All careers

Biological Technicians

  • Bright Outlook
  • Rapid Growth

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.

What you’d do

  • Conduct research, or assist in the conduct of research, including the collection of information and samples, such as blood, water, soil, plants and animals.
  • 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.
  • Input data into databases.
  • Isolate, identify and prepare specimens for examination.
  • Monitor laboratory work to ensure compliance with set standards.
  • Keep detailed logs of all work-related activities.
  • Use computers, computer-interfaced equipment, robotics or high-technology industrial applications to perform work duties.

Skills that matter

  • Reading Comprehension
  • Active Listening
  • Critical Thinking
  • Science
  • Active Learning
  • Writing

How to get there

Considerable preparation: most need a four-year bachelor's degree

Also called

  • Biological Science Lab Tech (Biological Science Laboratory Technician)
  • Biological Science Technician (Biological Science Tech)
  • Research Assistant
  • Research Associate
  • Biologist Aide
  • Biologist Technician (Biologist Tech)

Related careers

See all careers

  • Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians

    Perform routine medical laboratory tests for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease.

    Medium preparation: usually vocational school, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree

  • Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists

    Perform complex medical laboratory tests for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease. May train or supervise staff.

    Considerable preparation: most need a four-year bachelor's degree

  • Chemical Technicians

    • Bright Outlook
    • Rapid Growth

    Conduct chemical and physical laboratory tests to assist scientists in making qualitative and quantitative analyses of solids, liquids…

    Medium preparation: usually vocational school, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree

  • Cytogenetic Technologists

    Analyze chromosomes or chromosome segments found in biological specimens, such as amniotic fluids, bone marrow, solid tumors, and blood to…

    Considerable preparation: most need a four-year bachelor's degree

  • Histotechnologists

    Apply knowledge of health and disease causes to evaluate new laboratory techniques and procedures to examine tissue samples.

    Considerable preparation: most need a four-year bachelor's degree

  • Agricultural Technicians

    • Bright Outlook
    • Rapid Growth

    Work with agricultural scientists in plant, fiber, and animal research, or assist with animal breeding and nutrition.

    Medium preparation: usually vocational school, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree