Day in the life
A Day in the Life of a Biological Technician
What biological technicians actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
What is a typical day like for a biological technician?
Check cell cultures under the microscope. From there, the day usually includes prepare samples and reagents, run experiments and assays, and culture cells and microorganisms. Most work full-time; experiments sometimes need weekend checks.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for a biological technician working full time.
- Check cell cultures under the microscope.
- Extract DNA from samples.
- Set up a PCR run.
- Lab meeting on experiment results.
- Run gels and image results.
- Analyze data in a spreadsheet.
- Update the lab notebook and restock supplies.
Where biological technicians work
Biological technicians work in labs, sometimes with biohazards and research animals.
Hours and schedule
Most work full-time; experiments sometimes need weekend checks.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- Prepare samples and reagents
- Run experiments and assays
- Culture cells and microorganisms
- Operate lab instruments
- Record and analyze data
- Maintain lab supplies and equipment
- Follow safety and quality procedures
Tools you’ll use every day
- Pipettes
- PCR machines
- Microscopes
- Biosafety cabinets
- Centrifuges
- Electronic lab notebooks
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- Faster-than-average growth
- Contribute to research
- Hands-on science
- Path to graduate school
What’s hard
- Repetitive tasks
- Pay modest for a bachelor’s
- Grant-dependent jobs
- Biohazard exposure
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I love biology
- I like hands-on experiments
- I’m patient and precise
- I want to support discoveries
- I might go to grad school
- I like data
Not sure? Take the free Biological Technician fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Follow biosafety level rules
- Wear PPE
- Dispose of biohazards correctly
- Never mouth-pipette