biology technician
Snapshot
Are you fascinated by the natural world and enjoy working with scientific equipment? As a biology technician, you'll play a vital role in research and analysis, contributing to discoveries in fields like medicine, environmental science, and food safety.
Biology technicians are essential members of research teams, providing crucial technical support to scientists and researchers. Your work involves meticulous laboratory procedures, data analysis, and careful record-keeping. You’ll be handling organic materials, operating sophisticated equipment, and ensuring the smooth operation of laboratory environments. This role is ideal for individuals who are detail-oriented, enjoy problem-solving, and thrive in a structured setting.
- • Collecting and analyzing samples, such as bodily fluids, plants, or food, using a variety of laboratory techniques.
- • Operating and maintaining laboratory equipment, ensuring accuracy and safety.
- • Recording and analyzing experimental data, identifying trends and potential issues.
Where this occupation is in demand
Reported labour shortages and surpluses, by year. Published for occupation groups, not for individual job titles.
Deeper colour: reported the same way in more consecutive years.
Figures cover Science and engineering associate professionals — 267 jobs including this one.
In shortage: Netherlands, Sweden.
Longest-running shortage: Netherlands, 4 years.
Select a place on the map to see its figures.
About this source›
Source: ELA/EURES labour shortages and surpluses. Readings are published at occupation-group level, and cover Europe. Editions differ in annex layout and country coverage, so a change between years does not always mean the labour market changed. Countries in grey were not reported, which is not the same as being in balance.
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Could biology technician fit you?
Answer three quick questions. This is not a full assessment — it is a teaser to help you decide whether to compare your profile.
Do you enjoy tasks that require Attention to Detail?
Do you enjoy tasks that require Dependability?
Do you enjoy tasks that require Integrity?
Future Outlook for biology technician
The outlook for biology technician reflects a balanced mix of automation exposure and durable, human-led work.
How are these scores calculated?
The Resilience Score (0–100) estimates how structurally protected this occupation is from automation and AI disruption, based on task-level analysis. Higher scores mean more human-judgment-intensive tasks. AI Exposure shows the estimated percentage of task hours that current AI capabilities could affect. These are model-derived structural indicators, not predictions about individual job security.
How could biology technician change as AI adoption grows?
This role is likely to change gradually, with AI supporting selected tasks rather than replacing the whole occupation.
Illustrative scenario based on task automatability — not a forecast. Values are rounded the further ahead you look.
How could biology technician change as AI adoption grows?
This role is likely to change gradually, with AI supporting selected tasks rather than replacing the whole occupation.
Illustrative scenario based on task automatability — not a forecast. Values are rounded the further ahead you look.
How AI may change this role
Deterministic, model-based interpretation of current role signals — not a guarantee of replacement.
What still depends on people
- apply safety procedures in laboratory
- perform stem cell transplantation
- manage inventory
Where AI may become a co-pilot
- analyse experimental laboratory data
- perform scientific research
- apply scientific methods
Tasks most exposed to automation
- collect biological data
- assist in the production of laboratory documentation
- write technical reports
Vital Signs & AI Vectors
AI Exposure Vectors
0-100%Exposure to AI-assisted analysis, pattern recognition, and predictive modelling tasks
Exposure to physical automation, robotics, and sensor-driven task displacement
Exposure to content generation, creative augmentation, and large language model tools
Exposure to workflow automation, decision-support software, and process digitisation
Technical Details
NexFuture v3.0 estimates automation exposure natively from ESCO essential-skill groups, weighted by skill mass and calibrated against expert anchors. Scores are probabilistic estimates, not guarantees. See the NexFuture Methodology White Paper for full details.
Measures automation exposure. It does not measure pay, demand, or how many jobs exist near you.
What people in this role usually do
Energy & Natural Resources
A typical day as a biology technician
09 09:00 · Morning analyse experimental laboratory data
10 10:30 · Mid-morning apply safety procedures in laboratory
12 12:00 · Midday assist in the production of laboratory documentation
14 14:00 · Afternoon manage inventory
15 15:30 · Late afternoon perform stem cell transplantation
17 17:00 · Wrap-up use laboratory equipment
Task order is illustrative. Individual days vary.
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computational biology
The interdisciplinary scientific field that focus on employing data analytics and theories to investigate biological systems obtained through experiments.
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cryopreservation
Cryopreservation 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 testicle tissue by cooling to very low temperatures (typically -80 or -196°C).
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laboratory equipment
The tools and equipment used by scientists and other scientific professionals in a laboratory.
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stem cells
The biological development of human embryonic stem cells, together with the ethical concerns related and the legal requirements involved.
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applied zoology
The science of applying animal anatomy, physiology, ecology, and behaviour in a particular practical context.
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botany
The taxonomy or classification of plant life, phylogeny and evolution, anatomy and morphology, and physiology.
- biology
- laboratory techniques
- life sciences
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perform laboratory tests
Carry out tests in a laboratory to produce reliable and precise data to support scientific research and product testing.
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use laboratory equipment
Make correct use of laboratory equipment when working in a laboratory.
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calibrate laboratory equipment
Calibrate laboratory equipment by comparing between measurements: one of known magnitude or correctness, made with a trusted device and a second measurement from another piece of laboratory equipment. Make the measurements in as similar a way as possible.
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perform scientific research
Gain, correct or improve knowledge about phenomena by using scientific methods and techniques, based on empirical or measurable observations.
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apply scientific methods
Apply scientific methods and techniques to investigate phenomena, by acquiring new knowledge or correcting and integrating previous knowledge.
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maintain laboratory equipment
Clean laboratory glassware and other equipment after use and it for damage or corrosion in order to ensure its proper functioning.
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collect samples for analysis
Collect samples of materials or products for laboratory analysis.
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assist in the production of laboratory documentation
Assist in documenting laboratory work, especially paying attention to policies and standard operating procedures.
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apply safety procedures in laboratory
Make sure that laboratory equipment is used in a safe manner and the handling of samples and specimens is correct. Work to ensure the validity of results obtained in research.
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perform stem cell transplantation
Carry out bone marrow stem cell transplants.
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write technical reports
Compose technical customer reports understandable for people without technical background.
Skill DNA
Work personality traits and values that define this role
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Scan to continue on mobileGrowth Pathways & Similar Roles
Explore typical career progression paths, adjacent skills, and similar roles to plan your next transition.
Where does biology technician fit?
Similarity scores based on skill overlap from ESCO data.
Frequently asked questions
- What kind of educational background is typically required to become a biology technician?
- Most biology technician positions require an associate's degree or a bachelor's degree in biology, chemistry, or a related field. Relevant coursework includes laboratory techniques, data analysis, and scientific principles.
- What are some of the key skills needed to succeed as a biology technician?
- Strong attention to detail, analytical skills, proficiency in laboratory techniques, data management skills, and the ability to follow protocols precisely are all essential. Effective communication skills are also important for collaborating with researchers and presenting findings.
- What are the typical work conditions for a biology technician?
- Biology technicians typically work in laboratory settings, which can include research institutions, hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, or environmental agencies. The work environment may involve exposure to chemicals and biological materials, requiring adherence to safety protocols.
- Biology Technician — is there a shortage in Europe?
- No. In the 2025 ELA/EURES edition, a surplus was reported in 6 of the 8 European countries that assessed this occupation group: Austria, Czechia, Denmark, Finland and 2 more. 2 countries reported a shortage. These assessments are published per occupation group rather than per job title.
- Biology Technician — what does it pay in the United States?
- $52,000 a year at the median, as of 2025-05. State medians run from $41,300 to $71,440. Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics. This is a United States figure and not a projection for Europe.
- Biology Technician — is it a regulated profession?
- It is listed as a regulated profession in 1 European country: Czechia. The lowest qualification level required among them is EQF 7. Where a profession is regulated, a qualification earned elsewhere has to be formally recognised before you can practise. Source: EU Regulated Professions Database.