Laboratory Skills & Biotechnology with Mammalian Cell Culture

BioGrad Education

This Fully Funded Skills Bootcamp in Laboratory Skills and Mammalian Cell Culture provides structured, hands on laboratory training designed to prepare learners for careers in biotechnology, biomedical science, and laboratory technician roles.

Building on essential laboratory skills, this programme includes additional specialist training in Mammalian Cell Culture, giving learners practical experience in advanced biotechnology techniques used in industry and research settings.

What This Programme Covers

• Laboratory Safety and Good Laboratory Practice

• Biotechnology Techniques Used in Modern Laboratories

• Sterile Working and Aseptic Technique

• Handling and Maintenance of Mammalian Cell Lines

• Professional Documentation and Laboratory Notebook Skills

• Career Preparation and Employability Support

The course is delivered by experienced laboratory tutors and is aligned with current industry practices, ensuring learners develop both technical competence and professional confidence.

This programme is Fully Funded for Eligible Learners and is currently available to individuals whose primary residence is in Cheshire and Warrington.

Detailed Course Breakdown
Day 1 – Introduction to Laboratory Skills

Learners are introduced to professional laboratory standards, including:

• Laboratory Conduct and Professional Behaviour

• Correct Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

• Laboratory Safety Procedures and COSHH Documentation

• Molarity Calculations and Preparation of Stock Solutions

• Measuring and Adjusting pH

• Maintaining a Professional Laboratory Notebook

Days 2 and 3 – PCR and Gel Electrophoresis

Learners develop core molecular biology skills including:

• Understanding the principles of Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)

• Preparing and running PCR reactions

• Performing Gel Electrophoresis

• Visualising and analysing DNA bands

• DNA Quantification using a Nanodrop Spectrophotometer

These techniques are widely used in biotechnology, diagnostics, and research laboratories.

Days 4 and 5 – Microbiology and Aseptic Techniques

Practical microbiology training includes:

• Developing Aseptic Technique

• Preparing nutrient broth and agar

• Spreading and streaking bacterial cultures including E. coli and B. subtilis

• Investigating the effects of pharmaceutical antibiotics

• Performing Gram Staining

• Microscopy analysis of bacterial samples

Days 6 and 7 – Mammalian Cell Culture

Specialist training in:

• Principles of Mammalian Cell Culture

• Applications in biotechnology and biomedical research

• Sterile technique and contamination control

• Preparation of culture media

• Handling and maintaining mammalian cell lines

• Monitoring cell health and growth

Learners gain direct experience of real cell culture workflows used in industry.

Days 8 and 9 – Western Blotting and Protein Analysis

Advanced laboratory techniques include:

• Sample preparation and SDS PAGE

• Protein transfer onto membranes

• Use of primary and secondary antibodies

• Visualisation and analysis of protein bands

• Performing a Bradford Assay for protein quantification

Day 10 – Career Support and Professional Development

The final day focuses on employability:

• CV Writing and Interview Preparation

• Professional career guidance

• Learner presentations with Q and A

• Tutor feedback to strengthen communication and confidence

Career Outcomes and Typical UK Salaries

Completing this laboratory and mammalian cell culture Skills Bootcamp opens the door to a range of entry level roles and growth pathways within biotechnology, clinical science and research sectors. Below are common positions and real salary ranges in the UK (subject to location, employer and experience):

• Laboratory Technician / Lab Assistant
Entry to mid level pay: £19,000 – £31,000 per year
Typical range for technicians carrying out sample testing, routine lab work and basic procedures.

• Biomedical Laboratory Technician
Entry pay: £20,500 – £29,500 per year
Average: ~£24,000 per year
These roles support clinical or research lab teams, assisting with testing, troubleshooting and data collection.

• Biomedical Technician / Technical Support
Average: £35,000 – £40,000 per year
Technicians with stronger technical skills and broader responsibilities often earn in this range.

• Biomedical Scientist / Clinical Laboratory Scientist
Starting salaries: £28,000 – £37,000 per year
With experience: £38,000 – £50,000+ per year
These professionals perform complex analyses and diagnostic testing in healthcare, research and industry settings.

• Specialist and Senior Roles
Experienced specialists, team leads and managerial roles in labs can exceed: £45,000 – £60,000+ per year
Progression is available with additional qualifications, experience and responsibility.

Typical Progression Pathways

Completing this bootcamp gives you the laboratory foundational skills to progress into:

• Laboratory Technician

• Biomedical Laboratory Assistant

• Technical Support Role in Biotechnology

• Research Laboratory Support Roles

• Further Training or Higher Qualifications Leading to Scientist or Specialist Roles

As you gain practical experience and additional qualifications, many professionals further advance into specialised scientific, managerial or research positions with higher earning potential.

This Skills Bootcamp in Laboratory Skills and Mammalian Cell Culture is suitable for individuals aged 19 or over who are interested in building a career in laboratory work, biology, biotechnology, or biomedical science.

This course is ideal for:

• Unemployed individuals looking to gain practical laboratory experience

• Self employed professionals wanting to retrain or upskill

• Employed individuals seeking career progression or a career change

• Learners aiming to enter laboratory technician or biotechnology roles

• Individuals preparing for further study in science or biomedical fields

You will benefit most if you:

• Enjoy hands on, practical learning

• Are motivated to work in a professional laboratory environment

• Want to gain real industry relevant laboratory skills

• Are committed to completing a structured, intensive training programme

This programme is designed to support learners who are serious about developing the technical skills, confidence, and employability required for roles within the science and laboratory sector.

Learners must be aged 19 or over and must have the legal right to live and work in England. Applicants need to be able to commit to attending and completing the full programme.

Funding is currently restricted to learners whose primary residence is in Cheshire and Warrington or Yorkshire. Funding is subject to meeting all eligibility criteria and confirmation at enrolment.

Completing this bootcamp gives you the laboratory foundational skills to progress into:

• Laboratory Technician

• Biomedical Laboratory Assistant

• Technical Support Role in Biotechnology

• Research Laboratory Support Roles

• Further Training or Higher Qualifications Leading to Scientist or Specialist Roles