Entry Level: BioTech
Testing Product Formulation
Simulation vetted by professionals from start-ups in Greater St Louis
Industry Job Title:
Research Lab Associate/Technician
Associated Simulation Library:
Background
Nearly every material developed for commercial use has to undergo some form of mechanical testing before it can begin large-scale manufacturing and, eventually, land on shelves for consumers. Mechanical testing helps to determine whether a material is strong enough for its intended application and whether certain changes in the formulation improve or worsen its performance.
One of the most common methods for quantitative mechanical testing is tensile testing, in which a sample is slowly pulled apart at a controlled rate until it breaks. During the test, the instrument records the applied force and the material’s elongation. These measurements can be used to calculate important mechanical properties such as tensile strength or Young’s modulus.
Universal testing machines are equipped with two adjustable clamps to grip the sample and that can drive up or down to evaluate the tensile or compressive strength of the material. The data received can be used to monitor the effects of formulaic changes in a material’s mechanical properties.
-
The maximum stretching force that can be exerted on the sample before it breaks.
-
A mechanical property that describes the maximum stretching force that can be exerted on a material before it breaks. This value equals the maximum force per cross-sectional area and can be easily compared between materials.
-
The percentage increase in a material’s length before it snaps. A higher value indicates a more flexible, ductile material.
-
A property used in materials research to describe the overall stiffness of a material. This value is calculated by dividing stress by strain.
Common Vocabulary
(expand each entry for full definition)
The Process
Review sample IDs and inspect samples for visible defects.
Measure and record sample dimensions (width, thickness, and gauge length) to ensure consistency.
Secure the sample in the clamps, but not too tightly—damage to the sample will create a weak point and invalidate the test.
Review that testing parameters are correct (test method, speed, and sample dimensions).
Run the tensile test and observe the sample until it breaks.
Record the results.
Repeat the test for the remaining samples and compare results between formulations.
Calculate desired values (such as tensile strength or Young’s modulus) from your data.
Compare results between formulations to determine which material best meets the desired performance.
Resources
Understanding Young’s Modulus Video
The Exercise
You are a laboratory technician working at a startup lab developing biodegradable polymer materials. Your team has produced three experimental formulations altering the acid: epoxy ratio and needs to determine which formulation provides the greatest elongation while maintaining mechanical strength.
Your responsibility is to review tensile testing data, calculate tensile strength, and identify which formulation should move forward for further development.
Task 1 – Review Testing Parameters
Review the testing parameters and calculate the cross-sectional area (Cross-sectional area = width x thickness) of the sample type. Use this spreadsheet to find the experimental data and track your calculations.
Task 2 – Calculate Tensile Strength of Samples
Determine the tensile strength of each sample. To calculate tensile strength, divide the maximum force the sample can withstand by the cross-sectional area calculated in Task 1 (Tensile strength (MPa) = Maximum force (N) / cross-sectional area). Take note of any outliers.
Task 3 – Compare each Formulation and Make a Recommendation
Compare each formulation by calculating the average elongation at break and tensile strength. Answer the following questions comparing the formulations.
Which formulation has the greatest average tensile strength?
Which formulation has the greatest average elongation?
Is there an outlier? What might explain this result?
The development team is looking for a formulation with a tensile strength of at least 24.0 MPa while maintaining an elongation at break of at least 50%. Consistency between specimens is also important because the material must be reproducible.
Based on the test results, which formulation would you recommend to the team for further development? Explain your reasoning using the experimental data.
Helpful Videos
Watch the process of PCR
Watch the process of running the PCR-amplified DNA on a gel
Deliverables
Complete a testing report that includes sample ID, tensile strength, elongation at break, maximum force, observations about specimen failure, and a recommendation for the best-performing formulation. Justify your recommendation by citing the data you acquired. The lead scientist will review this report to determine which polymer formulation should continue through product development.
Additional Tasks
Prepare polymer formulations
Cast and cure polymer samples
Perform tensile tester calibrations
Maintain a record of laboratory notes
Prepare technical reports
Troubleshoot failed experiments
Assist with quality control testing
Skills Used to Perform this Task
Attention to detail
Data recording
Equipment operation
Data analysis
Critical thinking
Following Standard Operating Procedure
Skills Used in the Field
Confidence to ask questions when uncertain
Presentation skills & putting data into a presentable format - can be Microsoft Powerpoint, spreadsheets, or lab notebook, or written reports)
Responsible and self-starter
Career Progression
Research technician I, II or Research lab technician I, II > Senior research technician
Sample Job Postings
Typical Pay Range: $16-25/hr
WashU
Research Laboratory Technician I | Pay rate: $16-22/hr
Research Laboratory Technician II | Pay rate: $16-25/hr
Danforth Plant Science Center
Laboratory Technician | Pay rate: $17-20/hr
Sample Job Posting: Research Laboratory Technician
Scheduled Hours 37.5
Position Summary Our lab studies regeneration in aquatic segmented worms, such as the marine annelid Platynereis dumerilii, and freshwater annelid Pristina leidyi.
The successful candidate will perform their independent project under the PIâ™s supervision, assist the PI with experiments and with performing general lab and animal culture maintenance tasks.
Job Description
Primary Duties & Responsibilities
• Help PI with microinjections.
• Carry out confocal imaging for experiments and injected samples.
• Carry out image analysis and prepare figures.
• Help maintain injected animal cultures (breeding, feeding, genotyping, fixing).
• Carry out other molecular biology tasks such as preparing in vitro mRNA, in situ hybridization experiments.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
Working Conditions
This position works in a laboratory environment with potential exposure to biological and chemical hazards. The individual must be physically able to wear protective equipment and to provide standard care to research animals.
Applicant Special Instructions
Documents to be included in the application:
• A cover letter explaining your career goals and why you want to work with us.
• A CV or academic resume.
• Unofficial transcripts.
• Contact information of three references.
Preferred Qualifications
• B.A./B.S. in biology, cell and molecular biology, developmental biology, or a related field.
• Molecular biology (e.g., PCR, genotyping, running DNA gels, preparing solutions). It is critical that the candidate is able to make calculations for preparing solutions, figuring out concentrations, etc.
• For any other skills required for the position, training will be provided by the lab members and/or by the PI.
Required Qualifications
High school diploma or equivalent high school certification.