Biological technicians are research professionals who can be found in a variety of scientific settings. They are responsible for performing experiments and tests, usually under the supervision of a biologist or biomedical engineer. The vast majority of biological technicians must possess at least a two-year degree to find employment.
When writing your biological technician job description, you will want to place a significant amount of emphasis on analytical abilities, data interpretation and sample collection. Biological technicians should understand how to operate and maintain common laboratory tools and instruments.
The right biological technician will pay close attention to detail and be comfortable handling a wide array of specimens. He or she should also be used to collecting and interpreting data. Use the following example as a guide or blueprint when the time comes to write your own biological technician job description.
Biological Technician Job Summary
As a biological technician here at our cutting-edge medical laboratory, you will be responsible for performing a variety of scientific tests and supporting a team of biologists. We’ll depend on you to apply basic microbiological principles when testing and storing genetic materials. As a key member of the research team, you will be charged with ensuring the laboratory remains clean and that all equipment is sterile and functioning. The ideal candidate will have experience working in an environment with live microbes. As a qualified technician, you’ll be free to work independently for extended periods of time. All biological technicians will be responsible for reporting to the Director of Research in the Department of Biological & Genetic Testing at the end of each day.
Job Responsibilities
- Perform tests on biological tissues to determine the cause of illness or injury in respective patient; use findings to help physicians decide on an effective approach to disease and injury treatment and prevention
- Record findings and data in official laboratory documents and transcripts; periodically report recordings to medical biologists and geneticists
- Calibrate, sanitize, sterilize, maintain and properly clean laboratory equipment using appropriate cleaning solutions and technologies
- Follow company and laboratory rules and regulations regarding researcher and patient safety
- Transport biological specimens to various hospitals and medical facilities in the area after testing.
- Record each delivery in record book
- Conduct quality control tests and procedures on reagents and products and ensure they meet stringent laboratory standards
- Use quantitative and patient data to verify the validity of recorded data on a regular basis
- Prepare biological specimens for daily testing and analysis; ensure unopened specimens are stored at appropriate temperature and humidity prior
Job Skills & Qualifications
Reqiured:
- Familiarity with laboratory equipment and protocol
- Associate of Science in Biotechnology or Biology from an accredited two-year community or vocational college
- Excellent analytical and observational skills
- Superb problem-solving abilities
Preferred:
- Prior experience testing human tissues for illnesses
- Ability to stand for extended periods of time (four or more hours)
- Willingness to work some weekends and federal holidays
Biological Technician Job Responsibilities
Creating an effective biological technician job responsibilities section is a matter of understanding how proper formatting and phrasing can help you attract the right candidates. Since this part of the biological technician job description deals with the day-to-day duties that new hires will fulfill, you want it to be as engaging and detail-rich as possible. Although this is the longest section of your job description, you want to make sure it remains easy to understand. Writing in active language helps with both goals. Let’s review some of the other best practices for writing the job responsibilities section.
You want to brainstorm the duties you will include to make sure they are tasks essential to the role. It’s okay to leave out less-important tasks, including those the candidate may share or delegate. This reduces the chance you will overwhelm potential applicants with details and also calls attention to the duties you do include. Remember to start each phrase with a specific verb, too. That way you can more easily pull the reader into a visualization of the activity.
Here are some examples you can use as you write your biological technician job description:
- Perform various tests according to laboratory-specified protocols
- Record data from observations of tests manually and in a computer database
- Clean and maintain lab equipment as necessary
- Assist lab scientists with tests that require more than one participant
Biological Technician Job Specifications
Developing an accurate and effective list of biological technician job specifications for the job qualifications and skills section is a matter of familiarity with the position. If you don’t currently have a lot of experience with this particular role, then the key will be research. Start by looking at several sources that detail the skills this job requires. Then, after you have a rudimentary list, go talk to a hiring manager who can help you sort out whether you have accidentally missed any vital information.
By taking this approach, you have a better opportunity to write a complete biological technician job description, which is vital because a less-complete description can result in underqualified candidates attempting to apply for the position. Once you are sure you have a complete list of skills and qualifications, revise it to make your list unique. Use a thesaurus to liven up common language, but make sure you leave in key phrases that reflect the role’s major skills so they are clear to readers.
Here are some examples of specifications you can review as you write your biological technician job description:
- Bachelor Science in Biology
- At least two years of experience in a biological lab setting
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Excellent quantitative reasoning