Biological Technician
Biological technicians assist biological and medical scientists in laboratories. They set up, operate, and maintain laboratory instruments and equipment, monitor experiments, make observations, and calculate and record results.
Average Hourly Earnings
$20.93
Education
Bachelor's Degree
Tasks
- Conduct research or assist in conducting research, including the collection of information and samples such as blood, water, soil, plants and animals
- Analyze experimental data and interpret results to write reports and summaries of findings
- Keep detailed logs of all work-related activities
- Use computers, computer-interfaced equipment, robotics, or high-technology industrial applications to perform work duties
- Clean, maintain, and prepare supplies and work areas
- Set up, adjust, calibrate, clean, maintain, and troubleshoot laboratory and field equipment
- Measure or weigh compounds and solutions for use in testing or animal feed
Work Environment
Biological technicians almost always work indoors in comfortable air temperatures. They regularly use email, and their workdays sometimes include face-to-face discussions. Accuracy is very important in this work. To remain healthy, biological technicians must frequently wear protective or safety equipment. They have a moderate amount of freedom to make decisions. Many of them work full time.
Key Traits
Realistic. Often involves work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. Usually includes working with actual materials – many times in an outdoor setting. Investigative— Frequently requires working with ideas and involves an extensive amount of thinking. May involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.