Biological Technicians Go Back to List Assist biological and medical scientists in laboratories. Set up, operate, and maintain laboratory instruments and equipment, monitor experiments, make observations, and calculate and record results. May analyze organic substances, such as blood, food, and drugs.

Technology used in this occupation:
	Document management software

Tasks
	Keep detailed logs of all work-related activities.
	Monitor laboratory work to ensure compliance with set standards.
	Isolate, identify and prepare specimens for examination.
	Use computers, computer-interfaced equipment, robotics or high-technology industrial applications to perform work duties.
	Conduct research or assist in the conduct of research, including the collection of information and samples, such as blood, water, soil, plants and animals.
	Set up, adjust, calibrate, clean, maintain, and troubleshoot laboratory and field equipment.
	Provide technical support and services for scientists and engineers working in fields such as agriculture, environmental science, resource management, biology, and health sciences.
	Clean, maintain and prepare supplies and work areas.
	Participate in the research, development, or manufacturing of medicinal and pharmaceutical preparations.
	Conduct standardized biological, microbiological or biochemical tests and laboratory analyses to evaluate the quantity or quality of physical or chemical substances in food or other products.

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.
	Writing - Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
	Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
	Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
	Complex Problem Solving - Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
	Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

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.
	Chemistry - Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal m
	Education and Training - Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
	Clerical - Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office procedures and terminology.
	Law and Government - Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
	Public Safety and Security - Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
	Mechanical - Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.

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Education & Training   Education:   Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.   Related Experience:   A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.

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Wage Information
	Region Average Entry Level  Mid-Range  Annual  Hourly  Statewide $65,110.00 $31.30  $22.40  $24.64 - $38.60  Bridgeport/Stamford $67,114.00 $32.26  $21.32  $24.42 - $39.63  Hartford $57,218.00 $27.51  $20.69  $22.58 - $31.33  New Haven $69,243.00 $33.29  $25.12  $26.40 - $39.76  New London/Norwich $62,254.00 $29.93  $19.62  $22.55 - $38.35

Occupation Outlook ( 2016 - 2026 ) Average Annual Job Openings:   137   Employment in this occupation is expected to grow faster than average, and the number of annual openings will offer good or favorable job opportunities.

Related Occupations
	Agricultural Technicians
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	Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists
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	Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians

	Some of the occupational information on this page is formulated from O*NETTM v17.0 data. O*NETTM is a trademark of the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration.