Research Technician Onboarding Checklist

Research Technician Onboarding Process

Are you looking for help setting up a staff orientation process so that when your new Research Technician starts their role, they can learn about their responsibilities and your company as quickly as possible? Whether you’re keen to use buddy onboarding, want to automate your Science onboarding experience or just need an onboarding checklist for your new Research Technician, you’re in the right place. We’ve put together a sample Research Technician onboarding checklist below and have created onboarding templates & resources to help.

Research Technician Onboarding Checklist

1. Orientation: The research technician attends an orientation session to familiarize themselves with the company’s policies, procedures, and safety protocols. This task is typically performed by the human resources department or a designated onboarding specialist.

2. Lab Tour: The technician is given a comprehensive tour of the laboratory facilities, including an introduction to the equipment, instruments, and resources available. This task is usually conducted by a senior scientist or lab manager.

3. Introduction to Team: The technician is introduced to their immediate team members, including fellow technicians, scientists, and supervisors. This allows them to establish relationships and understand their roles within the team. The team leader or supervisor typically performs this task.

4. Training on Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs): The technician receives training on the specific SOPs relevant to their role, such as sample handling, data recording, and equipment maintenance. This training is usually conducted by a senior technician or scientist.

5. Safety Training: The technician undergoes safety training, including instruction on handling hazardous materials, emergency procedures, and proper use of personal protective equipment. This training is typically conducted by a safety officer or designated safety trainer.

6. Equipment Familiarization: The technician is trained on the operation and maintenance of laboratory equipment and instruments they will be using regularly. This training is often provided by a senior technician or equipment specialist.

7. Introduction to Research Projects: The technician is briefed on the ongoing research projects within the company, including their objectives, methodologies, and expected outcomes. This task is typically performed by the principal investigator or project lead.

8. Data Management Training: The technician receives training on data management protocols, including data entry, organization, and storage. This training may be conducted by a data manager or senior scientist.

9. Quality Control and Assurance Training: The technician is trained on quality control and assurance procedures to ensure accuracy and reliability of experimental results. This training is usually provided by a quality control specialist or senior scientist.

10. Introduction to Laboratory Software: The technician is introduced to any specialized software or computer programs used for data analysis, experimental design, or laboratory management. This training may be conducted by an IT specialist or a designated software trainer.

11. Ethical Guidelines and Compliance: The technician is educated on ethical guidelines and compliance regulations relevant to their research field, such as human subjects’ protection or animal welfare. This training is typically provided by an ethics committee or compliance officer.

12. Communication and Collaboration Training: The technician receives training on effective communication and collaboration within the research team, including regular meetings, reporting structures, and project updates. This training may be conducted by a project manager or team leader.

13. Documentation and Record-Keeping: The technician is trained on proper documentation and record-keeping practices, including maintaining a laboratory notebook, recording experimental details, and archiving data. This training is typically provided by a senior technician or scientist.

14. Troubleshooting and Problem-Solving: The technician receives training on troubleshooting common issues that may arise during experiments or equipment operation, as well as problem-solving techniques. This training may be conducted by a senior technician or scientist.

15. Performance Expectations and Evaluation: The technician is informed about the company’s performance expectations, evaluation processes, and any performance metrics or goals they are expected to meet. This task is typically performed by the supervisor or human resources department.

16. Mentorship Program: The technician is assigned a mentor, usually a more experienced technician or scientist, who provides guidance, support, and advice throughout their onboarding process and beyond. The mentorship program is typically coordinated by the human resources department or a designated mentorship coordinator.

17. Introduction to Company Culture: The technician is introduced to the company’s culture, values, and mission, helping them understand the overall vision and goals of the organization. This task may be performed by the human resources department or a senior executive.

18. Professional Development Opportunities: The technician is informed about professional development opportunities, such as workshops, conferences, or training programs, that can enhance their skills and knowledge in their field. This information is typically provided by the human resources department or a designated professional development coordinator.

19. Benefits and Compensation: The technician is provided with information about their benefits package, including health insurance, retirement plans, and any other perks or incentives offered by the company. This task is typically performed by the human resources department or a benefits specialist.

20. Performance Review Schedule: The technician is informed about the company’s performance review schedule, including when and how performance evaluations will be conducted. This information is typically provided by the human resources department or the supervisor

Setting Up Your Employee Onboarding Process

From reading through the items in the example Research Technician checklist above, you’ll now have an idea of how you can apply best practices to getting your new Research Technician up to speed and working well in your Science team. Scroll up to see the link to our onboarding templates & resources or get in touch to discuss getting help setting up your systems and processes in this area.