Biological Technicians
Medium56.49%
Found in Industries:
Salary Range
Low (10th %)$36,970
Median$51,430
High (90th %)$80,330
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Assist biological and medical scientists. Set up, operate, and maintain laboratory instruments and equipment, monitor experiments, collect data and samples, make observations, and calculate and record results. May analyze organic substances, such as blood, food, and drugs.
The occupation "Biological Technicians" has an automation risk of 56.5%, which closely aligns with its base risk of 57.4%. This moderate risk reflects both the structured and repetitive aspects of the role as well as the scientific and analytical tasks that require more human judgment. Biological technicians frequently perform tasks that are highly routine and well-documented, making them susceptible to automation advancements. The increasing capabilities of laboratory automation equipment, robotics, and sophisticated data collection tools mean that many of the day-to-day processes can be carried out with minimal human intervention. Thus, as technology progresses, a significant portion of this occupation's workload can be absorbed by machines and automated systems. The top three most automatable tasks for biological technicians further highlight this susceptibility. Key functions such as conducting or assisting in research, collecting samples, and using computers or computer-interfaced equipment are highly structured and governed by procedural logic. These activities are already being augmented by robotics and laboratory information management systems, minimizing manual input. Additionally, monitoring and recording experimental data is a routine, repetitive process that machines and specialized software can handle efficiently and with fewer errors. The inherent predictability of these tasks makes them prime candidates for further automation, directly impacting the overall risk level. However, some tasks remain resistant to automation, acting as bottlenecks in the full replacement of human workers in this field. The most resistant activities—measuring or weighing compounds, examining specimens for disease, and conducting standardized laboratory tests—require a level of dexterity, observational skill, and scientific judgment that current AI and robotic technologies struggle to replicate. Tasks involving nuanced interpretation, minute manual manipulations, and troubleshooting unpredictable outcomes are less amenable to automation. Furthermore, the occupation demonstrates a dependency on originality, albeit at a relatively low level (2.9% to 3.1%), suggesting some tasks require creative or customized problem-solving. These skill and judgment requirements will continue to slow down the complete automation of biological technicians' work, balancing out the high automatable task share and keeping the risk just above the halfway mark.
Filter by Automatable Status
Conduct research, or assist in the conduct of research, including the collection of information and samples, such as blood, water, soil, plants and animals.
Partially Automatable
Use computers, computer-interfaced equipment, robotics or high-technology industrial applications to perform work duties.
Partially Automatable
Monitor and observe experiments, recording production and test data for evaluation by research personnel.
Automatable
Analyze experimental data and interpret results to write reports and summaries of findings.
Partially Automatable
Keep detailed logs of all work-related activities.
Automatable
Input data into databases.
Automatable
Isolate, identify and prepare specimens for examination.
Partially Automatable
Set up, adjust, calibrate, clean, maintain, and troubleshoot laboratory and field equipment.
Partially Automatable
Clean, maintain and prepare supplies and work areas.
Non-Automatable
Monitor laboratory work to ensure compliance with set standards.
Partially Automatable
Place orders for laboratory equipment and supplies.
Partially Automatable
Participate in the research, development, or manufacturing of medicinal and pharmaceutical preparations.
Partially Automatable
Feed livestock or laboratory animals.
Automatable
Examine animals and specimens to detect the presence of disease or other problems.
Partially Automatable
Measure or weigh compounds and solutions for use in testing or animal feed.
Partially Automatable
Provide technical support and services for scientists and engineers working in fields such as agriculture, environmental science, resource management, biology, and health sciences.
Partially Automatable
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.
Partially Automatable
Reading ComprehensionActive ListeningCritical ThinkingActive LearningComplex Problem SolvingInstallationEquipment MaintenanceQuality Control AnalysisSystems EvaluationManagement of Financial ResourcesTime ManagementManagement of Material ResourcesManagement of Personnel ResourcesWritingSpeakingMathematicsScienceLearning StrategiesMonitoringSocial PerceptivenessCoordinationPersuasionNegotiationInstructingService OrientationOperations AnalysisTechnology DesignEquipment SelectionProgrammingOperations MonitoringOperation and ControlTroubleshootingRepairingJudgment and Decision MakingSystems Analysis
Arm-Hand SteadinessAuditory AttentionCategory FlexibilityControl PrecisionDeductive ReasoningDepth PerceptionDynamic FlexibilityDynamic StrengthExplosive StrengthExtent FlexibilityFar VisionFinger DexterityFlexibility of ClosureFluency of IdeasGlare SensitivityGross Body CoordinationGross Body EquilibriumHearing SensitivityInductive ReasoningInformation OrderingManual DexterityMathematical ReasoningMemorizationMultilimb CoordinationNear VisionNight VisionNumber FacilityOral ComprehensionOral ExpressionOriginalityPerceptual SpeedPeripheral VisionProblem SensitivityRate ControlReaction TimeResponse OrientationSelective AttentionSound LocalizationSpatial OrientationSpeech ClaritySpeech RecognitionSpeed of ClosureSpeed of Limb MovementStaminaStatic StrengthTime SharingTrunk StrengthVisual Color DiscriminationVisualizationWrist-Finger SpeedWritten ComprehensionWritten Expression
Administration and ManagementAdministrativeEconomics and AccountingSales and MarketingCustomer and Personal ServicePersonnel and Human ResourcesProduction and ProcessingFood ProductionComputers and ElectronicsEngineering and TechnologyDesignBuilding and ConstructionMechanicalMathematicsPhysicsChemistryBiologyPsychologySociology and AnthropologyGeographyMedicine and DentistryHistory and ArcheologyPhilosophy and TheologyPublic Safety and SecurityLaw and GovernmentTelecommunicationsCommunications and MediaTransportationForeign LanguageEnglish LanguageFine ArtsEducation and TrainingTherapy and Counseling
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsGetting InformationIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsInspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsEstimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationJudging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleProcessing InformationEvaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsAnalyzing Data or InformationMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsThinking CreativelyUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeDeveloping Objectives and StrategiesScheduling Work and ActivitiesOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkPerforming General Physical ActivitiesHandling and Moving ObjectsControlling Machines and ProcessesOperating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentWorking with ComputersDocumenting/Recording InformationInterpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesCommunicating with People Outside the OrganizationEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsAssisting and Caring for OthersSelling or Influencing OthersResolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersPerforming for or Working Directly with the PublicCoordinating the Work and Activities of OthersDeveloping and Building TeamsTraining and Teaching OthersGuiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesCoaching and Developing OthersProviding Consultation and Advice to OthersPerforming Administrative ActivitiesStaffing Organizational UnitsMonitoring and Controlling ResourcesRepairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentRepairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentDrafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment
MapInfo MapMarkerMapInfo MapMarkerPrimer3Gene Codes SequencherPhrapPhredBoxShadeGene RunnerHarvard GraphicsPolyBayesThomson EndNoteMicrosoft ProjectMicrosoft WordAdobe PhotoshopDatabase softwareIBM Lotus 1-2-3Microsoft OutlookGeographic information system GIS softwareLaboratory information management system LIMSSystat Software SigmaPlotClustalWBD Biosciences CellQuestCorel WordPerfect Office SuiteSASStatistical softwarePrimer3Gene Codes SequencherPhrapPhredCorel WordPerfect Office SuiteBoxShadeGene RunnerPolyBayesMicrosoft ProjectAdobe PhotoshopDatabase softwareIBM Lotus 1-2-3ClustalWBD Biosciences CellQuestThomson EndNoteSystat Software TableCurveSystat Software SigmaPlotGraphics softwareGraphics softwareWord processing softwareWord processing softwareGeographic information system GIS softwareESRI ArcGIS softwareESRI ArcGIS softwareLaboratory information management system LIMSStatistical softwareAdobe AcrobatAdobe AcrobatSASHarvard GraphicsSystat Software TableCurveMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft WordMicrosoft AccessMicrosoft Access
Natural Sciences Managers
Medium46.02%
Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, statistics, and research and development in these fields.
Bioinformatics Technicians
Medium54.40%
Apply principles and methods of bioinformatics to assist scientists in areas such as pharmaceuticals, medical technology, biotechnology, computational biology, proteomics, computer information science, biology and medical informatics. Apply bioinformatics tools to visualize, analyze, manipulate or interpret molecular data. May build and maintain databases for processing and analyzing genomic or other biological information.
Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers
Medium49.00%
Apply knowledge of engineering, biology, chemistry, computer science, and biomechanical principles to the design, development, and evaluation of biological, agricultural, and health systems and products, such as artificial organs, prostheses, instrumentation, medical information systems, and health management and care delivery systems.
Nanotechnology Engineering Technologists and Technicians
Medium51.17%
Implement production processes and operate commercial-scale production equipment to produce, test, or modify materials, devices, or systems of unique molecular or macromolecular composition. Operate advanced microscopy equipment to manipulate nanoscale objects. Work under the supervision of nanoengineering staff.
Calibration Technologists and Technicians
Medium50.00%
Execute or adapt procedures and techniques for calibrating measurement devices, by applying knowledge of measurement science, mathematics, physics, chemistry, and electronics, sometimes under the direction of engineering staff. Determine measurement standard suitability for calibrating measurement devices. May perform preventive maintenance on equipment. May perform corrective actions to address identified calibration problems.
Biochemists and Biophysicists
Medium49.97%
Study the chemical composition or physical principles of living cells and organisms, their electrical and mechanical energy, and related phenomena. May conduct research to further understanding of the complex chemical combinations and reactions involved in metabolism, reproduction, growth, and heredity. May determine the effects of foods, drugs, serums, hormones, and other substances on tissues and vital processes of living organisms.
Microbiologists
Medium43.81%
Investigate the growth, structure, development, and other characteristics of microscopic organisms, such as bacteria, algae, or fungi. Includes medical microbiologists who study the relationship between organisms and disease or the effects of antibiotics on microorganisms.
Bioinformatics Scientists
Medium51.45%
Conduct research using bioinformatics theory and methods in areas such as pharmaceuticals, medical technology, biotechnology, computational biology, proteomics, computer information science, biology and medical informatics. May design databases and develop algorithms for processing and analyzing genomic information, or other biological information.
Molecular and Cellular Biologists
Medium44.52%
Research and study cellular molecules and organelles to understand cell function and organization.
Geneticists
Medium46.99%
Research and study the inheritance of traits at the molecular, organism or population level. May evaluate or treat patients with genetic disorders.
Biologists
Medium43.26%
Research or study basic principles of plant and animal life, such as origin, relationship, development, anatomy, and functions.
Chemists
Medium51.25%
Conduct qualitative and quantitative chemical analyses or experiments in laboratories for quality or process control or to develop new products or knowledge.
Agricultural Technicians
Medium50.20%
Work with agricultural scientists in plant, fiber, and animal research, or assist with animal breeding and nutrition. Set up or maintain laboratory equipment and collect samples from crops or animals. Prepare specimens or record data to assist scientists in biology or related life science experiments. Conduct tests and experiments to improve yield and quality of crops or to increase the resistance of plants and animals to disease or insects.
Chemical Technicians
Medium50.77%
Conduct chemical and physical laboratory tests to assist scientists in making qualitative and quantitative analyses of solids, liquids, and gaseous materials for research and development of new products or processes, quality control, maintenance of environmental standards, and other work involving experimental, theoretical, or practical application of chemistry and related sciences.
Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Medium43.68%
Teach courses in biological sciences. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists
Medium47.65%
Perform complex medical laboratory tests for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease. May train or supervise staff.
Cytogenetic Technologists
Medium55.83%
Analyze chromosomes or chromosome segments found in biological specimens, such as amniotic fluids, bone marrow, solid tumors, and blood to aid in the study, diagnosis, classification, or treatment of inherited or acquired genetic diseases. Conduct analyses through classical cytogenetic, fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) or array comparative genome hybridization (aCGH) techniques.
Histotechnologists
Medium47.76%
Apply knowledge of health and disease causes to evaluate new laboratory techniques and procedures to examine tissue samples. Process and prepare histological slides from tissue sections for microscopic examination and diagnosis by pathologists. May solve technical or instrument problems or assist with research studies.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians
Medium43.59%
Perform routine medical laboratory tests for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease. May work under the supervision of a medical technologist.
Histology Technicians
Low28.13%
Prepare histological slides from tissue sections for microscopic examination and diagnosis by pathologists. May assist with research studies.
Animal Scientists
Medium49.11%
Conduct research in the genetics, nutrition, reproduction, growth, and development of domestic farm animals.
Soil and Plant Scientists
Medium48.11%
Conduct research in breeding, physiology, production, yield, and management of crops and agricultural plants or trees, shrubs, and nursery stock, their growth in soils, and control of pests; or study the chemical, physical, biological, and mineralogical composition of soils as they relate to plant or crop growth. May classify and map soils and investigate effects of alternative practices on soil and crop productivity.
Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists
Medium47.45%
Study the origins, behavior, diseases, genetics, and life processes of animals and wildlife. May specialize in wildlife research and management. May collect and analyze biological data to determine the environmental effects of present and potential use of land and water habitats.
Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists
Medium45.59%
Conduct research dealing with the understanding of human diseases and the improvement of human health. Engage in clinical investigation, research and development, or other related activities.
Food Science Technicians
Medium63.32%
Work with food scientists or technologists to perform standardized qualitative and quantitative tests to determine physical or chemical properties of food or beverage products. Includes technicians who assist in research and development of production technology, quality control, packaging, processing, and use of foods.