Engineering ServicesISCO 3141

Biotechnical technician

A biotechnical technician is a person who carries out the laboratory work that supports research into and development of biotechnological solutions.

Check yourself in a minute: biotechnical technician

Rate 5 of the 17 essential skills of this occupation (European ESCO data). No account needed.

maintain laboratory equipment

analyse scientific data

contact scientists

perform scientific research

run laboratory simulations

About biotechnical technician

The technician prepares the conditions for an experiment. Laboratory equipment is set up and calibrated, reagents, media and samples prepared, cultures maintained and sterile conditions kept. Laboratory techniques are applied, solid phase microextraction among them, where one component has to be isolated from a sample.

The technician also gathers experimental data, analyses it and runs laboratory simulations. Scientific methods are applied throughout, and the data is processed so that researchers can use it in research, development and testing of biotechnological solutions.

The technician works inside a research team. They liaise with scientists, pass on results and report whatever departed from the plan during an experiment. The work involves biological material, stem cells among it, and the rules for handling it alongside the regulations on working with biological agents. Entry comes through a technical qualification or a degree in biotechnology, with separate requirements for work in a diagnostic laboratory.

Key Work Functions

Core areas of responsibility for a biotechnical technician.

1

Laboratory Equipment Setup and Maintenance

  • Assemble and calibrate laboratory instruments according to standard operating procedures
  • Perform routine maintenance checks and troubleshoot equipment malfunctions
  • Maintain detailed logs of equipment performance and service history
2

Sample Preparation and Test Execution

  • Prepare biological samples using techniques such as solid phase microextraction and cryopreservation
  • Execute standardized laboratory tests following scientific protocols
  • Perform stem cell transplantation and other specialized biotechnical procedures
3

Data Collection and Analysis

  • Collect and record experimental data with precision and accuracy
  • Analyse experimental laboratory data using statistical methods
  • Run laboratory simulations to validate research hypotheses
4

Scientific Research Support

  • Apply scientific methods and protocols in all laboratory procedures
  • Collaborate with scientists to understand research objectives and requirements
  • Prepare detailed reports of experimental findings for scientific review

European Skills Framework

Skills and knowledge areas required for this occupation based on European classification.

Essential (17)

life scienceslife sciencesThe study of the processes related to cells, molecules and living organisms.solid phase microextractionsolid phase microextractionSolvent-free sample extraction technique to concentrate and isolate analytes from a sample matrix. It uses a volume of sorbent dispersed on small fibre surfaces, following two different steps, an adso...laboratory techniqueslaboratory techniquesTechniques applied in the different fields of natural science in order to obtain experimental data such as gravimetric analysis, gas chromatography, electronic or thermic methods.biologybiologyTissues, cells, and functions of plant and animal organisms and their interdependencies and interactions with each other and the environment.maintain laboratory equipmentmaintain laboratory equipmentClean laboratory glassware and other equipment after use and it for damage or corrosion in order to ensure its proper functioning.analyse scientific dataanalyse scientific dataCollect and analyse scientific data resulting from research. Interpret these data according to certain standards and viewpoints in order to comment on it.contact scientistscontact scientistsListen, reply, and establish a fluid communication relationship with scientists in order to extrapolate their findings and information into a varied array of applications including business and indust...perform scientific researchperform scientific researchGain, correct or improve knowledge about phenomena by using scientific methods and techniques, based on empirical or measurable observations.run laboratory simulationsrun laboratory simulationsRun simulations on prototypes, systems or newly developed chemical products using laboratory equipment.apply scientific methodsapply scientific methodsApply scientific methods and techniques to investigate phenomena, by acquiring new knowledge or correcting and integrating previous knowledge.gather experimental datagather experimental dataCollect data resulting from the application of scientific methods such as test methods, experimental design or measurements.analyse experimental laboratory dataanalyse experimental laboratory dataAnalyse experimental data and interpret results to write reports and summaries of findings.collect biological datacollect biological dataCollect biological specimens, record and summarise biological data for use in technical studies, developing environmental management plans and biological products.stem cellsstem cellsThe biological development of human embryonic stem cells, together with the ethical concerns related and the legal requirements involved.cryopreservationcryopreservationCryopreservation deals with procedures, risks and conditions applied to cells or tissues in order to prevent contamination and damage. It refers to the preservation of embryos, eggs, semen and testicl...perform stem cell transplantationperform stem cell transplantationCarry out bone marrow stem cell transplants.perform laboratory testsperform laboratory testsCarry out tests in a laboratory to produce reliable and precise data to support scientific research and product testing.
Optional (25) — show
genomicsgenomicsThe field of study in relation to whole genomes of organisms, as well as their genetic or epigenetic sequence of information. It aims to provide knowledge about the downstream of biological products a...medical studiesmedical studiesThe basics and terminology of medical studies.pests and diseasespests and diseasesTypes of pests and diseases and the principles of spreading and treating them.sustainable agricultural production principlessustainable agricultural production principlesPrinciples and conditions of organic and sustainable agricultural production.plant speciesplant speciesThe variety of plants, trees and shrubs and their special characteristics.chemical processeschemical processesThe relevant chemical processes used in manufacture, such as purification, seperation, emulgation and dispergation processing.food sciencefood scienceThe study of the physical, biological, and chemical makeup of food and the scientific concepts underlying food processing and nutrition.pest control in plantspest control in plantsTypes and features of pests in plants and crops. Different kinds of pest control methods, activities using conventional or biological methods taking into account the type of plant or crop, environment...multidisciplinary researchmultidisciplinary researchThe research technique where a common issue is investigated using approaches from different disciplines with the aim of finding a comprehensive solution to it.environmental engineeringenvironmental engineeringThe application of scientific and engineering theories and principles aimed at improving the environment and sustainability, such as the provision of clean habitation necessities (such as air, water, ...medical devicesmedical devicesEquipment and devices used in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of medical issues. Medical devices cover a wide range of products, ranging from syringes and protheses to MRI machinery and heari...medical laboratory technologymedical laboratory technologyThe various types and uses of technology and equipment employed in medical laboratories to perform tests on samples in order to identify possible disease-related substances.animal speciesanimal speciesThe characteristics of different species and breeds of animals (relevant to the occupation).undertake research in medical geneticsundertake research in medical geneticsUndertake research to study patterns of genetic variation in human populations, the causes of these variations, and how they influence disease susceptibility, studying gene-gene and gene-environmental...use technology for forensicsuse technology for forensicsOperate specialised tools used for forensic investigations.measure pollutionmeasure pollutionConduct pollution measurements to determine whether the prescribed pollutant limits are respected. Check firing systems and exhaust paths of gas water heaters, air heaters, and similar equipment.collect reproductive cellscollect reproductive cellsProperly collect eggs and sperm from patients in order to process them for fertility purposes.analyse test dataanalyse test dataInterpret and analyse data collected during testing in order to formulate conclusions, new insights or solutions.work with chemicalswork with chemicalsHandle chemicals and select specific ones for certain processes. Be aware of the reactions which arise from combining them.advise on pest infestation preventionadvise on pest infestation preventionProvide advice and information to clients on how to prevent future pests and related infestation in their home, office or other public or private spaces.develop vaccinesdevelop vaccinesCreate remedies that provide immunity against particular diseases by doing research and laboratory testing.research improvement of crop yieldsresearch improvement of crop yieldsStudy crop production in order to discover the best way to plant, gather, and cultivate crops to increase productivity.advise on crop diseasesadvise on crop diseasesGive advice on crops which have a specific susceptibility to particular diseases and the procedures that are suitable for their treatment.crop production principlescrop production principlesPrinciples in growing crops, the natural cycle, nursing of nature, growth conditions and principles of organic and sustainable production. Quality criterias and requirements of seeds, plants and crop.pollution preventionpollution preventionThe processes used to prevent pollution: precautions to pollution of the environment, procedures to counter pollution and associated equipment, and possible measures to protect the environment.

Related Occupations

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Frequently asked questions

What does a biotechnical technician do?

Biotechnical technicians perform technological work in assistance of scientists. They work in laboratory settings where they help scientists to research, develop and test forms of biotechnology. They set up lab equipment, prepare scientific tests and gather scientific data.

What skills does a biotechnical technician need?

A biotechnical technician needs 17 essential skills, including life sciences, solid phase microextraction, laboratory techniques, biology, maintain laboratory equipment.

Will AI replace biotechnical technician jobs?

The AI disruption score for biotechnical technician is 21/100 (low risk). Skills most exposed to automation: analyse test data, laboratory techniques, run laboratory simulations. Most resilient: perform stem cell transplantation, collect reproductive cells, medical devices.

Quick Facts

ISCO GroupScience and engineering associate professionals
Essential Skills17

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