- Biological lab technicians require at least an associate's degree or certification by a vocational school. Occasionally, depending on the complexity of the work, a bachelor's degree may be required. In addition to courses in biology, a graduate will have taken courses in math and chemistry. Courses in biological technique help a student learn how to use the various pieces of equipment found in a biological laboratory.
- Biological laboratory technicians work in hospital laboratories in a clinical capacity. Clinical technicians may be responsible for running diagnostic tests, such as evaluation of blood samples or work in a bacteriology lab. This will entail setting up the samples, running the required tests, and compiling results for evaluation by the biologist.
- Biological laboratory technicians work in a university setting with many types of research opportunities. Technicians may investigate causes and cures for disease, or work on environmental problems, such as pollution or climatic effects on organisms.
- The pharmaceutical industry employs biological lab technicians in their search for new drugs and protocols to treat disease. Technicians may investigate drug effects on animal models, maintain cell lines for testing or oversee drug production. Technicians may also use recombinant DNA techniques to develop new products.
- The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment for biological science technicians should increase by eighteen percent through 2018. This is due to the demand for drugs and other medical or agricultural products derived from advances in biotechnology research. The bureau reported a March 2009 average annual salary of $39,538 for biological science technicians employed by the federal government.
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