Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Biological Technician

🎯 Role Definition

The Biological Technician performs hands-on laboratory work to support research, development, and quality testing activities. This role includes sample preparation, routine and specialized assays (molecular, biochemical, cellular), equipment operation and maintenance, data collection and documentation in accordance with SOPs, GLP/GMP and biosafety regulations. The Biological Technician works closely with scientists and cross-functional teams to ensure experiments are executed accurately, safely, and reproducibly.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Laboratory Assistant / Lab Intern
Research Assistant in academia or industry
Medical Laboratory Assistant or Clinical Lab Technician

Advancement To:

Senior Biological Technician / Lead Technician
Research Associate or Scientist I
Quality Control Analyst / QC Specialist

Lateral Moves:

Molecular Biology Technician (specialized)
Cell Culture Specialist
Regulatory or QA Associate (with additional training)

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Perform routine and specialized laboratory procedures including nucleic acid extraction, PCR/qPCR setup and analysis, ELISA, Western blot sample preparation, and basic protein assays; ensure all work follows current SOPs, GLP/GMP expectations, and biosafety requirements.
Carry out aseptic cell culture work for mammalian and/or microbial systems, including routine maintenance, passaging, cryopreservation and recovery of cell lines while maintaining accurate culture records and contamination logs.
Prepare, aliquot, and organize biological samples and reagents for experiments, clinical studies, or production runs; label, track, and manage chain-of-custody for samples using LIMS or other laboratory tracking systems.
Operate, troubleshoot, and perform routine preventive maintenance on laboratory instruments such as centrifuges, incubators, PCR machines, plate readers, microscopes, and autoclaves; escalate complex technical issues to engineering or vendor support.
Execute plate-based and high-throughput assays, process and record raw experimental data, and perform initial data validation and QC checks to ensure results meet acceptance criteria before handing off to scientists or analysts.
Run standardized immunoassays and cell-based assays (ELISA, flow cytometry support, cytotoxicity assays) and document results in notebooks or electronic systems with clear, reproducible detail for downstream interpretation.
Maintain accurate, compliant laboratory documentation including lab notebooks, batch records, reagent preparation logs, equipment logs, and deviation reports to support audit readiness and regulatory inspections.
Prepare buffers, media, and standard operating solutions, manage reagent quality and stability, and maintain an organized chemical and biological inventory ensuring appropriate storage and rotation of critical supplies.
Support method validation, qualification, and troubleshooting activities by following validation protocols and recording outcomes; assist in optimizing assay conditions under the guidance of senior scientists.
Participate in sample collection and processing for clinical or field studies when required, ensuring patient or specimen privacy, appropriate labeling, and adherence to chain-of-custody and regulatory requirements.
Conduct routine environmental monitoring and biosafety compliance activities such as biological waste management, sterilization procedures, and PPE audits to maintain a safe laboratory environment.
Assist in the development and revision of laboratory SOPs and work instructions based on observed process improvements, new equipment, or regulatory changes; ensure team training and adherence.
Execute quality control testing for incoming materials and finished products in accordance with established QC specifications and report non-conformances to supervision for disposition.
Prepare and present concise experimental summaries, QC reports, and status updates to principal investigators, project leads, or cross-functional teams; contribute to lab meetings by reporting findings and operational issues.
Support sample sequencing and library preparation workflows for next-generation sequencing (NGS) or Sanger workflows as required, ensuring fidelity of sample tracking and data handoff to bioinformatics teams.
Assist in small-scale production or process development runs, including sterile fills, aliquoting, and batch record completion, under cGMP guidance when applicable.
Train, mentor, and provide day-to-day guidance to junior technicians, interns, and temporary staff on standard lab practices, instrument use, and documentation standards.
Participate in inventory management and procurement by forecasting reagent needs, placing purchase requests, and qualifying vendors or catalog items in coordination with lab management.
Implement and follow laboratory safety programs, complete biosafety and hazardous materials training, and respond to routine incidents such as spills or equipment alarms following established emergency procedures.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams including research scientists, quality assurance, engineering, and supply chain to coordinate experiments, share results, and support project timelines.
Support data integrity initiatives by performing regular backups, maintaining electronic records in LIMS or ELN platforms, and assisting in data package assembly for internal reviews or regulatory submissions.
Assist in the setup and breakdown of pilot studies or validation runs, ensuring that preparative steps, instrument calibration, and documentation are complete and that results are reproducible.

Secondary Functions

Participate in continuous improvement projects to streamline lab workflows, reduce waste, and improve throughput using technician-level process knowledge.
Support ad-hoc sample requests, custom assay runs, and special projects requested by scientific staff or external collaborators.
Act as point of contact for external vendors during equipment installation, qualification, and preventive maintenance visits.
Assist in lab space management, including bench assignments, cold storage allocation, and equipment inventory reconciliation.
Support internal and external audits by compiling records, answering technician-level questions, and implementing corrective actions as directed.
Contribute to campus or site-wide safety committees or working groups focused on lab ergonomics, chemical hygiene, or biosafety.
Help maintain calibration schedules, certification paperwork, and service contracts for critical lab instrumentation.
Support sample disposal and chain-of-custody coordination for hazardous and regulated materials in line with company policy and legal requirements.
Provide technical input for purchasing decisions by evaluating new consumables or instruments during trial runs.
Assist in the creation of training materials and competency assessments for lab staff and contractors.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Molecular biology techniques: nucleic acid extraction, PCR/qPCR setup and interpretation, gel electrophoresis, and basic cloning workflows.
Immunoassays: ELISA operation, plate reading and data interpretation.
Cell culture competency: aseptic technique, cell maintenance, viability assays, and cryopreservation.
Instrumentation: operation and routine maintenance of centrifuges, biosafety cabinets, incubators, microscopes, plate readers, and thermal cyclers.
Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) / Electronic Lab Notebook (ELN) experience for sample tracking and data entry.
Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) / Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) awareness and ability to perform work in compliance with regulated environments.
Quality control skills: sample QC, data validation, deviation reporting and basic troubleshooting.
Flow cytometry and microscopy support skills (sample prep and imaging basics) — experience preferred.
Accurate pipetting, reagent preparation, and sterile technique with strong hands-on laboratory dexterity.
Basic data analysis skills: Excel proficiency, basic statistics, and ability to prepare concise result summaries; familiarity with analysis pipelines is a plus.
Knowledge of biosafety, hazardous waste handling, and proper PPE usage.
Experience with reagent preparation, buffer formulation, and inventory management.
Sample management and chain-of-custody procedures for clinical or regulated samples.
Familiarity with basic molecular biology software and instrument control applications.

Soft Skills

Strong attention to detail with a demonstrated record of maintaining accurate, audit-ready documentation.
Effective verbal and written communication skills for collaboration with scientists, QA, and external vendors.
Time management and ability to prioritize tasks in a dynamic laboratory environment.
Problem-solving mindset with proactive identification and escalation of experimental or equipment issues.
Team player who can work collaboratively across functions while maintaining accountability for assigned tasks.
Adaptability to shifting project priorities and willingness to learn new techniques and technologies.
Dependability and punctuality with respect for lab scheduling, shift coverage, and deadlines.
Ethical conduct and commitment to maintaining confidentiality and regulatory compliance.
Strong manual dexterity and comfort working in wet-lab and controlled environments.
Teaching/coaching skills to onboard and mentor junior technicians or temporary staff.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

Associate degree in Biological Sciences, Biotechnology, Laboratory Technology, or related field plus relevant laboratory experience.

Preferred Education:

Bachelor's degree (B.S.) in Biology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or related life sciences field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Biology
Microbiology
Biotechnology
Biochemistry
Molecular Biology
Laboratory Science / Clinical Laboratory Technology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

1–5 years of laboratory experience in a research, clinical, or industry setting; entry-level candidates with strong internship experience may be considered.

Preferred:

2+ years performing molecular biology and cell culture techniques, experience with LIMS/ELN, and exposure to regulated environments (GLP/GMP) or quality control workflows.