Technicians Under the Microscope with Ellie Wiffen
WolfLabs is putting technicians under the microscope!
This time, we’re featuring Ellie Wiffen, a laboratory technician in Swansea University Biosciences.
Read on to discover Ellie’s career journey, biggest challenges, and advice for aspiring technicians.
1. Can you tell us about your current role?
I currently work as a laboratory technician in Swansea University Biosciences. My role involves supporting practical teaching sessions, preparing reagents and equipment, maintaining lab standards, and ensuring everything runs safely and smoothly for students. I also support maintaining research labs across biosciences and offer lab inductions and training on lab equipment for undergraduate, postgraduate, PhD, postdocs and academic staff.
2. What inspired you to become a technician?
After working in more desk-based roles, I realised I found lab work far more fulfilling. I enjoy being hands-on, solving problems, and seeing tangible results at the end of the day. My workload is mostly lab-based (around 80% lab and 20% office during term time), which gives me a great balance of practical work and organisation without it ever feeling boring.
3. What has been your biggest challenge so far?
Balancing multiple requests in a timely way has been the biggest challenge. I can be setting up for practical sessions while a research group needs support at the same time. It’s made me much better at multitasking and prioritising, but it’s a skill you have to learn- staying calm under pressure and working efficiently without compromising on quality is essential.
4. What advice would you give to someone interested in becoming a technician?
Be organised, stay curious, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. You also have to learn to enjoy repetitive tasks- they’re a big part of the job. A good podcast, playlist, or even a lab partner to chat with makes a huge difference and brings an element of enjoyment to the work, which is important long-term.
5. What are your plans over the next five years?
I’d love to continue developing as a technician by building more skills and qualifications through training courses. Long-term, I’d like to take on more responsibility and become a mentor within my role, supporting new technicians and students as they gain confidence in the lab.
6. What does a typical day look like for you?
No day looks the same, but during term time you can expect organising technical notes, setting up trays for practical labs, waste management, lots of cleaning, and coordinating with research groups. It’s a busy role, but it keeps things varied and fast-paced.
7. What’s the most surprising thing about being a technician that people might not know?
Even if you train in a specific area, you quickly become very versatile across disciplines. You build knowledge across a wide range of biosciences, and people from all areas come to technicians for advice or support. Even if it’s not your exact speciality, you usually have enough experience to help get things set up and running.
8. What do you enjoy most about your job?
One of the best parts is working with so many different people- students, academics, researchers, and technicians, all with different backgrounds and goals. Every day is interesting because you’re constantly meeting new people while still working with familiar faces.
9. What song best describes your lab life?
“I’d Do Anything for Love (But I Won’t Do That)” – Meat Loaf
Because technicians will go above and beyond to support everyone… but there are still rules. No unlabelled samples, no unsafe shortcuts, and no breaking protocol!
10. What’s your favourite piece of lab equipment and why?
I’d have to say the seripettor. It’s such a simple tool, but it saves so much time. Anything that makes repetitive filling quicker and easier is a win, and every technician appreciates equipment that makes processes more efficient!
If you would like to feature in our Scientists/Technicians under the Microscope, get in touch at sales@wolflabs.co.uk
