|
advertisement
|
|
Home -
Career Center :: More Health Informatics Career Profiles
Biology Specimen Technician |
Career OverviewA biology specimen technician has the responsibility for preparing various components of living organisms and tissues for experiments and examinations. They may also be required to preserve various animal and plant specimens in either a dried manner or by embedding the various substances in plastic. These live looking preservations are often used in teaching and as instructional aides in both classrooms and laboratories.
A biology specimen technician must have a good working knowledge of chemistry as they will be required to select the various stains and dyes needed to show the structure of both plant and animal tissues that are being persevered. The biology specimen technician can often be responsible for determining various stages of development of both plants and animals and preserving either the whole specimen or just certain aspects of the specimen in either plastic molds or in dried formats or microscopic screens.
A biology specimen technician must have a good understanding of all biological processes as well as laboratory procedures and protocols. An ability to work with microscopic samples as well as larger specimens is critical.
Biology specimen technicians are employed by hospitals, museums, laboratories, research and development facilities, agricultural and environmental agencies as well as universities and even vet clinics and nurseries.
|
Career RequirementsThere are no specific requirements for a biology specimen technician although various agencies and facilities will have their own levels of training and experience requirements. Most biology specimen technicians have at least an Associates degree in one of the life sciences, particularly biology and organic chemistry, as well as experience working in laboratories and preparing the various specimens and following correct procedures.
A biology specimen technician will also be required to have a good understanding of both plant and animal classification, good ability to accurately label and catalogue the various tissue samples and specimens, as well as good computer skills with regards to data entry, data base programs as well as preparing computer generated models and diagrams to accompany the actual specimen.
|
Advertisement
|
Job OutlookThere is a steady need for experienced biology specimen technician in various fields. Museums, research facilities, hospitals, veterinary research facilities and large clinics, as well as pharmaceutical companies and environmental and agriculture companies all are potential sources of employment.
As the need for more natural remedies and greater emphasis on environmentally friendly products increases the need for biology specimen technician will increase. Often biology specimen technicians become a key part of research and development teams and they are critical in preserving data and helping with collection and preparation of new chemicals and compounds.
|
Career TrackBiology specimen technicians can continue on with specialized education to increase their knowledge in specific areas. With additional training in science related fields many biology specimen technician advance into management of laboratory or specimen collections, assisting in research and development design and data collection, or even becoming research assistants.
|
CompensationA beginning biology specimen technician without previous or minimal laboratory or hands on experience can expect to earn between $8.00 and $11.00 per hour. An experienced biology specimen technician often earns between $12.00 and $14.00 per hour. The workday is fairly consistent with a standard 40-hour week with little overtime or weekend work.
Some biology specimen technicians work on a contract basis depending on the research project. Often these individuals have a higher per hour income but do not always receive the various employment benefits of a biology specimen technician employed by a museum, research facility or hospital.
|
|
|
|
|
|