Biological Technicians

Education

Biological technicians typically need a bachelor’s degree in biology or a related field, such as physical science or natural resources. Positions are sometimes open to candidates who have less education than a bachelor's degree but have laboratory experience.

Biology programs typically include subfields such as ecology, microbiology, and physiology. In addition to studying biological sciences, students may need to take courses in math and physics, as well as in other sciences.

Students need laboratory experience, so science coursework should include a lab component. In addition, students may gain laboratory experience by participating in internships, such as with pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturers or in university laboratories.

Training

Laboratory equipment in the workplace is expensive and may differ from the equipment available in university laboratories. As a result, biological technicians may receive training after they are hired, with experienced biological scientists or medical scientists demonstrating proper use of their employers’ laboratory equipment.

Licenses, certifications & registrations

Biological technicians who work with animals may need certification in animal care from the U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). This certification may include compliance training, such as in chemical hygiene and blood-borne pathogens.

Advancement

Biological technicians may advance to scientist positions, such as microbiologist or biochemist and biophysicist, after a few years of experience working as a technician or after earning a graduate degree. Gaining more experience and education may allow biological technicians to move into other positions, such as natural sciences managers.

Important qualities

Analytical skills. Biological technicians need to conduct experiments and evaluate results to reach sound conclusions.

Communication skills. Biological technicians must follow instructions from managing scientists and interact with other team members. They also need to write reports.

Detail oriented. Biological technicians must be precise in their work, including recording the conditions under which the experiment was carried out, the procedures they followed, and the results they obtained.

Observational skills. Biological technicians must monitor their experiments and be alert for any changes that occur.

Technical skills. Biological technicians need to set up and operate sophisticated equipment and instruments. They also may need to adjust equipment to ensure that experiments are conducted properly.