Biological technician career

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Biological technicians help biologists and medical scientists by collecting data and samples, observing experiments and recording results.

Biological technicians help biologists and medical scientists by collecting data and samples, observing experiments and recording results.

What would you do as a Biological technician?

Biological technicians

  • usually work regular business hours but may work extra hours
  • usually work in laboratories, schools or offices and may travel locally
  • need to be methodical, accurate and identify and solve problems

Tasks

  • research microbiological and chemical processes and structures
  • collect data and samples
  • prepare and test biological samples
  • study chemicals found in living things
  • set up laboratory and field equipment
  • record and interpret research data
  • make sure lab work meets standards
  • maintain and clean tools and equipment
  • carry out lab tests

How can you become a Biological technician?

You usually need a qualification and experience to become a biological technician.

You may need

  • a New Zealand Diploma in Applied Science (Level 5 or 6)
  • a bachelor's degree in biological sciences, science or similar area
  • a master's degree in biological sciences, science or similar area
  • experience in similar work
  • to join a professional organisation

If you're in school

You usually need NCEA Level 3 or University Entrance to do the study or training for this job.

Studying this at the University of Waikato

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Our Bachelor of Science gives you the hands-on lab skills this career needs. Choose a Molecular and Cellular Biology or Biomedical Science major for lab-based work, or Ecology and Biodiversity if you'd rather work in the field.

You'll train in our biochemical, microbial, molecular genetics and physiology laboratories. You'll also use the Waikato Biological Imaging Facility and the Waikato DNA Sequencing Facility. Like all our undergraduate degrees, the Bachelor of Science includes work-integrated learning.

You can build advanced research skills with a Master of Science in Molecular and Cellular Biology.

View all qualifications

Biological technician FAQs

Scholarships

A range of scholarships are available to help with the cost of studying at Waikato. Options are available across a wide range of subjects and study levels, including scholarships for new students, current students and specific areas of study.

Find a scholarship

QS ranking

QS World University Rankings 2027

Waikato is ranked equal 293rd globally, placing us in the top 1.5% of universities worldwide, and 2nd in New Zealand by citations per faculty.

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School of Science, The University of Waikato, Gate 8, Hillcrest Road, Hamilton, New Zealand