In the Air Force:
Aerospace and Operational Physiologist; Bioenvironmental Engineer, Architecture/Medical Construction; Bioenvironmental Engineer, Health Physics; Biomedical Laboratory; Biomedical Laboratory, Blood Bank; Biomedical Laboratory, Hematology; Emergency Management; Emergency Management Craftsman; Emergency Management Superintendent; Medical Laboratory Craftsman; Medical Laboratory Journeyman
In the Army:
Allied Sciences; Biochemistry; Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) Specialist; Clinical Laboratory; Entomology; Food Safety Officer; Medical Laboratory Specialist; Medical Service Corps Officer; Microbiology; Veterinary Biomedical Scientist; Veterinary Corps Officer
In the Navy:
Biochemist; Entomologist; Medical Laboratory Scientist; Medical Laboratory Technician; Microbiologist; Physiologist; Radiation Specialist
Biological technicians may be involved in projects from groundbreaking research to cure a devastating disease to sequencing DNA evidence that can help solve a criminal case. These technicians assist biological and medical scientists. They're found in biotechnology companies and at medical and research facilities. They may work for the government or for private firms that make food products or pharmaceuticals. They set up, operate, and maintain laboratory equipment used in experiments and production. This increasingly includes working with robots, computer-interfaced tools, and electronic devices. The work usually involves living organisms or organic matter such as food, blood, or infectious substances. Biological technicians often need to wear protective gear while handling and analyzing specimens. They monitor experiments and keep careful records that they later use to write detailed reports. Technicians often work in teams or under the close supervision of a more experienced scientist. Most technicians have a bachelor’s degree, although some entry level positions require only an associate’s degree, often in a biology-related program. Excellent math and communication skills and higher-level coursework can help a technician advance to the position of technologist. This is a career where your efforts could be part of a scientific breakthrough that improves lives all over the world.
What they do:
Assist biological and medical scientists. Set up, operate, and maintain laboratory instruments and equipment, monitor experiments, collect data and samples, make observations, and calculate and record results. May analyze organic substances, such as blood, food, and drugs.
On the job, you would:
Conduct research, or assist in the conduct of research, including the collection of information and samples, such as blood, water, soil, plants and animals.
Use computers, computer-interfaced equipment, robotics or high-technology industrial applications to perform work duties.
Monitor and observe experiments, recording production and test data for evaluation by research personnel.
Math and Science
biology
arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, or statistics
Arts and Humanities
English language
Engineering and Technology
computers and electronics
Basic Skills
reading work related information
thinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem
Problem Solving
noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it
Verbal
listen and understand what people say
communicate by speaking
Ideas and Logic
make general rules or come up with answers from lots of detailed information
order or arrange things
Math
add, subtract, multiply, or divide
choose the right type of math to solve a problem
People interested in this work like activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions.
They do well at jobs that need:
Attention to Detail
Dependability
Integrity
Independence
Analytical Thinking
Cooperation
You might use software like this on the job:
Analytical or scientific software
Laboratory information management system LIMS
SAS
Presentation software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Graphics or photo imaging software
Adobe Systems Adobe Photoshop
Graphics software
bachelor's degree or master's degree usually needed
Get started on your career:
New job opportunities are very likely in the future.