Agricultural Careers Biological Technician By: Dr. Frank Flanders and Asha Wise Georgia Agricultural Education Curriculum Office Georgia Department of Education May 2006

Job Duties & Responsibilities 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 Test the functionality of equipment and take accurate, sensitive, and selectivity measurements Conduct tests, collect data, and provide data to researchers Isolate, identify and prepare specimens for study Assist in analyzing data and writing reports Prepare chemicals Set up experiments Manage and maintain the research laboratory

Qualities and Skills Possess good communication skills and have the ability to work as a team or independently Be methodical, precise, and accurate in their thinking and working methods Be organized and analytical to ensure success in this career

Projected Growth The increase in the number of biological technicians will be about average through the year Strong competition among pharmaceutical companies is expected to contribute to the need for innovative and improved drugs, further spurring demand for biological technicians. Fastest employment growth of biological technicians should occur in the pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing industry and in scientific research and development services firms.

Work Environment Most work is done indoors, usually in laboratories Hours are typically regular with some irregular hours to monitor experiments that cannot be completed during regular working hours May be exposed to hazards from equipment, chemicals, or other toxic materials

Education and Special Requirements Many employers prefer applicants who have at least a two year associate's degree in an applied science area or science-related technology. Because employer's requirements vary, a Bachelor's degree in chemistry, biology, or a related science is often required. Biological technicians that work with chemicals must have proper training and certification for work with hazardous materials. Some States require laboratory personnel to be licensed or registered.

Career Resources American Institute of Biological Sciences 1444 I Street, NW, Suite 200 Washington, DC Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology 9650 Rockville Pike Bethesda, MD Coalition for Education in the Life Sciences Careers in Biology