What is a Biological Technician?
A biological technician is a professional who assists biological and medical scientists in laboratories or field settings. They conduct experiments, perform tests, and carry out research under the supervision of a lead scientist. Their work is essential for a wide range of fields, including medicine, agriculture, and environmental science.
Typical Education
A bachelor's degree in biology or a related field is the typical educational requirement for entry-level positions. Some jobs may be available to those with an associate's degree and relevant laboratory experience.
Salary Range in the United States
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for Biological Technicians was 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.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Day in the Life
How to Become a Biological Technician
Becoming a biological technician generally follows a clear path of academic preparation and practical skill development.
- Obtain a Bachelor's Degree: The most common first step is to earn a bachelor's degree in a scientific field, such as biology, chemistry, or a related natural science.
- Gain Laboratory Experience: Hands-on experience is crucial. Seek out internships, volunteer positions, or part-time jobs in a lab to gain familiarity with equipment, procedures, and data collection.
- Develop Key Skills: Focus on building a strong foundation in laboratory techniques, data analysis, and documentation.
- Network and Apply: Connect with professionals in the field and search for entry-level positions in pharmaceutical companies, government agencies, or research institutions.
Essential Skills
- Attention to Detail: Precision and accuracy are critical when preparing samples, conducting experiments, and recording data to ensure reliable results.
- Scientific Knowledge: A strong understanding of biological principles, including cells, organisms, and their functions, is fundamental.
- Technical Skills: Proficiency in using laboratory equipment, such as microscopes, centrifuges, and PCR machines, is essential.
- Analytical Thinking: You must be able to analyze data, troubleshoot issues with equipment or experiments, and solve problems that arise during research.
- Communication: Clear written and verbal communication is necessary for recording findings in lab notebooks, writing reports, and collaborating with a team of scientists.
Key Responsibilities
A biological technician's responsibilities can vary based on their specific work environment, but typical duties include:
- Conducting Experiments: Assisting scientists by setting up and carrying out experiments according to specific protocols.
- Data Collection and Analysis: Monitoring experiments, recording observations, collecting samples, and performing basic data analysis.
- Equipment Maintenance: Operating, calibrating, and maintaining laboratory instruments and equipment to ensure they are functioning properly.
- Sample Preparation: Preparing biological samples, such as tissues, cells, or blood, for testing and analysis.
- Record Keeping: Maintaining detailed and accurate records of procedures, observations, and results in laboratory notebooks and databases.
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