Biological Technicians

Also Called: Biological Technician, Laboratory Technician, Research Associate, Research Technician

What Biological Technicians do

Assist biological and medical scientists. Set up, operate, and maintain laboratory instruments and equipment, monitor experiments, collect data and samples, make observations, and calculate and record results. May analyze organic substances, such as blood, food, and drugs.

  • Conduct research or assist in the conduct of research, including the collection of information and samples, such as blood, water, soil, plants and animals.
  • Use computers, computer-interfaced equipment, robotics or high-technology industrial applications to perform work duties.
  • Monitor and observe experiments, recording production and test data for evaluation by research personnel.
Industry Areas:

Hospitality Renewable Resources and Energy

Training Program Areas:

Culinary Arts • Forestry Conservation & Firefighting • Landscaping • Landscaping (HBI) • OCT-Only Hospitality • OCT-Only Renewable Resources & Energy • Petroleum Technician • Urban Forestry

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Work Context

  • Electronic Mail
  • Face-to-Face Discussions
  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
  • Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets

Tools

  • Robotic or automated liquid handling systems
  • Manual or electronic hematology differential cell counters
  • Spectrofluorimeters or fluorimeters
  • Deoxyribonucleic sequence analyzers
  • Microbiology analyzers

Technology

Analytical or scientific software
Laboratory information management system LIMS
SAS
Presentation software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Graphics or photo imaging software
Adobe Systems Adobe Photoshop
Graphics software

The Education & Training You Need

Skills

  • Reading Comprehension
  • Critical Thinking
  • Active Listening
  • Science
  • Active Learning

Knowledge

Math and Science
biology
arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, or statistics
Arts and Humanities
English language
Engineering and Technology
computers and electronics

Education

  • 49% Bachelor's degree
  • 29% Master's degree
  • 14% Post-baccalaureate certificate

Experience

A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.

What are your training options on the pathway to this occupation?

Are You a Good Fit?

Occupation Traits

  • Conventional (Organizer)
  • Investigative (Thinker)
  • Realistic (Doer)

Work Styles

  • Attention to Detail
  • Dependability
  • Integrity
  • Independence
  • Analytical Thinking
  • Cooperation

Values

  • Support
  • Achievement
  • Working Conditions

Abilities

  • Verbal
  • Ideas and Logic
  • Math

This is what Biological Technicians across the country typically make.

$17.78 / hour
$36,970 /year

Entry Level

$24.73 / hour
$51,430 /year

Median Level

$38.62 / hour
$80,330 /year

Experienced Level

Income information reflects a regional average.
Income information reflects a national average.

This career’s National Job Outlook is

Bright

Please be sure to verify the outlook of this occupation with your instructor.

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