Career Overview
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.
Also Known As
- Biological Technician
- Laboratory Technician
- Research Associate
- Research Technician
Alternate Job Titles
- Aquatic Technician (Aquatic Tech)
- Aquatics Technician
- Artificial Breeding Laboratory Technician (Artificial Breeding Lab Tech)
- Artificial Breeding Technician
- Artificial Inseminator
- Babcock Tester
- Bacteriology Research Assistant
- Bacteriology Technician
- Biochemistry Technician
- Biological Aide
- Biological Field Technician (Biological Field Tech)
- Biological Research Technician (Biological Research Tech)
- Biological Science Aide
- Biological Science Laboratory Technician (Biological Science Lab Tech)
- Biological Science Technician
What You'll Do
In this role, your typical responsibilities include:
- 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.
- Analyze experimental data and interpret results to write reports and summaries of findings.
- Provide technical support and services for scientists and engineers working in fields such as agriculture, environmental science, resource management, biology, and health sciences.
- Keep detailed logs of all work-related activities.
- Input data into databases.
Knowledge You'll Use
You'll need solid knowledge in these areas:
- Biology
- English Language
Essential Skills
Success in this career requires strong skills in:
- Reading Comprehension
- Critical Thinking
- Active Listening
- Science
Key Abilities
This career requires key abilities in:
- Oral Comprehension
- Near Vision
- Inductive Reasoning
- Oral Expression
- Information Ordering
- Written Expression
- Written Comprehension
- Deductive Reasoning
- Category Flexibility
- Speech Recognition
Work Style
People who excel in this career typically demonstrate:
- Attention to Detail
- Dependability
- Cautiousness
- Intellectual Curiosity
- Integrity
What Matters in This Career
This career tends to satisfy these work values:
- Achievement
- Support
- Working Conditions
- Independence
- Relationships
Education & Preparation
Typical Education: Bachelor's Degree
Related Work Experience Needed: Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years
On-the-Job Training: Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months
Education Details: Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Experience Required: 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.
Technology You'll Use
Popular Technologies & Software
- Adobe Acrobat
- Adobe Photoshop
- ESRI ArcGIS software
- Microsoft .NET Framework
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Project
Tools & Equipment
- Aerobic growth chambers
- Agitators
- Amino acid analyzers
- Anaerobic growth chambers
- Analytical balances
- Autoclaves
- Automated cell counters
- Automated microplate ELISA readers
- Automated tissue/slide stainers
- Automatic pipetters
- Balances
- Bioanalyzers
- Biological containment hoods
- Centrifuges
- Conductivity meters
Work Environment
- Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- 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
Salary & Job Market
| Salary Percentile | Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (10th percentile) | $38,060 |
| Median | $52,000 |
| Top Earners (90th percentile) | $81,990 |
Workers Employed Nationally: 76,190
Related Careers
If you're interested in this career, you might also consider:
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians
Education: Bachelor's Degree
Median Salary: Varies
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists
Education: Bachelor's Degree
Median Salary: Varies
Chemical Technicians
Education: Bachelor's Degree
Median Salary: $57,790
Cytogenetic Technologists
Education: Bachelor's Degree
Median Salary: Varies
Histotechnologists
Education: Bachelor's Degree
Median Salary: Varies
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Occupational data sourced from the O*NET OnLine database, developed by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Wage data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024.