Biological Technicians
Assist biological and medical scientists in laboratories. Set up, operate, and maintain laboratory instruments and equipment, monitor experiments, make observations, and calculate and record results. May analyze organic substances, such as blood, food, and drugs.
How AI Impacts Each Task
18 tasks analyzed
Use computers, computer-interfaced equipment, robotics or high-technology industrial applications to perform work duties.
Conduct research or assist in the conduct of research, including the collection of information and samples, such as blood, water, soil, plants and animals.
Participate in the research, development, or manufacturing of medicinal and pharmaceutical preparations.
Monitor and observe experiments, recording production and test data for evaluation by research personnel.
Analyze experimental data and interpret results to write reports and summaries of findings.
Provide technical support and services for scientists and engineers working in fields such as agriculture, environmental science, resource management, biology, and health sciences.
Keep detailed logs of all work-related activities.
Input data into databases.
Isolate, identify and prepare specimens for examination.
Set up, adjust, calibrate, clean, maintain, and troubleshoot laboratory and field equipment.
Clean, maintain and prepare supplies and work areas.
Feed livestock or laboratory animals.
Conduct standardized biological, microbiological or biochemical tests and laboratory analyses to evaluate the quantity or quality of physical or chemical substances in food or other products.
Examine animals and specimens to detect the presence of disease or other problems.
Monitor laboratory work to ensure compliance with set standards.
Measure or weigh compounds and solutions for use in testing or animal feed.
Place orders for laboratory equipment and supplies.
Conduct or supervise operational programs such as fish hatcheries, greenhouses and livestock production programs.
| Task | AI Capability | Risk | Time % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Use computers, computer-interfaced equipment, robotics or high-technology industrial applications to perform work duties. | 75Estimated | 79.2% | 8% | |
| Conduct research or assist in the conduct of research, including the collection of information and samples, such as blood, water, soil, plants and animals. | 53.42Observed | 30.4% | 9% | |
| Participate in the research, development, or manufacturing of medicinal and pharmaceutical preparations. | 54.83Observed | 48.9% | 5% | |
| Monitor and observe experiments, recording production and test data for evaluation by research personnel. | 61.1Observed | 73.6% | 9% | |
| Analyze experimental data and interpret results to write reports and summaries of findings. | 51Observed | 47.4% | 8% | |
| Provide technical support and services for scientists and engineers working in fields such as agriculture, environmental science, resource management, biology, and health sciences. | 40Estimated | 31.0% | 5% | |
| Keep detailed logs of all work-related activities. | 90Estimated | 85.2% | 5% | |
| Input data into databases. | 95Estimated | 87.2% | 5% | |
| Isolate, identify and prepare specimens for examination. | 20Estimated | 17.0% | 8% | |
| Set up, adjust, calibrate, clean, maintain, and troubleshoot laboratory and field equipment. | 10Estimated | 13.0% | 8% | |
| Clean, maintain and prepare supplies and work areas. | 35Estimated | 47.0% | 5% | |
| Feed livestock or laboratory animals. | 45Estimated | 51.0% | 3% | |
| Conduct standardized biological, microbiological or biochemical tests and laboratory analyses to evaluate the quantity or quality of physical or chemical substances in food or other products. | 65Estimated | 59.0% | 8% | |
| Examine animals and specimens to detect the presence of disease or other problems. | 54.7Observed | 48.9% | 4% | |
| Monitor laboratory work to ensure compliance with set standards. | 75Estimated | 79.2% | 4% | |
| Measure or weigh compounds and solutions for use in testing or animal feed. | 60Estimated | 57.0% | 4% | |
| Place orders for laboratory equipment and supplies. | 90Estimated | 85.2% | 2% | |
| Conduct or supervise operational programs such as fish hatcheries, greenhouses and livestock production programs. | 58.33Observed | 38.3% | 2% |
Skill Impact Analysis
AI-Vulnerable Skills (6)
High reliance on Reading Comprehension is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.
High reliance on Information Ordering is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.
High reliance on Mathematics is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.
Mathematics is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.
Memorization is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.
Programming is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.
AI-Resistant Skills (11)
Adaptability/Flexibility is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Complex Problem Solving is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Leadership is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Manual Dexterity is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Coordination is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Social Perceptiveness is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Instructing is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Service Orientation is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
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Score History
Risk score over 2 scoring runs
overall change
Education & Training
Percentage of workers at each education and training level
Education Level
Prior Experience Needed
Work experience required to enter this job
Training Provided After Hiring
How long it typically takes to learn on the job
Related News
Recent articles about AI affecting this occupation

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Tech companies are pushing AI as the ultimate scientific research tool to justify massive energy costs. Large language models are already stepping into lab assistant roles, signaling a shift in how foundational research and data analysis are conducted.

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Novo Nordisk Taps OpenAI to Automate Pharma Research and Drug Discovery
The pharmaceutical giant behind Wegovy is partnering with OpenAI to accelerate its drug discovery pipeline. This collaboration signals a major shift in biotech, where AI tools will increasingly augment or replace traditional laboratory research roles.
Last scored March 14, 2026 · Based on BLS employment data and O*NET task analysis