Vocational training

Were sciences your favourite subjects in school and do you enjoy working in a lab? You would like to study the microcosm of tiny organisms and promote leading medical research together with our scientists?

During your training to become a biology laboratory technician, you will get to know the different work methods to examine organisms – whether microorganisms, plants, animals or humans. You will help to develop medical products or diagnostic methods and gain insights into nature using various biochemical lab tests.

You will collect biological samples, such as blood, tissue, metabolic products or plant material, to prepare the experiments and then sort, label and store the samples in accordance with the applicable requirements. This is followed by the preparation of the samples for further analysis. If necessary, you will isolate certain elements, such as cells, and breed them in special culture media. Afterwards, you will carry out the planned experiments together with the scientists. In this case, your task might be to mix the prepared cells in chemical solutions and test their reactions. But your research subjects do not only include cells; you will also study DNA, proteins or tissue samples as part of your everyday work. You will examine and compare the structure of viruses or bacteria and study the interactions between drugs and organisms – in a test tube or in animal testing. In this process, you will gradually learn to routinely use various test methods and technical laboratory equipment, such as the electron microscope or the flow cytometer. You will patiently and carefully monitor and record the tests processes, record measured data and evaluate the results. To do that, you will work with computer-assisted analysis tools. Moreover, you will ensure compliance with the safety and hygiene provisions in the lab, you will maintain and calibrate laboratory equipment and ensure that there are always sufficient consumable supplies, such as pipettes or reaction tubes, for the experiments.

Sounds promising? Then put on your lab coat and discover how fascinating and diverse biology is as an occupation.

The most important information in a nutshell

This is what you will learn:

• everything you need to know about biology, biochemistry, botany and pharmacology,
• how to plan and prepare biochemical experiment projects,
• how to carry out and analyse practical examinations on microorganisms, plants and animals,
• which hygiene provisions have to be complied with in the laboratory,
• how to safely and responsibly handle chemical and, in part, hazardous substances and
• how to operate and maintain technical laboratory appliances.

This is what you can expect during vocational training

The vocational training program is a dual training; this means there are regular phases of instruction at the Meißen-Radebeul Vocational School Centre and practical training blocks at Fraunhofer IZI. During the vocational school phases in Radebeul, we assume the costs for your accommodation. The training lasts three and a half years, which can be shortened under certain preconditions. Our trainees are remunerated in line with the Collective Agreement for Public Service Trainees (TVAöD).

Requirements

• Secondary school leaving qualifications (e.g. GCSE), university of applied sciences entrance qualifications or general higher education entrance qualifications (e.g. A-levels) 
• Curiosity and enthusiasm for topics in biology, chemistry and physics
• Patience, care and precision in executing experiments, distinct responsibility and risk awareness as well as a methodical approach to analytical results 

This is what your day-to-day work as a biology lab technician / technical assistant could look like.

Do you combine a love of animals with a spirit of research and enjoy practical work? Are you interested in medicine and would you like to contribute to the development of new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for tomorrow's medicine?

During your vocational training as an animal care attendant specializing in "research and clinic", you will work in the Fraunhofer IZI's modern animal research center and, together with your colleagues, will be responsible for the species-appropriate keeping and best possible care of the animals. Mice and rats are kept in our animal house for the research departments of our institute. During your training, you will learn how to take optimum care of the animals and ensure that the applicable animal welfare and hygiene regulations are observed at all times.

In cooperation with the animal house staff, you will feed the animals, keep their cages clean and ensure that they are kept in a species-appropriate environment. Your tasks may also include rearing young animals. You will also assist with examinations of the animals, for example by weighing them, taking test materials such as blood or metabolic products and administering test substances. As you will acquire a lot of knowledge about the characteristics and behavior of the animals during your training, you will learn how to monitor the health of the animals and react appropriately in the event of any abnormalities. A little "paperwork" is also a must: You document the examination data of the animals and compliance with ethical standards of animal welfare and hygiene regulations on the PC.

Exactly yours? Then turn your passion into a profession and immerse yourself in the exciting world of animal husbandry!

The most important information in a nutshell

This is what you will learn:

• everything you need to know about the systematics, anatomy, physiology and behavior of animals
• how to keep, care for and breed laboratory animals in accordance with animal welfare regulations
• how to recognize and care for sick animals
• how you can participate in interventions on animals and their treatment
• which hygiene regulations must be observed in the animal husbandry sector and how to implement hygiene concepts
• how to monitor and document the condition of the animals
• how to operate high-tech equipment to examine the animals

This is what you can expect during vocational training

The vocational training program is a dual training; this means there are regular phases of instruction at the Peter Lenné School in Berlin-Zehlendorf and practical training blocks at the Fraunhofer IZI. During the vocational school phases in Berlin, we assume the costs for your accommodation. The training lasts three years, which can be shortened under certain preconditions. Our trainees are remunerated in line with the Collective Agreement for Public Service Trainees (TVAöD).

Requirements

• Secondary school leaving qualifications (e.g. GCSE), university of applied sciences entrance qualifications or general higher education entrance qualifications (e.g. A-levels)  
• A broad interest in biology, e.g. in behavioral research or animal breeding
• Sensitivity in dealing with animals, good observation skills and a sense of order and cleanliness