Recruiter's Glossary

Examples: PPE • Laboratory Information Management System • GC-MS

Incubator

Term from Laboratory Work industry explained for recruiters

An incubator is a specialized piece of laboratory equipment that creates and maintains specific conditions needed for scientific experiments and biological samples. It's like a highly controlled environment chamber that can regulate temperature, humidity, and other factors. Scientists and lab technicians use incubators to grow cells, cultures, and microorganisms, or to study how things develop under precise conditions. In laboratory job descriptions, experience with incubators often means the person knows how to properly use, monitor, and maintain these important pieces of equipment.

Examples in Resumes

Maintained and operated Incubator systems for cell culture growth

Monitored bacterial growth using Incubators in microbiology research

Calibrated and validated Laboratory Incubators for quality control procedures

Typical job title: "Laboratory Technicians"

Also try searching for:

Lab Technician Research Assistant Laboratory Assistant Cell Culture Technician Research Associate Microbiologist Laboratory Scientist

Where to Find Laboratory Technicians

Professional Organizations

Job Boards

Professional Networks

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How do you handle quality control for incubator operations in a laboratory setting?

Expected Answer: A senior technician should explain monitoring systems, documentation procedures, temperature mapping, and how to establish proper maintenance schedules. They should also mention training junior staff and troubleshooting equipment issues.

Q: What steps would you take if you noticed temperature fluctuations in an incubator containing critical samples?

Expected Answer: Should discuss systematic problem-solving: checking settings, calibration, documenting the issue, implementing backup procedures to protect samples, and coordinating with maintenance teams while keeping supervisors informed.

Mid Level Questions

Q: What are the key parameters you monitor when operating an incubator?

Expected Answer: Should mention temperature, humidity, CO2 levels if applicable, and explain how these affect sample growth. Should also discuss regular checking and recording of these parameters.

Q: How do you maintain sterile conditions in an incubator?

Expected Answer: Should explain cleaning procedures, sterilization methods, contamination prevention, and regular maintenance practices to ensure proper operation.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What safety procedures do you follow when using an incubator?

Expected Answer: Should demonstrate basic knowledge of safety protocols, proper handling of samples, use of personal protective equipment, and understanding of contamination risks.

Q: How do you record and document incubator readings?

Expected Answer: Should explain basic documentation practices, logging temperature and other readings, and understanding why maintaining records is important.