What does a research technician do?
A research technician is responsible for assisting in research studies and laboratory experiments. Research technicians operate laboratory tools and equipment, process data for experiments, collect samples for study, analyze existing research materials, analyze experiment results, manage inventories and stock supplies, record observations, and create reports for further examination. A research technician must have strong analytical and scientific knowledge, as well as a passion for research writing and investigations crucial for this kind of industry.
Research technician responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real research technician resumes:
- Manage a DNA database and work with researchers to retrieve or send out samples and results.
- Lead experiments to assess survivor behavior differences in zebrafish contaminate with dietary mercury.
- Prepare reagents for use in processing samples, DNA and RNA extractions, and QC.
- Investigate and validate various acute phase protein assays as OA biomarkers in rodent animal models.
- Perform DNA extraction and analysis for the purpose of identifying bacterial strand for waste stream characterization.
- Extend course knowledge of CRISPR to experiment.
- Develop QC project that make it into BIO ETS program.
- Expand multiple clones to verify CRISPR knock out of gene targets.
- Conduct testing of chemical Bio-degradability in compliance with OECD guidelines and EPA.
- Used GPS and radio telemetry to study the habitat usage and range for pumas.
- Collect biological and GIS data on desert tortoises and their habitat conditions for desert tortoise population survey.
- Work on team to set up medium and experiments for anatomy, biology and environmental science classes.
- Praise by EPA for submission of outstanding data set with respect to special studies on thyroid effects for lead chemistries.
- Initiate and create a series of static GIS maps featuring marine debris densities across multiple global oceans for publications and presentations.
- Perform immunoassay to determine biomarker.
Research technician skills and personality traits
We calculated that 9% of Research Technicians are proficient in Patients, Data Collection, and Cell Culture. They’re also known for soft skills such as Observational skills, Technical skills, and Analytical skills.
We break down the percentage of Research Technicians that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Patients, 9%
Administer experimental cell-based therapy to feline and canine cancer patients in collaboration with staff and physicians at a veterinary oncology clinic.
- Data Collection, 6%
Managed survey administration component including data collection procedures for a randomized control trial focused on a teen health program.
- Cell Culture, 5%
Supervised laboratory personnel involved in the cell culture aspect of colon carcinoma research while improving experimental design.
- Laboratory Equipment, 5%
Executed and coordinated scheduled verification and calibration on laboratory equipment
- Research Projects, 4%
Participated in collaborating research projects including design and implementation of experiments, data analysis using statistical techniques and preparation of manuscripts.
- Lab Equipment, 3%
Managed the laboratory including ordering supplies, maintained lab equipment and instruments, maintained environmental safety compliance.
"patients," "data collection," and "cell culture" are among the most common skills that research technicians use at work. You can find even more research technician responsibilities below, including:
Observational skills. To carry out their duties, the most important skill for a research technician to have is observational skills. Their role and responsibilities require that "biological technicians must constantly monitor their experiments." Research technicians often use observational skills in their day-to-day job, as shown by this real resume: "worked with research projects involving experimental, observational, and survey data. "
Technical skills. Another soft skill that's essential for fulfilling research technician duties is technical skills. The role rewards competence in this skill because "biological technicians need to set up and operate sophisticated equipment and instruments." According to a research technician resume, here's how research technicians can utilize technical skills in their job responsibilities: "provided data entry edited technical documentation using automated text processing tags"
Analytical skills. Another skill that relates to the job responsibilities of research technicians is analytical skills. This skill is critical to many everyday research technician duties, as "biological technicians need to conduct scientific experiments and analyses with accuracy and precision." This example from a resume shows how this skill is used: "worked closely with research coordinator and patient participants to obtain clinical study data under stringent fda and manufacturer regulations. "
Communication skills. research technician responsibilities often require "communication skills." The duties that rely on this skill are shown by the fact that "biological technicians must understand and follow the instructions of their managing scientists." This resume example shows what research technicians do with communication skills on a typical day: "established and maintained communication via phone, email and mail with pet owners and veterinarians associated with clinical trials. "
The three companies that hire the most research technicians are:
- Massachusetts General Hospital102 research technicians jobs
- Johns Hopkins University102 research technicians jobs
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute78 research technicians jobs
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Compare different research technicians
Research technician vs. Laboratory analyst
A Laboratory Analyst helps conduct experiments, run laboratory tests, and analyze results. They compile and record data for the documentation needed for testing and report preparation.
These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of a research technician are more likely to require skills like "patients," "data collection," "cell culture," and "laboratory equipment." On the other hand, a job as a laboratory analyst requires skills like "test methods," "lims," "laboratory procedures," and "analytical methods." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.
Laboratory analysts earn the highest salaries when working in the pharmaceutical industry, with an average yearly salary of $47,806. On the other hand, research technicians are paid more in the manufacturing industry with an average salary of $51,020.The education levels that laboratory analysts earn slightly differ from research technicians. In particular, laboratory analysts are 4.6% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than a research technician. Additionally, they're 1.4% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Research technician vs. Microbiologist
Microbiologists are responsible for studying the microscopic organisms causing infections and environmental damage, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Their work focuses on the identification and growth of these microbes to better understand their characteristics that may help in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of infectious and bacterial diseases. They use sophisticated technologies and machinery to study microbes and perform their tasks. These scientists are also responsible for developing best practices and techniques for routine sampling and research. Microbiologists may work in various settings, including laboratories, research institutes, and hospitals.
Each career also uses different skills, according to real research technician resumes. While research technician responsibilities can utilize skills like "patients," "data collection," "cell culture," and "laboratory equipment," microbiologists use skills like "microbiology lab," "test methods," "laboratory procedures," and "usp."
Microbiologists earn a higher average salary than research technicians. But microbiologists earn the highest pay in the pharmaceutical industry, with an average salary of $57,911. Additionally, research technicians earn the highest salaries in the manufacturing with average pay of $51,020 annually.In general, microbiologists achieve similar levels of education than research technicians. They're 1.2% more likely to obtain a Master's Degree while being 1.4% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for research technicians in the next 3-5 years?
Dr. Betsy Smith
Assistant Professor of Chemistry, Elmira College
Research technician vs. Laboratory internship
A laboratory intern is responsible for assisting laboratory operations and perform examinations and experiments under the supervision of tenured laboratory staff. Laboratory interns shadow all the laboratory processes, document their observations, and conduct an in-depth analysis of the results. They must have excellent knowledge of scientific procedures, demonstrating their class learnings to practical applications. A laboratory intern must be detail-oriented, especially on conducting and verifying the accuracy of research materials. It is also required for a laboratory intern to be a fast-learner, understanding the scientific complexities to master various approaches.
The required skills of the two careers differ considerably. For example, research technicians are more likely to have skills like "patients," "data entry," "tissue culture," and "biochemistry." But a laboratory internship is more likely to have skills like "lab procedures," "chemistry," "python," and "c++."
Laboratory interns make a very good living in the technology industry with an average annual salary of $48,851. On the other hand, research technicians are paid the highest salary in the manufacturing industry, with average annual pay of $51,020.Most laboratory interns achieve a similar degree level compared to research technicians. For example, they're 4.3% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 1.0% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Research technician vs. Postdoctoral research associate
A postdoctoral research associate is responsible for assisting the educational institution's research department, writing research reports, analyzing research methods, and collecting information and related studies to support the research claims. Postdoctoral research associates must have excellent communication skills, both oral and written, reporting research updates to the research head, performing adjustments as needed, and gaining more expertise on the subject by brainstorming and discussing strategic procedures for the study. They may also conduct field investigation or coordinate with other institutions for additional reference, depending on the research's scope and limitation.
Types of research technician
Updated January 8, 2025
