Biological Technicians :: Job Description

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Biological Technicians

Careers / Biological Technicians

Summary Description


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

Sample Job Titles

1.	Aquatic Scientist

2.	Artificial Breeding Technician

3.	Artificial Inseminator

4.	Assistant, Biology Laboratory

5.	Assistant, Botany Laboratory

6.	Assistant, Research, Bacteriology

7.	Assistant, Research, Biology

8.	Babcock Tester

9.	Biological Aide

10.	Biological Science Laboratory Technician

11.	Biological Science Technician

12.	Biological Scientist

13.	Biological Technician

14.	Biologist Aide

15.	Biology Specimen Technician

16.	Biotechnician

17.	Biotechnologist

18.	Blood Tester, Fowl

19.	Dairy Technologist

20.	Downstream Biomanufacturing Technician

21.	Environmental Technician

22.	Feed Research Aide

23.	Fiber Technologist

24.	Herbarium Worker

25.	Laboratory Assistant

26.	Laboratory Assistant, Culture Media

27.	Laboratory Associate

28.	Laboratory Technician

29.	Laboratory Technician, Artificial Breeding

30.	Laboratory Worker

31.	Marine Fisheries Technician

32.	Medical Lab Assistant

33.	Medical Research Assistant

34.	Medical Technologist

35.	Microbiology Technician

36.	Poultry Inseminator

37.	Research Assistant

38.	Research Associate

39.	Research Technician

40.	Resource Biologist

41.	Resource Biologist-Fisheries

42.	Seed Analyst

43.	Technician, Bacteriology

44.	Technician, Biochemistry

45.	Technician, Biology Specimen

46.	Technician, Game

47.	Technician, Laboratory

48.	Technician, Specimen

49.	Technician, Wildlife

50.	Upstream Biomanufacturing Technician

51.	Wildlife Technician

Job Tasks

	Participate in the research, development, or manufacturing of medicinal and pharmaceutical preparations.

	Keep detailed logs of all work-related activities.

	Monitor laboratory work to ensure compliance with set standards.

	Isolate, identify and prepare specimens for examination.

	Conduct standardized biological, microbiological or biochemical tests and laboratory analyses to evaluate the quantity or quality of physical or chemical substances in food or other products.

	Analyze experimental data and interpret results to write reports and summaries of findings.

	Use computers, computer-interfaced equipment, robotics or high-technology industrial applications to perform work duties.

	Conduct research or assist in the conduct of research, including the collection of information and samples, such as blood, water, soil, plants and animals.

	Set up, adjust, calibrate, clean, maintain, and troubleshoot laboratory and field equipment.

	Provide technical support and services for scientists and engineers working in fields such as agriculture, environmental science, resource management, biology, and health sciences.

	Measure or weigh compounds and solutions for use in testing or animal feed.

	Clean, maintain and prepare supplies and work areas.

	Monitor and observe experiments, recording production and test data for evaluation by research personnel.

	Examine animals and specimens to detect the presence of disease or other problems.

	Conduct or supervise operational programs such as fish hatcheries, greenhouses and livestock production programs.

	Feed livestock or laboratory animals.

Work Activities

Importance	Work Activity

Interacting With Computers — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.


		use computers to enter, access or retrieve data

		use relational database software

		use spreadsheet software

		use word processing or desktop publishing software

		develop or maintain databases

Documenting/Recording Information — Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.


		record test results, test procedures, or inspection data

Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.


		use chemical testing or analysis procedures

		use hazardous materials information

		use health or sanitation standards

		follow infectious materials procedures

		use nutrition research techniques

		use quality assurance techniques

		use scientific research methodology

		follow safe waste disposal procedures

		use knowledge of vivisection

		follow microbiology procedures

		use biological research techniques

		use clinical sterilizing technique

		use knowledge of investigation techniques

		use mathematical or statistical methods to identify or analyze problems

		use quantitative research methods

		use knowledge of metric system

Processing Information — Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.


		compile numerical or statistical data

		develop tables depicting data

		measure, weigh, or count products or materials

Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.


		recognize disease or parasites in animals

		recognize plant diseases

		recognize tree or forest plant species

		understand drug products

		isolate and identify micro-organisms

		examine biological or other material specimens under microscope

		identify animal species

Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.


		collect scientific or technical data

		obtain technical support instructions from scientists or engineers

		collect statistical data

		research human or animal disease

Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards — Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.


		adhere to safety procedures

Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

Analyzing Data or Information — Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.


		analyze biological research, test, or analysis data

		analyze scientific research data or investigative findings

		analyze chemical experimental, test, or analysis data or findings

		conduct field research or investigative studies

		conduct laboratory research or experiments

		conduct standardized qualitative laboratory analyses

		conduct standardized quantitative laboratory analyses

		perform statistical analysis

		conduct analyses or tests of biological material samples

		conduct tests or analyses of blood samples

		conduct analyses or tests of organic compounds

Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings — Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.


		cultivate micro-organisms for study, testing, or medical preparations

		observe production, experimental, or developmental activities

Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work — Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.

Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information — Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.

Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material — Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.

Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People — Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.

Performing General Physical Activities — Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.

Thinking Creatively — Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.


		create mathematical or statistical diagrams or charts

Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment — Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.


		set up or calibrate laboratory equipment

Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships — Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.


		work as a team member

Handling and Moving Objects — Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.


		prepare vaccines, biologicals, or serums

		prepare sample for laboratory testing, analysis, or microscopy

		collect samples for testing

		sterilize or clean laboratory or healthcare equipment

		prepare biological specimens for examination

Developing Objectives and Strategies — Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.

Training and Teaching Others — Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.

Scheduling Work and Activities — Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.

Controlling Machines and Processes — Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).


		use precision measuring tools or equipment

		use biological testing instruments

		use microscope

		use laboratory equipment

Assisting and Caring for Others — Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.


		collect blood or tissue samples

		feed or water animals

Coaching and Developing Others — Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.

Communicating with Persons Outside Organization — Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.


		communicate technical information

Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment — Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.


		maintain laboratory or field equipment

		inspect machinery or equipment to determine adjustments or repairs needed

Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment — Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or water craft.

Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates — Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.

Developing and Building Teams — Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.

Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others — Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.


		explain complex mathematical information

Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others — Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.


		direct and coordinate activities of workers or staff

Performing Administrative Activities — Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.


		maintain records, reports, or files

		prepare reports

		prepare technical reports or related documentation

Staffing Organizational Units — Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.

Provide Consultation and Advice to Others — Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.

Nature of the Work


	(Abstract from Career Articles)

	Science Technicians
	Science technicians use the principles and theories of science and mathematics to solve problems in research and development and to help invent and improve products and processes. However, their jobs are more practically oriented than those of scientists. Technicians set up, operate, and maintain laboratory instruments, monitor experiments, make observations, calculate and record results, and often develop conclusions. They must keep detailed logs of all of their work-related activities. Those who perform production work monitor manufacturing processes and may be involved in ensuring quality by testing products for proper proportions of ingredients, for purity, or for strength and durability.

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Working Conditions


	(Abstract from Career Articles)

	Science Technicians
	Science technicians work under a wide variety of conditions. Most work indoors, usually in laboratories, and have regular hours. Some occasionally work irregular hours to monitor experiments that cannot be completed during regular working hours. Production technicians often work in 8-hour shifts around the clock. Others, such as agricultural, forest and conservation, geological and petroleum, and environmental science and protection technicians, perform much of their work outdoors, sometimes in remote locations.

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Interesting Fact

Thomas Edison not only invented electric light, he also invented wax paper, the phonograph (and record), the radio vacuum tube, the motion picture camera, an electronic voting machine and dozens more!

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