Biological Technician

Working Schedule

Biological Technicians tend to work full-time, with overtime possible to meet deadlines. They usually work in laboratories but may also take trips to field sites.

Typical Duties

• Conduct and assist in various types of medical research.
• Assist in the design, preparation, and execution of lab experiments, following regulatory and safety protocols.
• Set up, adjust, calibrate, clean, and troubleshoot lab and field equipment.
• Order and maintain supplies and equipment.
• Ensure work areas are clean, organized, and prepared.
• Collect biological samples. Handle samples carefully to ensure their integrity and avoid contamination.
• Measure and prepare compounds, solutions, reagents, and animal feed for lab procedures.
• Prepare, isolate, and examine specimens to detect diseases or analyze biological properties.
• Run tests to determine the physical and chemical properties of substances.
• Feed and care for laboratory animals, if applicable.
• Monitor experiments and collect data. Use software to record, analyze, and interpret data.
• Create data-driven reports. Maintain records of activities. Input data into databases.

Additional Duties

• Provide technical support to researchers, as needed.
• Review articles or scientific literature to support ongoing projects and keep up to date on advancements.
• Train new lab assistants.
• Wear appropriate personal protective equipment at all times. 

Soft Skills

• Analytical thinking
• Attention to detail
• Communication
• Curiosity
• Focus
• Integrity
• Organizational skills
• Patience
• Problem-solving
• Teamwork
• Time management

Technical Skills

Biological Technicians need hard skills related to the following:

• Laboratory techniques and procedures (e.g., sterilization and sample preparation)
• Data analysis and statistical software (Excel, R, and laboratory management software)
• Data entry
• Field sample and specimen collection (spectrophotometers, microscopes, and PCR machines)
• Laboratory instruments and equipment
• Health, biological, and chemical safety protocols
• Microscope operation
• Technical writing and documentation
• Biological sample preparation and handling
• Animal caretaking

• Research institutions
• Pharmaceutical companies
• Colleges and universities
• Government agencies
• Environmental consulting firms

Biological Technicians are expected to perform their duties with precision, adhering to established protocols to ensure the reliability of their findings. This attention to detail demands focus and diligence because even small mistakes can destroy the validity of an experiment. Accuracy and quality assurance are therefore essential.

The work can be challenging and even frustrating sometimes because experiments don’t always produce the desired results. Biological Technicians have to be patient and resilient, often repeating procedures over and over to validate findings.

Safety is another critical aspect of the job since there is a risk of exposure to hazardous chemicals or biological specimens. Everyone in the lab has to prioritize safety, strictly follow protocols, wear appropriate protective gear, and avoid making mistakes that could have harmful consequences. They also have to be up to speed on contingency plans in the event of an emergency. 

Lab workers increasingly use AI, automated processes, and specialized software to streamline data collection and analysis, so they can handle larger datasets and deliver results more efficiently. This ultimately enhances the scope and impact of the work they’re doing!  

The demand for genetic testing, environmental monitoring, and biomedical research has grown in recent times, creating new opportunities for research studies. In addition, technicians are increasingly involved in work that addresses healthcare outcomes, environmental degradation, and other global challenges.

Meanwhile, many labs are adopting more eco-friendly practices, such as minimizing waste and using renewable materials, to contribute to sustainability efforts. 

Biological Technicians may have enjoyed hands-on projects like school science experiments, gardening, or observing nature. They often excelled in biology, chemistry, and other science courses.