MSL60118 Advanced Diploma of Laboratory Operations
The Advanced Diploma of Laboratory Operations offers training in the coordination of day-to-day laboratory operations. Occupational outcomes targeted by this qualification include laboratory supervisors, senior technical officers and similar personnel.
Senior technicians or laboratory supervisors are generally responsible for the planning, allocation of tasks, coordination, quality assurance, recording and reporting of laboratory outputs within their section. This requires significant judgement about work sequences, choice of appropriate technology and procedures to ensure that products and services meet customer expectations and are provided safely and efficiently in keeping with enterprise business plan. Under broad direction from scientists/medical staff/engineers they accept responsibility for the day-to-day operation of the work area.
They are often responsible for the effective implementation of operational policies and the technical training of personnel in their work area. They also contribute significantly to the development of these policies through the application of specialised technical knowledge.
The work of laboratory supervisors involves frequent peak periods, multiple and competing demands and frequent interruptions. Immediate decisions are often required. They must be adaptable to deal with the demands brought about by any of a number of causes. For example:
- a range of demanding clients, suppliers or contractors
- changes in technology
- regularly changing priorities.
They may also undertake a range of complex technical tasks. For example:
- conducting a wide range of complex and specialised tests
- exercising considerable analytical and judgement skills to determine appropriate methods and procedures from a range of alternatives
- modifying methods to cope with non-routine tests and analyses where unusual samples could be involved and/or where the instrumental controls require optimisation
- developing or adapting methods and procedures.
In the course of their normal work, they:
- plan, allocate and monitor resources for their work area and are responsible for their work group’s outputs
- apply in-depth technical knowledge and skills to deliver the variety of products and services associated with the work area
- explain complex instructions and procedures to others
- define and solve complex problems by investigating, developing and testing alternatives in response to vague or ill-defined information which is not readily accessible and requires selective analysis
- make significant contributions to the development of technical and operational policy and procedures within a function or work area
- liaise with outside organisations, customers, suppliers and contractors on technical matters
- provide technical information to internal and external customers
- often provide workplace training and assessment
- implement, maintain and promote work health and safety (WHS), quality and other compliance requirements and conduct audits
- work under the general direction of laboratory or quality managers, or scientific/medical personnel.
Careers in Laboratory
An example of the work of a laboratory supervisor:
- A laboratory supervisor in a large water and sewerage utility company has been a senior technical officer for more than five years. The officer supervises technical personnel in the environmental testing section, monitors the quality of their work, oversees their training and ensures that regulatory and NATA requirements are met. The officer assists with the planning of the section’s work program and advises management and customers about test schedules, results and methodology.
Entry Requirements
Entrants must have been awarded a Diploma of Laboratory Technology or be able to demonstrate equivalent competency, and have had an appropriate period of relevant employment at an occupational level commensurate with the Diploma of Laboratory Technology.
Please note that there is a selection of elective units to choose from. Alternative combinations of units may be selected and in some cases prerequisite units may need to be completed. For more advice contact FS Alliance or go to : https://training.gov.au/Search