Career of a Science Technician

Science technicians use the principles and theories of science and mathematics to solve problems in all types of research and development and in the development of marketable products. They are highly skilled workers who are responsible for a large share of the actual work carried out in laboratories. Science technicians use a wide variety of laboratory instruments and procedures in their work and, thus, must have a broad knowledge of science. In re-cent years, scientific technology has become much more complex; this requires highly trained workers, which in turn, raises the job prospects for well-educated technicians. With the aid of robotics, technicians have been freed from conducting rudimentary laboratory tasks and now make extensive use of computers and other high-technology equipment to perform their work.

Technicians set up, operate, and maintain laboratory instruments; monitor experiments; calculate and record results; and often develop conclusions. Those working in production test products for proper proportions of ingredients or for strength and durability. Employers are increasingly depending on science technicians to formulate, conduct, and draw conclusions in the laboratory, a task that has traditionally been reserved for personnel with higher levels of education.

The following two science technicians play a particularly important role in the environmental sciences. Biological technicians work with biologists studying living organisms and their relationship to the environment. For every one biological scientist there are several biological technicians conducting research and experiments, and developing products. These technicians are presently conducting important research in medicine, helping to find cures for cancer and AIDS, working with pharmaceuticals to discover new and improved medicines, and analyzing organic substances such as blood, food, and drugs to learn more about human biological processes and the effects of pesticides, toxins, and other potentially dangerous substances. Increasingly, biological technicians are working in biotechnology labs, using the knowledge and techniques gained from basic research by scientists, including gene splicing and recombinant DNA for product development. Some environmental projects presently being conducted include the creation of petroleum-digesting bacteria for large oil spills, genetically altered food seeds that are insect resistant, research on food production for deep space travel, and the development of alternative organic energy sources.



Chemical technicians work with chemists and chemical engineers, developing and using chemicals for research and production. Most do research and development, testing, or other laboratory work. For example, they might test packaging for design, materials, and environmental acceptability; assemble and operate new equipment to develop new products; improve product quality; or develop new production techniques. Some chemical technicians collect and analyze samples of air and water to monitor pollution levels. Those who focus on basic research might produce compounds through complex organic synthesis. Chemical technicians work in every facet of the environmental sciences, particularly in the areas of air, soil, and water pollution, hazardous waste management, and the development of alternative energy sources.

Ocean Technicians assist oceanographers in studying the physical and biological properties of the oceans and bodies of freshwater around the world. They assist in the search for precious minerals, oil, and gas; conduct research on ocean pollution and the effect of currents on weather, and help map underwater environs. Most ocean technicians work in the coastal regions of the Pacific and Atlantic oceans, but some work in the Great Lakes and other large freshwater bodies. They operate and maintain the equipment and instruments used to study marine environments. They may assist in collecting data and drafting maps of the ocean floors, and collect navigational information using charts and surveying instruments. Some ocean technicians assist scientists with the study of the chemical properties of ocean water and test for chemicals, minerals, dissolved gases, and evidence of pollution.

Educational Requirements

The minimal educational requirement for this occupation is a two-year associate's degree from a junior or community college or a technical institute.

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There are, however, many science technicians who hold a bachelor's degree in science. Most employers prefer applicants who have at least two years of specialized training. Many junior and community colleges offer associate's degrees in a specific technology or a more general education in science and mathematics. In addition, many two-year programs provide students with the opportunity to transfer to a four-year college if desired. Technical institutes generally offer technician training but provide less theory and general education than junior and community colleges. Some of these schools offer cooperative education programs, allowing students the opportunity to work at a local company while attending school part-time or in alternate terms. Many of these programs provide students with jobs after the completion of their programs. Many biological technicians hold bachelor's degrees in the biological or life sciences. In some cases, employers require a four-year degree, but more often, bachelor-degree holders working as technicians were unable to immediately find a job as a professional scientist. This was particularly true during the economic downturn in the late 1980s and early 1990s. In other cases, employers could not find properly trained technicians with less education.

Most community and junior colleges offer programs in general science and math and many have specific programs in biological technology. Students should have a solid high school background in math and science courses. Science courses taken in college should be laboratory oriented, with an emphasis on operating and maintaining high-technology equipment. Technicians also need strong communication skills because they write reports and often work as part of a team. Because computers and computer- interfaced equipment are increasingly being used in research and development laboratories, computer skills are invaluable.