Biochemistry technician
Also known as: biology technician, biochemistry laboratory technician, biochemistry technologist, biologist, biology technologist, chemistry technician
About this occupation
Biochemistry technicians provide technical assistance in researching, analysing and testing the reactions caused by chemicals in living organisms. They use laboratory equipment to help develop or improve chemical-based products and also collect and analyse data for experiments, compile reports and maintain laboratory stock.
A specialisation of scientific laboratory technician.
Essential skills and knowledge
- calibrate laboratory equipment
- maintain laboratory equipment
- laboratory techniques
- perform scientific research
- perform laboratory tests
- apply safety procedures in laboratory
- use laboratory equipment
- apply scientific methods
- biological chemistry
- write technical reports
- laboratory equipment
- analyse experimental laboratory data
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Nanotechnology Engineering Technologists and Technicians (O*NET 17-3026.01). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- Produce images or measurements, using tools or techniques such as atomic force microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, optical microscopy, particle size analysis, or zeta potential analysis.
- Maintain accurate record or batch-record documentation of nanoproduction.
- Calibrate nanotechnology equipment, such as weighing, testing, or production equipment.
- Maintain work area according to cleanroom or other processing standards.
- Repair nanotechnology processing or testing equipment or submit work orders for equipment repair.
- Assist nanoscientists or engineers in processing or characterizing materials according to physical or chemical properties.
- Typical education (US)
- Doctoral Degree
- Preparation
- Job Zone 4 of 5
- Interests
- Realistic, Investigative, Conventional
Top skills: Reading Comprehension, Critical Thinking, Writing, Active Listening, Science, Complex Problem Solving
US median pay: US$66,120 a year (2025), 75,570 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageVery important (4.2)
- ChemistryO*NET: ChemistryVery important (4.0)
- Computer StudiesO*NET: Computers and ElectronicsVery important (4.0)
- Mathematics or StatisticsO*NET: MathematicsVery important (3.8)
- Design and TechnologyO*NET: Design + Engineering and TechnologyVery important (3.8)
- PhysicsO*NET: PhysicsVery important (3.7)
- Technical DrawingO*NET: DesignImportant (3.2)
- MetalworkO*NET: MechanicalImportant (3.1)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
- Most common education (US)
- Doctoral Degree
- Education
- Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
- Experience
- A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- Nanosystems Engineers
- Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians
- Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians
- Chemical Technicians
- Robotics Technicians
- Chemists
- Calibration Technologists and Technicians
- Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians
- Chemical Engineers
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.