"In my current role, I assist undergraduates with their experiments by setting up different pieces of apparatus around the lab and providing the equipment they will need. I will also provide technical support by showing them various techniques and how to use equipment.

I assist the team with ordering certain chemicals that are used for experiments and making up various solutions.

Another important aspect of my role is ensuring that health and safety is maintained throughout the lab and ensuring that the equipment in the lab is set up and used safely."

"I started as a lab technician apprentice at Queens University Belfast, in the Wellcome Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine (WWIEM) in September 2023, since then I have had the opportunity to work in various departments. I began working in stores, meeting many people within the building and learning the processes of ordering and stock replenishment."

"I've been with Queen's now since September 2023. I'm based within the Geography department but regularly provide assistance to colleagues within Paleoecology and Archeology. My day to day role varies, from providing technical support to PhD students, to participating in research, to general laboratory support and maintenance.  

In the near future, I'm excited to be involved in some new research projects including PIPEs with Professor Graeme Swindles. This project will look improving the understanding of the release of pollutants from peatlands as a result of climate change. Within the next few weeks I will be gaining some skills in dendrochronology."

"My role is to keep the lab tidy and to assist the students and academics with preparing samples and by testing samples from industry.  In the first picture I am using the Triaxle machine to test the load the sample can take before it fails. In the second picture I am removing the sample from a bore hole tube that has to go through various tests for industry, and in the final picture I am checking the mass of the sample before it is heated in the oven at 110 degrees, after 24 hours it will be weighed again and the moisture content can be calculated."

"I am currently a trainee analytical technician apprentice for analytical services in the School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering at Queen's. My role is to support students, research, and academic staff by performing requested analytical techniques such as: Hydrogen Peroxide fusion of metals to be analysed by inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). Performing maintenance of CHN elemental analysis analyser, this machine detects Carbon, Hydrogen, Nitrogen, and Sulfur. Interpreting of data derived from Thermogravimetric analysis. This measures the change in mass as a function of temperature or time, as the temperature is changed in a controlled atmosphere (TGA)."

"I began my time as an Apprentice Lab Technician in the School of Pharmacy in teaching labs, contributing to the smooth operation of Formulation classes. It was great to interact with students and see the teaching process from a new perspective. As well as this, I have many other duties such as solvent and clinical waste disposal, testing of equipment to ensure it is operational and preparation for classes. Recently I have been given the opportunity to work in research labs, ensuring they are kept clean and run smoothly. I am looking forward to developing the skills I’ve acquired as well as learning new ones."

"I joined Queen's in September 2024 as an Apprentice Technician in the Material Characterization Lab within the School of Natural and Built Environment. My primary responsibility is to support students, researchers, and academics with a range of testing methods to support their research endeavours.

This involves sample preparation, testing and the use of analytical techniques. My work covers both student and industrial collaborations, predominantly focused on concrete/cementitious materials."