Biological Technicians
Additional Information
Duties
The following tasks are frequently performed by biological technicians:
- The use of tools such as microscopes, calipers, pipettes and test tubes, as well as their upkeep and cleaning
- Collect biological specimens such as food and bacteria cultures to be tested in the laboratory.
- Perform biological studies and testing.
- Keep detailed records of every work performed, including all steps, observations, and outcomes.
- Analyze and analyze the outcomes of experiments.
- Reports summarizing their results should be written.
Biotechnologists, also known as laboratory assistants, are scientists that do scientific tests, studies, and evaluations under the direction and evaluation of biologists (such as microbiologists). Traditional laboratory tools, robotics, and automated technology are used by biological technicians to conduct studies. They gather, analyze, and simulate experimental data using specialist computer software. To aid zoologists and wildlife biologists, biological technicians may need to be able to climb across difficult terrain or go through wilderness areas to gather samples.
There are a wide variety of scientific fields in which biological technologists are employed. A medical researcher may use them to provide experimental drugs to animals. In other cases, they may extract proteins from other cell components and examine the results of an experiment.
Working in the field of microbiology, biological technicians research and practice microbiology-specific methods, such as staining specimens to help in identification.
Additionally, biological technicians may also work in private sector and aid in the research of a wide variety of industrial production-related problems. They may conduct environmental impact assessments or oversee production processes to ensure that items aren't tainted with harmful chemicals.
Education
A bachelor's degree in biology or a related discipline, such as physical science or natural resources, is often required for biological technologists. Candidates with less than a bachelor's degree may be eligible for some positions if they have laboratory experience.
Ecology, microbiology, and physiology are just few of the subfields of biology that are commonly studied in college. Students may also need to take classes in mathematics and physics, as well as other disciplines, in addition to studying biology. A lab component should be a part of all scientific courses to provide students hands-on experience in the laboratory.
Biological technicians who want to work in the field should have previous laboratory experience. Internships at pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing companies or university labs, in addition to coursework, can help students get practical laboratory experience.
Advancement
Microbiologists, biochemists, and biophysicists are just few of the roles that biological technologists can move into after a few years of experience or a master's or Ph.D. degree. Biotechnologists can commonly advance to management roles in the natural sciences or to teaching jobs at the postsecondary level by gaining experience and education.
Characteristics of Critical Importance
Analytical abilities. Technicians in the biological sciences are expected to carry out tests and analysis precisely and precisely.
Skills in verbal and nonverbal communication. Understanding and adhering to the directions of their supervisory scientists is a must for biological technicians. In addition, they must be able to effectively convey their results in writing form.
The ability to use critical thinking. Biological technicians use solid thinking and judgment to develop conclusions from experiment outcomes.
The ability to pay attention. Biological technicians are required to keep a close eye on the results of their work. Researchers are required to keep meticulous records of everything they do, from the experimental circumstances to the methods used and outcomes gained.
Competencies in a certain field of expertise. In order to be a biotechnologist, one must have the ability to work with complex equipment and tools. They may also have to make adjustments to their equipment to make sure that the experiments go as planned.
Pay
The median annual wage for biological technicians was $52,000 in May 2024. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $38,060, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $81,990.
Job Projections
Employment of biological technicians is projected to grow 7 percent from 2023 to 2033, faster than the average for all occupations.