Biological Technicians

Also called : Biological Science Laboratory Technician (Biological Science Lab Tech), Biological Science Technician, Biological Technician, Laboratory Technician, Marine Fisheries Technician, Research Assistant, R

What they do

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.

On the job, one would

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.

KNOWLEDGE

Biology
Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.

English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Mathematics
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

Computers and Electronics
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

SKILLS

Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.

Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Science
Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.

Active Learning
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

ABILITIES

Inductive Reasoning
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).

Near Vision
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

Oral Comprehension
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

Information Ordering
The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).

Oral Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.

PERSONALITY

People interested in this work, will do well at jobs that need;

Attention to Detail
Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.

Dependability
Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.

Integrity
Job requires being honest and ethical.

Independence
Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.

Analytical Thinking
Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.

Cooperation
Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.

Adaptability/Flexibility
Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.

Self-Control
Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.

Stress Tolerance
Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high-stress situations.

Initiative
Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.

Related Occupations

Chemical Technicians

Forensic Science Technicians

Agricultural Technicians

Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians

Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health

Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists

Food Science Technicians

Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians

TECHNOLOGY

Analytical or scientific software

Data base user interface and query software

Document management software

Geographic information system

Graphics or photo imaging software

Map creation software

Office suite software

Presentation software

Project management software

Spreadsheet software

Word processing software

EDUCATION AND TRAINING

Preparation
Considerable Preparation Needed
Education
Four-year bachelor degree
Experience
A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupation
Jobtraining
Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.