPLC, GCMS are the most common), management experience, process engineering experience, maintenance or significant microscopy time?

i'd say, look for postings in your chemistry department's board, that's where i found my position, and emphasize your skill in 1 instrument. you should try to become an expert on at least 1 type of instrument, maybe not methodology development but at least be able to operate it completely independently (including maintainance) and be able to write good reports with excel.

 

[APHELION]

Thank you all for the replies. I plan to try the temp agency and university routes and see what I can find. In the meantime I will take your advice chill factor and start sharpening my skills on the different instruments along with excel.

 

[SbF5]

Another place to look is at public utilities (water & wastewater). They usually have labs or need someone who can run some basic tests. You can also go the medical lab route and see if Lab Corp or some similar place has jobs near you.

As an aside, I'd consider taking more math or computer science classes if you can. Anything that moves away from the bench will require these skills (and pays more money because it is actually useful). I'd also encourage you to consider options beyond a BS in BioChem. In my opinion, degrees like this are useless unless you want to make 35 K per year, want to go to law or med school etc. or want a PhD.