Biomaterials Technician

Two hands piecing together plastic pieces representing molecules

Helping to develop new materials from faux leather to plastics, which could be used in places from fashion to healthcare

How this role makes a difference

Biomaterials are substances that are engineered to interact with biological systems. They include metals, ceramics, glass and polymers and can be found in items such as heart valves, artificial joints, contact lenses and dental implants. New uses for biomaterials are continually being developed.

Biomaterials laboratories play an important part in these scientific advances. The labs study how different materials can be used and whether materials can be combined. You could be the technician who helps to find a new application which is a better treatment of an injury or a device that helps keep people alive.

The kind of work you’ll do

Carrying out repeat experiments
Data capture and record keeping
Checking findings against standards, highlighting any differences
Evaluating data
Formulating and reporting evidence
Collaborating with the lab team and other scientific research colleagues
Helping researchers plan and carry out their scientific work

Useful skills

Attention to detail

Skills & attributes

Useful skills

Problem solving

Skills & attributes

What you can bring to the role

An understanding of basic laboratory techniques

Some knowledge of chemistry, physics or life sciences

An ability to focus and capture detailed information accurately

Confidence working with numbers and mathematical concepts

An ability to define or identify a complex problem and arrive at possible solutions

Effective at adapting what you’re doing when situations change

This role could also be right for you if you have any of the following interests:
- science
- exploring problems and finding answers
- animals and nature

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Average salary per year *

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Average salary per month *

Data powered by LMI for all
*according to ONS

Future career opportunities

Your technician role will give you skills that are transferrable to many kinds of laboratories, so you could decide to work in several different sectors or in specific areas of biomaterials.

Over time, you will have the experience to manage a team and could become a lab manager.

How to get into this role

There’s no perfect career path or ideal way into your dream job. But if you're interested in education and training options that could be relevant to this role, you might want to consider:

A T-level in Science after you finish your GCSEs.
An apprenticeship as a Laboratory Technician after finishing school or college.

Schools and colleges each have their own career guidance plan and can provide detailed information, advice, and guidance on options and next steps.

A little more about the role

Exciting features...

There are extensive research possibilities in biomaterials, with combinations of materials being a main area of focus. Scientists want to understand whether composites – materials with a mix of properties from metals, ceramics, glass and polymers – can offer a range of benefits at the same time and solve more medical challenges.

Other job titles...

This role can also be known by some other job titles including:

Analytical Support Chemist
Technical Support Scientist
Microbiology Support Scientist
Process Development Technologist
Laboratory Assistant
Senior Laboratory Technician
Assistant Scientist
Technical Specialist (Scientist)
Quality Control Laboratory Assistant,
Laboratory Co-ordinator
Technical Laboratory Assistant
Laboratory Analyst
Laboratory Research Assistant