What does a microbiological laboratory technician do?
A microbiological laboratory technician specializes in handling and testing samples, ensuring accuracy and safety. Often working under the supervision of a more experienced scientist, a microbiological laboratory technician has the responsibility to operate various devices and machines, record all progress and data, review results, and produce reports and documentation. There are also instances when a technician must submit results within deadlines or follow a senior scientist's directives. Furthermore, it is essential to adhere to the safety policies and rules of the laboratory at all times.
Microbiological laboratory technician responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real microbiological laboratory technician resumes:
- Job duties begin in a general microbiology/ infectious disease laboratory focuse on cultivating and managing infectious strains of microbes.
- Interpret titration curves, nmr graphs, IR spectroscopy and GC graphs.
- Prepare bacterial, fungus and yeast cell cultures used for GLP testing under FDA/EPA guidelines.
- contract )--cut fabric for testing--run Laund-Orometer--ICP, AA, titration
- Conduct schedule preventive maintenance and calibration of equipment (i.e., GC/MS, HPLC, GPC, pH meter).
- Test in-house USP water samples for microbiological contamination.
- Conduct routine environmental monitoring within the laboratory and other GMP areas.
- Maintain knowledge of chemical standards (ASTM, API, GPA, etc . )
- Perform titration and TLC studies.
- Accession specimens through LIS, manually and electronically.
- Gain analyst experience in ISO 17205 and ISO 9001.
- Work with staff to transfer IR identifications to FTIR technology.
- Analyze samples using GC, auto-titrators, and wet-bench techniques.
- Operate and maintain laboratory instruments such as GC and HPLC-Agilent.
- Perform testing on all finish biodiesel to ensure quality are within ASTM specs.
Microbiological laboratory technician skills and personality traits
We calculated that 9% of Microbiological Laboratory Technicians are proficient in Microbiology Lab, Laboratory Procedures, and Aseptic Technique. They’re also known for soft skills such as Technical skills, Analytical skills, and Communication skills.
We break down the percentage of Microbiological Laboratory Technicians that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Microbiology Lab, 9%
Performed all required duties of Microbiology Laboratory, including but not limited to setting up bacterial cultures and necessary sensitivities.
- Laboratory Procedures, 7%
Trained new undergraduate assistants in laboratory procedures for this project.
- Aseptic Technique, 6%
Completed microbiological tests, shelf studies and activity tests utilizing aseptic technique and maintained documentation to support General Mills business.
- Lab Equipment, 6%
Maintained detailed records including lab equipment calibrations and certifications.
- Food Safety, 6%
Report to management any conditions or practices that may adversely affect food safety, food quality and personnel safety
- Test Results, 5%
Performed and interpreted laboratory tests, demonstrating a keen ability to identify and correct discrepancies; record and communicate test results.
"microbiology lab," "laboratory procedures," and "aseptic technique" are among the most common skills that microbiological laboratory technicians use at work. You can find even more microbiological laboratory technician responsibilities below, including:
Technical skills. To carry out their duties, the most important skill for a microbiological laboratory technician to have is technical skills. Their role and responsibilities require that "biological technicians need to set up and operate sophisticated equipment and instruments." Microbiological laboratory technicians often use technical skills in their day-to-day job, as shown by this real resume: "developed, implemented and trained personnel on technical procedures in areas of sterility, bioburden, microbiology, and validation. "
Analytical skills. Another soft skill that's essential for fulfilling microbiological laboratory technician duties is analytical skills. The role rewards competence in this skill because "biological technicians need to conduct scientific experiments and analyses with accuracy and precision." According to a microbiological laboratory technician resume, here's how microbiological laboratory technicians can utilize analytical skills in their job responsibilities: "identify ranging fungi, bacteria and infections, gram staining and specimen plating for growth and analysis. "
Communication skills. microbiological laboratory technicians are also known for communication skills, which are critical to their duties. You can see how this skill relates to microbiological laboratory technician responsibilities, because "biological technicians must understand and follow the instructions of their managing scientists." A microbiological laboratory technician resume example shows how communication skills is used in the workplace: "maintain communication, both oral and written, with key people about test results and various other job aspects. "
The three companies that hire the most microbiological laboratory technicians are:
- Certified Laboratories13 microbiological laboratory technicians jobs
- Food Safety Net Services10 microbiological laboratory technicians jobs
- WellSpan Health6 microbiological laboratory technicians jobs
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Compare different microbiological laboratory technicians
Microbiological laboratory technician vs. Research chemist
A research chemist specializes in conducting studies and experiments to develop new products. Their duties primarily focus on conducting research and assessments, gathering and analyzing chemical samples, developing ideas, conducting tests to study chemical reactions, maintaining records of all procedures, and utilizing previous studies. Their research findings can be used to create new medicines, enhance existing products, and lead to innovations. When it comes to employment, a research chemist may work for pharmaceutical companies, private laboratories, government agencies, and learning institutions.
While similarities exist, there are also some differences between microbiological laboratory technicians and research chemist. For instance, microbiological laboratory technician responsibilities require skills such as "microbiology lab," "laboratory procedures," "aseptic technique," and "lab equipment." Whereas a research chemist is skilled in "laboratory equipment," "method development," "analytical chemistry," and "polymer." This is part of what separates the two careers.
Research chemists tend to make the most money working in the energy industry, where they earn an average salary of $92,565. In contrast, microbiological laboratory technicians make the biggest average salary, $39,707, in the manufacturing industry.The education levels that research chemists earn slightly differ from microbiological laboratory technicians. In particular, research chemists are 9.3% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than a microbiological laboratory technician. Additionally, they're 10.0% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Microbiological laboratory technician vs. Research and development assistant
A research and development assistant is responsible for supporting the research team in collecting studies and information to support research claims and evaluate data materials. Research and development assistants interview participants, conduct data and statistical analysis, and interpret survey results. They ensure to document all findings and research progress and report any concerns to the research supervisor for immediate resolution. A research and development assistant must have excellent communication and organizational skills, especially in participating in brainstorming sessions and finalize research subjects as required.
While some skills are similar in these professions, other skills aren't so similar. For example, resumes show us that microbiological laboratory technician responsibilities requires skills like "microbiology lab," "laboratory procedures," "aseptic technique," and "food safety." But a research and development assistant might use other skills in their typical duties, such as, "laboratory equipment," "data collection," "assist r," and "java."
On average, research and development assistants earn a higher salary than microbiological laboratory technicians. Some industries support higher salaries in each profession. Interestingly enough, research and development assistants earn the most pay in the health care industry with an average salary of $71,587. Whereas microbiological laboratory technicians have higher pay in the manufacturing industry, with an average salary of $39,707.In general, research and development assistants achieve higher levels of education than microbiological laboratory technicians. They're 9.0% more likely to obtain a Master's Degree while being 10.0% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for microbiological laboratory technicians in the next 3-5 years?
Gerald Bergtrom Ph.D.
Professor of Biological Sciences (Emeritus) & Teaching & Learning Consultant, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
-Medical science will need to respond to new challenges arising out of climate change and the aging population. Supported (as always) by basic sciences, medical science will focus on big-picture biology, represented by the ever-growing number of "...omics". These include genomics, proteomics, transcriptomics, metabolomics... and the enabling technologies that let us look at a lot of genes, gene products, and biochemical reactions at the same time. Finally, the ever-improving gene-editing technologies can lead to the treatment of disease, leading to a greater understanding of the disease and biological process in general.
Microbiological laboratory technician vs. Quality control chemist
A Quality Control Chemist uses chemistry lab skills to test and measure materials, usually in a manufacturing or pharmaceutical field. They analyze samples using scientific equipment, prepare study protocols, collect data, and identify and investigate abnormal test results.
The required skills of the two careers differ considerably. For example, microbiological laboratory technicians are more likely to have skills like "microbiology lab," "laboratory procedures," "aseptic technique," and "food safety." But a quality control chemist is more likely to have skills like "analytical methods," "uv/vis," "drug products," and "test methods."
Quality control chemists earn the highest salary when working in the manufacturing industry, where they receive an average salary of $63,570. Comparatively, microbiological laboratory technicians have the highest earning potential in the manufacturing industry, with an average salary of $39,707.quality control chemists typically earn higher educational levels compared to microbiological laboratory technicians. Specifically, they're 6.3% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.4% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Microbiological laboratory technician vs. Assistant research scientist
An Assistant Research Scientist assists in planning, conducting, and analyzing various research projects. They also order and manage lab inventory, materials, and equipment.
Types of microbiological laboratory technician
Updated January 8, 2025
