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Biological Technician

Set up and run laboratory experiments for biologists and medical researchers.

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Start with: STEM Foundations: The Universal Skill StackTake the career survey

Career facts

Preparation
Considerable preparation needed · most need a bachelor's degree
Ways in
  • Associate degree
  • Bachelor's degree
  • Industry certification
Field
Life science & biotech

About this career

Biological technicians prepare samples, grow cell cultures, run tests, record results and keep lab equipment clean and calibrated under a scientist's direction. They follow written protocols, use microscopes and analysis instruments, and log data in spreadsheets or lab software. Most jobs ask for a bachelor's degree in biology or a related field; some accept an associate degree with lab experience.

Learning path

Take these courses in order, from beginner to mid-level.

  1. Step 1: STEM Foundations: The Universal Skill Stack

    The shared base every STEM career uses: working with numbers and units, testing ideas fairly, handling data and code, and explaining your work.

    Level: Beginner4 modules · 12 lessons · 7h 18mAlso used in 34 other careers

  2. Step 2: Foundations for Life Science & Biotech Careers

    Biology, chemistry, the lab mindset, the regulated routes in, and the rules that govern real labs.

    Level: Beginner3 modules · 9 lessons · 3h 53mAlso used in 2 other careers

  3. Step 3: Digital Literacy for Tech & STEM Work

    The everyday computer, internet, safety and AI skills every tech and STEM job assumes you already have.

    Level: Beginner4 modules · 12 lessons · 6h 8mAlso used in 34 other careers

  4. Step 4: Professional Communication & Teamwork

    Write clear emails and documents, present and run meetings, work well on teams, and navigate résumés, interviews and networking.

    Level: Beginner4 modules · 12 lessons · 7h 24mAlso used in 34 other careers

  5. Step 5: Math for Tech & STEM

    The practical math behind tech and STEM work: numbers, algebra, functions, geometry, logic and counting, with short code exercises.

    Level: Beginner5 modules · 15 lessons · 7h 32mAlso used in 34 other careers

  6. Step 6: Spreadsheets for Data Work

    Clean tables, correct formulas, lookups, pivot tables and honest charts in Google Sheets, LibreOffice Calc or Excel.

    Level: Beginner3 modules · 9 lessons · 6h 35mAlso used in 16 other careers

  7. Step 7: Python Fundamentals

    Learn to program in Python from zero: values, decisions, loops, functions, data structures, files, modules and a small data project.

    Level: Beginner5 modules · 15 lessons · 9h 53mAlso used in 22 other careers

  8. Step 8: Statistics Fundamentals

    Describe data, reason with probability, and draw honest conclusions from samples, with short fill-in-the-blank Python exercises.

    Level: Beginner4 modules · 12 lessons · 6h 50mAlso used in 14 other careers

  9. Step 9: Lab Safety Fundamentals

    Recognise lab hazards, read GHS labels and Safety Data Sheets, choose PPE, and understand the training and records that keep labs safe.

    Level: Beginner3 modules · 9 lessons · 5h 10mAlso used in 5 other careers

  10. Step 10: Chemistry Fundamentals

    Atoms, bonding, gases, balanced equations, moles, solutions, pH, buffers, equilibrium and an organic and biochemistry preview, with short fill-in-the-blank Python calculators.

    Level: Beginner4 modules · 12 lessons · 5h 49mAlso used in 6 other careers

  11. Step 11: Biology Fundamentals

    Cells, membranes, the microscope, DNA and inheritance, microorganisms, blood and the immune system: the biology every lab career builds on.

    Level: Beginner3 modules · 9 lessons · 3h 30mAlso used in 2 other careers

  12. Step 12: Intro to Data Analysis with Python

    Load, clean, reshape and explore real data with Python and pandas, then turn the results into clear findings.

    Level: Intermediate4 modules · 13 lessons · 12h 55mAlso used in 10 other careers

  13. Step 13: Lab Techniques & Instrumentation

    Core bench skills and instruments: balances, glassware, pipetting, buffers, centrifuges, chromatography, spectrophotometry, calibration, microscopy and aseptic technique.

    Level: Intermediate3 modules · 9 lessons · 4h 41mAlso used in 4 other careers

  14. Step 14: Lab Data & Quality

    Keep trustworthy lab records, query LIMS data, run QC with Westgard rules, build calibration curves, estimate uncertainty, and work within SOPs, CAPA and accreditation.

    Level: Intermediate3 modules · 9 lessons · 4h 54mAlso used in 4 other careers

  15. Step 15: Molecular Biology Methods

    Extract nucleic acids, run PCR and qPCR, read gels, Western blots and ELISAs, compare sequencing methods, and work with sequences and BLAST.

    Level: Intermediate3 modules · 9 lessons · 4h 48mAlso used in 2 other careers

  16. Step 16: Cell Culture & Bioprocessing

    Culture cells aseptically, count and passage them, control contamination, model growth, understand bioreactors and purification, and work under GMP with validated systems and batch data.

    Level: Mid-level3 modules · 9 lessons · 5h 2mAlso used in 1 other career

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