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Biological technician skills for your resume and career

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
Quoted experts
John Dubé Ph.D.,
Dr. Scott Lankford Ph.D.
Biological technician example skills
Below we've compiled a list of the most critical biological technician skills. We ranked the top skills for biological technicians based on the percentage of resumes they appeared on. For example, 10.3% of biological technician resumes contained gps as a skill. Continue reading to find out what skills a biological technician needs to be successful in the workplace.

15 biological technician skills for your resume and career

1. GPS

GPS stands from Global Positioning System. It is a navigation system comprising of satellites that helps in determining the location, velocity, and synchronize time data for different modes of travel like air, sea, or land.

Here's how biological technicians use gps:
  • Placed and marked the location of Gypsy MothTraps with GPS units, and checked traps later in the season for results.
  • Navigated to sites on land and water while utilizing a compass, topographic maps, and a GPS.

2. Lab Equipment

Here's how biological technicians use lab equipment:
  • Assisted in setting up classroom labs Cared for planets in the green room Cleaned and maintained lab equipment
  • Managed the laboratory including ordering supplies, maintained lab equipment and instruments, maintained environmental safety compliance.

3. Data Collection

Data collection means to analyze and collect all the necessary information. It helps in carrying out research and in storing important and necessary information. The most important goal of data collection is to gather the information that is rich and accurate for statistical analysis.

Here's how biological technicians use data collection:
  • Work Requirements: -Work independently -Responsible for accurate data collection -Data confidentiality -High attention to detail
  • Used various instruments to accurately and successfully carry out and complete data collection requirements.

4. PCR

PCR stands for Polymerase Chain Reaction, a tool to make millions of copies of a target part of DNA. Polymerase chain reaction involves the process of heating and cooling. The process takes place using a machine, which helps in heating and cooling off the substances. The purpose of heating exists to separate the DNA into two single strands.

Here's how biological technicians use pcr:
  • Assisted in molecular studies to evaluate high profile mutant strains by PCR to identify known resistance genes.
  • Performed Real Time LightCycler PCR, amplification and detection of human herpes viral DNA and RNA.

5. GLP

GLP stands for "good laboratory practice." This refers to the integrity and quality measures that non-clinical laboratories have in place to ensure accurate research and market testing. GLP is most often used in pharmaceutical companies where new drugs must be tested before being approved for sale, but the practice can also be used in food packaging and preparation test centers.

Here's how biological technicians use glp:
  • Implemented SOP's and GLP regulations to ensure accuracy and integrity of data.
  • Collected and reported data in compliance with GLP and SOPs.

6. Tissue Samples

Here's how biological technicians use tissue samples:
  • Worked at various locations collecting biological data and tissue samples from fish that are brought in by the anglers.
  • Collected tissue samples for DNA analyses and geographic context.

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7. Data Entry

Data entry means entering data into a company's system with the help of a keyboard. A person responsible for entering data may also be asked to verify the authenticity of the data being entered. A person doing data entry must pay great attention to tiny details.

Here's how biological technicians use data entry:
  • Performed data entry into Excel workbook regarding endangered wildlife.
  • Participated in summer bird counts, Indiana's breeding bird atlas and performed data entry for other atlas participants.

8. Molecular Biology

Here's how biological technicians use molecular biology:
  • Used Qiagen brand products and basic molecular biology techniques for isolation.

9. GIS

A geographic information system (GIS) is a tool for capturing, storing, manipulating, analyzing, managing and presenting various forms of geographic data.

Here's how biological technicians use gis:
  • Field work, surveyed according to national protocols for northern spotted owl and northern goshawk, produced reports and GIS data.
  • Have experience mapping vegetation, habitat, and substrate in the field using ACR GIS units.

10. Wildlife Habitat

Here's how biological technicians use wildlife habitat:
  • Assisted with planning and implementation of wildlife habitat improvement Projects.
  • Compile and analyze fisheries and wildlife habitat monitoring data.

11. Sample Collection

Sample Collection is a process where a doctor or phlebotomist collects a sample from the patient to run a variety of medical tests. Samples may include blood, urine, tissue, muscle, spinal fluid, and other biological fluids. Once a sample is collected, physicians perform an analysis to answer a number of questions, such as whether the patient is diabetic, pregnant, or under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Here's how biological technicians use sample collection:
  • Escorted participants to hospital facilities for biological sample collections and other Medical Visits.
  • Review proposed study protocols to evaluate factors such as sample collection processes, data management plans, and potential subject risks.

12. DNA

Deoxyribonucleic acid, or only DNA, which is considered the king of molecules, is a macromolecule that contains the main component of chromosomes. Shaped like a double helix, DNA is usually found in the nucleus of a cell. It is a type of material that transports characteristics in many forms, developed in nucleotides around one another.

Here's how biological technicians use dna:
  • Transferred DNA to final storage containers for future usage.
  • Collected rabbit droppings for DNA analysis.

13. Access Database

Here's how biological technicians use access database:
  • Entered data into Microsoft Access database and performed data quality assurance and quality control procedures.
  • Created a Microsoft Access database used to contain vegetation data for this project; entered my field data into this database.

14. Centrifugation

Here's how biological technicians use centrifugation:
  • Involved in downstream processing which includes pasteurization, centrifugation, and freeze drying.

15. Water Quality

Here's how biological technicians use water quality:
  • Conducted inspections of related plant species and monitored water quality.
  • Conducted biological assays to determine water quality.
top-skills

What skills help Biological Technicians find jobs?

Tell us what job you are looking for, we’ll show you what skills employers want.

What skills stand out on biological technician resumes?

John Dubé Ph.D.John Dubé Ph.D. LinkedIn profile

Associate Professor of Biology, Director, Honors Program, Director, MA Biomedical Studies, Chatham University

In terms of resumes, students need to demonstrate the soft skills. How did they use networking skills in school or at a job? How do they communicate effective, verbally and in writing? In what ways did their coursework or job help with critical thinking? Teamwork, a positive attitude, and leadership skills are also critically important. I also think that employers will want them to have the technical skill necessary to transition into a position (e.g., Zoom, Teams, word processing, spreadsheet management, and others specific to the particular field).

What biological technician skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?

Dr. Scott Lankford Ph.D.Dr. Scott Lankford Ph.D. LinkedIn profile

School Chair, University of Central Missouri

A student can achieve many co-curricular experiences in a gap year that would add tremendous value to their degree. In the sciences, these include getting a job related to your area of interest to build critical experiences that can inform your future career direction, enrolling in small certificate programs to obtain credentials verifying specialized skills relevant to your desired career, and taking advantage of internship or research experiences that are still available. Unfortunately, those opportunities have been impacted by the pandemic, but they are still out there.

What type of skills will young biological technicians need?

Dr. Noelle CutterDr. Noelle Cutter LinkedIn profile

Associate Professor, Molloy College

Skills for upcoming graduates...I am a big believer in graduates having a firm foundation in liberal arts and sciences. Employers are looking for employees who can advance in the profession, not just entry-level work. That will be the future of the workforce. The liberal arts and sciences provide a solid foundation for long term employment and career success. It is an approach to college learning that empowers individuals and prepares them to deal with complexity, diversity, and change.

This approach emphasizes broad knowledge of the wider world (e.g., science, culture, and society) as well as in-depth achievement in a specific field of interest. In terms of skills, they are lifelong learning skills that are non-subject specific. These skills include the capacity to think critically, communicate clearly (both written and oral), and solve complex problems. I mean, think about the current pandemic....understanding and communicating the science of the virus is absolutely critical. The need for rigorous, critical, engaged thinking to understand the challenge and be informed citizens. It is absolutely critical.

What technical skills for a biological technician stand out to employers?

Dr. William Romine Ph.D.Dr. William Romine Ph.D. LinkedIn profile

Associate Professor, Wright State University

Since effective teaching requires building relationships, verbal and written communication is more important than ever; in particular the ability to foster effective communication with students and their families. When looking at applications, employers would ideally like to see actual experience and evidence of accomplishment in these areas since a new hire will be expected to hit the ground running. Class projects and summer internships are both great ways to develop these skills and gather concrete evidence of experience. If these opportunities aren't available, then consider volunteering.
Do you want to know more?
Read more about what experts have to say about biological technician

List of biological technician skills to add to your resume

Biological technician skills

The most important skills for a biological technician resume and required skills for a biological technician to have include:

  • GPS
  • Lab Equipment
  • Data Collection
  • PCR
  • GLP
  • Tissue Samples
  • Data Entry
  • Molecular Biology
  • GIS
  • Wildlife Habitat
  • Sample Collection
  • DNA
  • Access Database
  • Centrifugation
  • Water Quality
  • Elisa
  • RNA
  • Biological Samples
  • Nest
  • Hazardous Materials
  • Water Samples
  • Research Projects
  • Remote Locations
  • Cell Lines
  • Data Sheets
  • Radio Telemetry
  • ATV
  • FDA
  • Invasive Plant Species
  • Biological Data
  • Plant Identification
  • Biological Surveys
  • Rough Terrain
  • Trout
  • EPA
  • Trimble Gps
  • OWL
  • Fish Species
  • Data Analysis
  • Plant Surveys
  • Stem Cells
  • Trail Cameras
  • Censuses
  • Western Blotting
  • Government Vehicles

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

Updated January 8, 2025

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