Science Technician
A Science Technician plays a crucial role in supporting scientific inquiry across various fields, including biology, chemistry, environmental science, and forensic science. Their responsibilities encompass developing research protocols, collecting and analyzing data, and operating laboratory equipment, all while ensuring accurate documentation of their findings. These professionals may work in diverse environments, from laboratories to outdoor field settings, depending on their specialty.
Typically, Science Technicians require at least a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and undergo moderate-term on-the-job training. The job outlook for this occupation is projected to grow at an average rate of 4%, reflecting steady demand in both government and private sectors. Key attributes for success in this role include strong analytical skills, attention to detail, effective time management, and the ability to collaborate with scientists and other technicians. With median earnings of around $62,640 annually, this profession attracts individuals who are passionate about science and enjoy conducting research. Overall, Science Technicians are vital to advancing scientific knowledge and ensuring the integrity of experiments.
Science Technician
Snapshot
Career Cluster(s): Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources, Health Science, Manufacturing, Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics
Interests: Science, conducting research, recording and compiling data, monitoring experiments, applied science, clinical science
Earnings (Yearly Median): $62,640 per year $30.12 per hour
Employment & Outlook: 4% (As fast as average)
Entry-Level Education Bachelor's degree
Related Work Experience None
On-the-job-Training Moderate-term on-the-job training
Overview
Sphere of Work. Science technicians assist scientists in a wide variety of subfields and specialties. They are responsible for developing research protocols, collecting data, inventing processes, operating laboratory equipment and instruments, monitoring experiments, recording and compiling data, documenting processes and procedures, and analyzing results. Science technicians work with manual research techniques and automated research processes and technologies. Science technicians may increasingly be asked for their insights on the data they present to save time and help scientists make informed decisions about the course of their work.
Work Environment. The work environment of science technicians varies based on their scientific specialty. Science technicians work for government agencies, private consulting firms, and educational institutions. Biological, chemical, laser, and nuclear technicians work in laboratory settings. Technicians in agricultural and food science, forest and conservation, geology and petroleum, and forensic science spend their workdays in the field. A science technician’s work schedule is usually dictated by the nature of the research project and its duration and location.
Occupation Interest. Individuals drawn to the profession of science technician tend to be intelligent, analytical, logical, and detail-oriented. Successful science technicians demonstrate good eyesight, hand-eye coordination, focus, problem-solving skills, manual dexterity, responsibility, and effective time management. Science technicians should enjoy spending time conducting research and have a strong background in science.
A Day in the Life—Duties and Responsibilities. The daily occupational duties and responsibilities of science technicians are determined by the individual’s area of job specialization and work environment. Science technician specialties include agricultural and food science, biology, chemistry, environmental science, forensic science, forestry and conservation, geology and petroleum, nuclear science, weather science, and laser technology.
During a typical day, science technicians may order and inventory laboratory and research supplies (including some hazardous materials) and set up, calibrate, and sterilize laboratory equipment and materials continuously or collect specimens and samples for further analysis. They may write or present oral reports of compiled data based on completed experiments. Depending upon the area of specialization, different science technicians may perform tests to evaluate the quality or characteristics of food and medicine, agricultural products, animal nutrition, disease-causing organisms, disease-resistant organisms, or human blood and cells.
Technicians who work in environmental science or forestry and conservation collect air and water samples to test for pollution or contamination, assist with pollution abatement and control projects, and oversee waste management programs. They study the environmental condition of forests and wetlands, track wildlife activity over a geographic area, inspect land for insect infestation or fire hazards, or make environmental recommendations related to building and development projects.
Geological and petroleum technicians participate in oil and gas exploration projects, test samples for petroleum content and mineral composition, or inspect oil and gas drilling operations.
Nuclear science technicians work with nuclear scientists and monitor radiation levels. Biological scientists may be involved in research with a medical or therapeutic application, such as vaccines or disease-testing protocols. Chemical technicians assist in the research and development of new or improved products, such as plastics, paints, or household chemicals.
All science technicians are additionally responsible for thoroughly documenting all stages of their research and preparing final research reports. They may be asked to test product packaging for quality and compliance or serve as expert scientific or medical witnesses in criminal or civil legal proceedings.
Assayers (022.281-010). Assayers test ores and minerals for values and components and separate and weigh components.
Laboratory Testers (022.281-018). Laboratory testers examine, measure, test, and photograph synthetic fiber samples to assist quality control.
Artificial Breeding Laboratory Technicians (040.361-010). Artificial breeding laboratory technicians measure the quality of animal semen to improve artificial breeding.
Laboratory Animal Care Veterinarians (073.061-010). Laboratory animal care veterinarians examine, diagnose, and treat diseases of laboratory animals to ensure the health of animals used in scientific research and to comply with regulations governing their humane and ethical treatment.
Food Testers (029.361-014). Food testers test and report on food for flavor, color, purity, odor, and content quantities.
Biological Aides (049.364-018). Biological aides assist researchers with experiments in agricultural sciences by setting up, testing, record keeping, and cleaning.
Weather Observers (025.267-014). Weather observers observe weather and visibility using various equipment for pilot briefings or forecasts.
Spectroscopists (011.281-014). Spectroscopists examine metals and minerals for density and intensity and record procedures and results.
Scouts (010.267-010). Scouts collect information about oil and gas drilling, geological prospecting, and land or lease contracts.
Work Environment
Immediate Physical Environment. The immediate physical environment of science technicians varies based on their employer and specialization. Science technicians spend their workdays either in laboratory settings or in the field. Their work may increase their risk for contamination from toxic chemicals, equipment accidents, radiation exposure, and eyestrain.
Human Environment. Science technicians interact with project scientists and laboratory staff during their workdays. They should be comfortable taking orders and instructions from the scientists directing their research projects.
Technological Environment. Science technicians complete their work using computers and laboratory instruments, such as microscopes. They should be sufficiently knowledgeable about a wide range of scientific devices and instrumentation to recommend what equipment best suits the research design.
Education, Training, and Advancement
High School/Secondary. High school students interested in pursuing a career as a science technician should prepare themselves by developing good study habits. High school-level study of biology, physics, chemistry, and mathematics will provide a strong foundation for college-level work in the sciences. Familiarity with technical drawing, computer technology, and electronics may also be beneficial. Due to the diversity of science technician specialties and responsibilities, high school students interested in this career path may benefit from seeking internships or part-time positions that expose the students to laboratory procedures and research practices.
Postsecondary. Postsecondary students interested in becoming science technicians should earn an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in clinical sciences, natural sciences, applied technology, or a related field. Biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics coursework will also prove helpful in their future work. Vocational and technical schools also offer one- to two-year training programs for aspiring science technicians. Prospective science technicians can gain work experience and potential advantage in future job searches through internships or part-time employment in laboratory settings or research projects.
Related Occupations
− Medical Laboratory Technician
Bibliography
“Data for Occupations Not Covered in Detail: Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other.” Occupational Outlook Handbook. Bureau of Labor Statistics, US Department of Labor, 24 Apr. 2024, www.bls.gov/ooh/about/data-for-occupations-not-covered-in-detail.htm#Life,%20physical,%20and%20social%20science%20occupations. Accessed 26 Aug. 2024.
“Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2022: 19-4099 Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other.” Occupational Employment Statistics. Bureau of Labor Statistics, US Department of Labor, 3 Apr. 2024, www.bls.gov/OES/current/oes194099.htm. Accessed 26 Aug. 2024.