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Science Technician Overview - Specialty Areas - Preparation -
Day In The Life - Earnings - Employment - Career Path Forecast -
Professional Organizations


Science technicians use the principles and theories of science and mathematics to solve problems in research and development and to help invent and improve products and processes. However, their jobs are more practically oriented than those of scientists. Technicians set up, operate, and maintain laboratory instruments, monitor experiments, make observations, calculate and record results, and often develop conclusions. They must keep detailed logs of all of their work. Those who perform production work monitor manufacturing processes and may ensure quality by testing products for proper proportions of ingredients, for purity, or for strength and durability.

As laboratory instrumentation and procedures have become more complex, the role of science technicians in research and development has expanded. In addition to performing routine tasks, many technicians, under the direction of scientists, now develop and adapt laboratory procedures to achieve the best results, interpret data, and devise solutions to problems. Technicians must develop expert knowledge of laboratory equipment so that they can adjust settings when necessary and recognize when equipment is malfunctioning.

Most science technicians specialize, learning their skills and working in the same disciplines in which scientists work. Occupational titles, therefore, tend to follow the same structure as those for scientists. Other science technicians perform a wide range of activities. Some collect weather information or assist oceanographers; others work as laser technicians or radiographers.

Science Technician Resources

Online

Overview:
Overview of Science Technicians
Specialty Areas:
Special Areas of Study
Preparation:
Programs, Degree Fields
Day in the Life:
The Workplace
Earnings:
Employer Options, Salary Ranges, Types of Employers
Employment:
Statistics, Industries, Employers
Career Path Forecast:
Predictions for the Field
Professional Organizations:
Resources, Networking, Support
Internet Resources:
American Institute of Biological Sciences
American Institute of Biological Sciences Career Center
American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB) Careers Brochure (PDF)
American Society for Microbiology
Canadian Federation of Biological Societies
Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology

Microbeworld
National Association of Biology Teachers
Other Biological Science Professional Associations

Note: Some resources in this section are provided by the US Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics.
 


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