How to become A Biological Technician

• Biologist
• Biological Science Technician
• Laboratory Technician
• Marine Fisheries Technician
• Research Assistant
• Research Associate
• Research Specialist
• Research Technician
• Wildlife Biology Technician
• Forensic Science Technician

What do Biological Technicians do?

A Biological Technician would typically need to:

• Assist in conducting biological research, laboratory experiments, scientific tests, and analyses, receiving direction from supervisory biologists (such as microbiologists) or medical scientists who also evaluate your work
• Analyse or test a collection of information or samples like soils, blood, food, drugs, and liquids; participate in the research and manufacturing of medicinal and pharmaceutical preparations
• Use traditional, advanced and automated laboratory instruments and equipment and advanced robotics to conduct experiments; monitor experiments, record observations and calculate results, and test data
• Examine animals and specimens to detect diseases or other unknown problems; supervise operational programs like fish hatcheries, greenhouses and livestock production programs
• Set up, operate, maintain, and troubleshoot laboratory equipment and instruments; adjust supplies and workplaces; measure compounds and solutions to use them in a test; deal with specimens to prepare them for examination
• Process standardised biological tests and laboratory analyses to evaluate the quantity or quality of physical or chemical substances in food, products and other materials
• Use computers and high technological equipment, robotics, and high-technology industrial applications to collect, analyse, and model experimental data
• Analyse experimental data; record detailed logs of all work-related activities; write reports and summaries of the findings
• Provide technical aid for colleagues from scientists and engineers in fields such as environmental science, biology, agriculture and health science
• Collect field samples to help zoologists and wildlife biologists

Biological Technicians sometimes work in offices but usually in clean, airy, well-lit, and well-equipped laboratories where they conduct experiments and analyse the findings under the direction of biological and medical scientists. Biological Technicians must follow strict procedures to avoid contaminating the experiment, themselves, or the environment.

Biological Technicians typically work 7 to 9 hours a day, adding up to 40 to 50 hours a week. They may be required to work rotating shifts in some situations where test results must be registered around the clock, or they may need to come in at odd hours to carry out the experimental procedure, including weekends and holidays.

Part-time work may be possible. Keep in mind that some jobs may be seasonal.

Finding a new job might seem challenging. Biological Technicians can boost their job search by asking their network for referrals, contacting companies directly, using job search platforms, going to job fairs, leveraging social media and inquiring at staffing agencies.

Consult the placement services at your college or technical school for information about employment offers or connect with state and private employment agencies. Job openings are also listed online or in newspaper classifieds and professional journals.

You may find jobs in government departments that deal with parks, fisheries, wildlife, agriculture, and public lands.

Biological Technicians are generally employed by:

• Food Processing & Manufacturing Firms
• Biofuel & Bio-Refining Firms
• Pharmaceutical Firms
• Oil & Chemical Firms
• Agricultural Firms
• Research & Development Facilities
• Biological & Environmental Consultancies
• Government Departments
• Forensic Labs
• University & College Research Labs

Professional associations and organisations, such as the International Federation of Biomedical Laboratory Science (IFBLS), are crucial for Biological Technicians interested in pursuing professional development or connecting with like-minded professionals in their industry or occupation. Membership in one or more adds value to your resume while bolstering your credentials and qualifications.

• The need to be adaptable and closely follow the instructions of supervising scientists; maintain careful and accurate records of the experimental procedures
• The need to follow a strict protocol to avoid contaminating themselves, the experiment, or the environment
• Possible exposure to dangerous organisms, toxic substances, weather events, and pests such as mosquitos

For candidates seeking work as Biological Technicians, employers typically list lab experience as a requirement. In a competitive job market, relevant experience demonstrates your dedication to your career, develops your practical skills, and allows you to network with professionals.

University students can gain the required experience by enrolling in classes that include laboratory work or by working as interns for pharmaceutical companies, research facilities, and other relevant employers. Many biology degree programmes allow a year-long industrial placement, and you could be eligible for a bursary or grant to help you with it. Some organisations also provide work placements. Look for related voluntary work, summer internships or part-time opportunities with prospective employers, including conservation services, museums of natural history or science, pharmaceuticals, clinical, hospital and university laboratories, educational establishments, and zoos or veterinary practices. You may later apply to these places for full-time roles when available.

Aspiring Biological Technicians must typically complete a bachelor’s degree in biology or a closely related major. Typically, a programme in biology offers courses in general biology and specific areas such as ecology, microbiology, genetics, cell biology, biochemistry, and physiology. You would also need to study physics, chemistry, and mathematics. Depending on your college, you could specialise in biopharmaceuticals, microbiology, biotechnology, plant science, or another field relevant to biology. Take computer courses to help you in modelling and simulating biological processes and operating laboratory equipment. Given that laboratory experience is valuable in the job market, aim for courses that allow plenty of scope for lab work. You may find some positions open to candidates with an associate degree or without a degree but requiring adequate experience in a biological laboratory.

Technical schools and community colleges may provide Biological Technician or biotechnology courses that last one or two years and also teach general mathematics and science. Another option is to earn an associate degree to transition into a bachelor’s program in biology. You can improve your chances to get a job by completing a cooperative education or internship program through college, which lets you alternate semesters working locally and attending classes.

Certification is typically not obligatory for Biological Technicians. However, voluntary certification is often seen as evidence of an individual’s drive and motivation, giving them a leg up for raises and promotions. Certification from an objective and reputed organisation can help you gain professional credibility, build your expertise in a specific area, and stay up-to-date on technology.

Individual government entities conduct licensing. It typically requires the passage of an examination in addition to the fulfilment of eligibility requirements, such as a minimum level of education, work experience, training, or the completion of an internship, residency, or apprenticeship.

Performance, experience, and acquisition of professional qualifications drive career progression. Employees with consistently high levels of performance may be eligible for promotion every two to three years.

Biology Technicians typically begin their careers training under the direct supervision of a scientist or skilled Biological Technician. As they gain experience, new Biology Technicians take on more responsibilities and duties with less supervision. Some progress to supervisory positions.

Individuals with a master’s or doctoral degree or who have worked as a Biology Technician for several years may be eligible for promotion to positions such as Natural Sciences Manager or scientist positions, such as Microbiologist or Biochemist and Biophysicist. Doctorate holders may choose to enter academia as postsecondary teachers.

Having a master's or a doctoral degree is highly recommended to get a good position in research and management teams. Observational, critical thinking and analytical skills paired with skilful usage of computer and laboratory equipment will enhance your job prospects.

Biology Technicians typically begin their careers with on-the-job training, under the direct supervision of a scientist or skilled Biological Technician. Higher academic qualifications and experience with laboratory equipment can shorten your training period, whereas high school diploma holders spend longer working as trainees under experienced technicians.

As you advance in your career, you may join relevant professional organisations that provide Biological Technicians networking and professional development opportunities. You would also usually receive access to professional journals, reading which contributes to professional development.

Continuing professional development (CPD) is the holistic commitment of Biological Technicians towards enhancing personal skills and proficiency throughout their active careers through work-based learning, a professional activity, formal education, or self-directed learning. There are many CPD courses, seminars, and workshops to help professionals in the field.

CPD allows individuals to upskill continually, regardless of their age, job, or level of knowledge. It prevents practical and academic qualifications from becoming outdated. It enables Biological Technicians to identify any knowledge gaps and progress to a new specialism.

The central concern of CPD is that of lifelong learning with its application to professional lives. CPD is more than just a policy or some form of bureaucratic procedure. It is not just a set of boxes to be ticked mindlessly. It is value-laden and embraces several new learning objectives, educational methodologies, and novel technological developments, especially in education, management, and IT.

Reflective learning, interaction with peer groups, comprehensive inclusion, workshops, professional publications serve to educate, influence, support and foster lifelong enlightenment in all career-grade Biological Technicians. Undertaking Research as a Career Biological Technicians can expect support and additional training from the academic institution or from Vitae, a non-profit global leader with over 50 years of experience in enhancing researchers’ skills. In partnership with governments, funders of research, academies, professional bodies, trusts & foundations, universities, and research institutes, Vitae offers training, resources, events, consultancy, and membership.

Dress Code

A Biological Technician working in a lab must follow the recommended health & safety guidelines and protocol regarding the dress code. Typically, lab personnel working with hazardous chemicals must wear closed-toe shoes, clothes that fully cover their legs, and a lab coat. You must tie back long hair and secure all loose clothing and jewellery before starting work. Depending on the nature of work, labs provide personal protective equipment (PPE), such as gloves and eye protection suited to working with specific materials.

Biological Technicians might help solve crime cases that require professional aid in analysing unknown samples and evidence in a laboratory - the TV series NCIS helped popularise the career.

As a Biological Technician, you must channel your creativity, observation, and analytical skills to think out of the box as you confront new samples and information, which you must analyse carefully and reliably before you can deal with them. Your work can be a series of adventures that lead you to crucial discoveries, sometimes unexpected.

Although Nature needs thousands or millions of years to create a new species, man needs only a few dozen years to destroy one.