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Biological Technicians

SOC 19-4021.00Job Zone 4 · Considerable Preparation

Assist biological and medical scientists. 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.

Context coveredAcademic, government, and biotech research labs; tissue culture, microbiology, molecular biology, animal-care support; clinical-research and field-support roles.

Sources:O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.SkillsCrosswalkSkillsCrosswalk — O*NET enrichment + adjacency index. Opens in new tab.
Emerging
Entry / Apprentice
  1. Lab glassware, pipettes, and balances — use accurately under a senior technician's review in a routine bench setting.
  2. Reagent prep and aliquoting — perform per the lab's standard operating procedures.
  3. PPE, biosafety, and chemical-hygiene practice — apply consistently at BSL-2.
  4. Sample receiving, labeling, and logging — maintain accurately across daily intake.
  5. Standard assays (PCR setup, ELISA, plate reading) — run per SOP on assigned projects.
  6. Cell-culture maintenance (passaging, feeding) — perform on standard lines under a scientist's review.
  7. Animal-care basics (cage changes, observations) — conduct per IACUC protocol with veterinary oversight.
  8. Instrument logs and maintenance schedules — keep current on assigned equipment.
  9. Lab safety incidents and near-misses — recognize and report to a supervisor.
  10. Routine data entry into LIMS or notebooks — complete daily under review.
Developing
Mid-level / Established
  1. Standard molecular and biochemistry workflows — execute independently from sample receipt through reporting.
  2. Method troubleshooting on routine assays — perform with documented checklists in a research lab.
  3. Cell-line authentication and mycoplasma testing — schedule and perform on the lab's portfolio.
  4. Equipment maintenance (autoclaves, biosafety cabinets, microscopes) — own routine PM on assigned instruments.
  5. Junior technicians and interns — train on safety, technique, and documentation.
  6. Inventory and reagent purchasing — manage at task level under a lab manager's review.
  7. Animal handling (rodents, zebrafish) for routine procedures — perform per protocol with documentation.
  8. Field collection and sample preservation — conduct on standard ecology or genomics projects.
  9. Standard imaging (light, fluorescence microscopy) — acquire and annotate per a defined SOP.
  10. Project schedules and assay queues — manage in coordination with the lab's PIs.
Proficient
Senior / Expert IC
  1. End-to-end workflow ownership (NGS, flow cytometry, complex animal studies) — lead within a research lab.
  2. Method validation and SOP authoring — produce for the lab's recurring techniques.
  3. Lab safety officer or biosafety designee — serve with documented institutional responsibilities.
  4. Quality and reproducibility audits — conduct across recurring assays and projects.
  5. Senior technicians and rotation students — supervise across a small team.
  6. Procurement, capital-equipment specs, and vendor management — lead with scientist input.
  7. Manuscript-grade data packages — prepare with figures and methods sections.
  8. Cross-lab method transfers and core-facility liaison — manage with documented hand-offs.
  9. IACUC and IBC protocol amendments — author with PI sign-off.
  10. Continuous-improvement programs — lead with measurable outcomes.
Advanced
Lead / Principal / Executive
  1. Lab manager or technical-operations lead role — set direction across staff, equipment, and budget.
  2. Cross-PI cores and shared facilities — build and steward for an institute or department.
  3. Capital-equipment strategy and grant-funded acquisitions — author with PIs at million-dollar scale.
  4. Workforce development and certification programs — design with HR and academic partners.
  5. Institutional safety culture and compliance — advance through committee leadership.
  6. Talent pipelines from community colleges and undergraduate programs — build with measurable retention.
  7. Major audits and inspections (USDA, OLAW, EHS) — lead at institutional level.
  8. Vendor and consortium negotiations — conduct for shared-services contracts.
  9. Recognition and retention programs for technical staff — institutionalize with measurable outcomes.
  10. Legacy mentorship and field-shaping technician training — contribute through state and national programs.

AI-at-Work Competency Framework

Sources:Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab.Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab.WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab.
Subscriber feature

Authoritative source data identified for 998 occupations

How a worker at each mastery level uses, directs, and evaluates AI tools in this occupation. Each statement cites its evidence inline; click a citation chip to verify the source.

Emerging
  1. AI-assisted literature search — queries an LLM to surface relevant studies and summarize methods sections before conducting bench work, verifying factual claims against primary sources Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab. WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
  2. Basic data logging support — pastes raw experimental observations into an AI assistant to generate a structured table or first-draft summary, then checks the output against original lab notes Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab..
Developing
  1. Protocol comprehension acceleration — directs an AI assistant to parse dense standard operating procedures and extract step-by-step action items, reducing time spent interpreting technical documents before experiments begin Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab. Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab..
  2. Draft report generation — feeds processed experimental data and key statistics to an LLM to produce a first-draft findings section, then revises for scientific accuracy and lab-specific conventions Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab..
  3. Terminology disambiguation — uses an AI assistant to clarify ambiguous biological or chemical terminology encountered in research literature, cross-referencing with authoritative databases before applying findings Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab..
Proficient
  1. Experimental data interpretation — delegates initial pattern-recognition and anomaly flagging in quantitative datasets to an AI tool, retaining scientific judgment for causal inference and recommendation to supervising researchers Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab. Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab..
  2. Technical writing refinement — collaborates with an LLM to sharpen clarity and structure in lab reports and summaries, authoring all scientific conclusions and ensuring compliance with institutional style Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab. WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
  3. Workflow time optimization — integrates AI assistance across routine data-collection and reporting tasks, achieving measurable reductions in non-analytical time while preserving hands-on sample-handling accuracy Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab..
  4. Cross-disciplinary support briefing — uses an AI assistant to rapidly translate findings from adjacent fields (e.g., environmental chemistry, health sciences) into summaries that inform scientists and engineers requesting technical support WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
Advanced
  1. End-to-end research synthesis — orchestrates AI tools to aggregate multi-experiment datasets, auto-generate comparative analyses, and produce publication-ready draft sections, while exercising full scientific authorship over interpretation and conclusions Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab. Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab..
  2. AI autonomy governance — sets explicit boundaries on AI task delegation within the Q2 augmentation framework, ensuring that high-judgment activities such as hypothesis refinement and anomaly escalation remain human-directed Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab. WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
  3. Team-level AI capability building — trains junior technicians in effective AI collaboration patterns for literature review, data summarization, and report drafting, codifying lab-specific prompt standards and validation checkpoints Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab..
Evidence pack
AEI usage
Task observations: 6
Augment share: 80.1%
Time saved: 40.6%
AI autonomy: 0.22
SAFI positioning
Top skill: Reading Comprehension
Score: 45.5 / 100
Quadrant: Q2_ai_augmented
precision: exact
WEF cluster
Data Science and Analysis
data_science_and_analysis
Sources:Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab.WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab.Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab.

Pathsmith Durable Skills Framework

Sources:Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Subscriber feature

Ten durable-skill domains mapped to four proficiency/role levels for each occupation. Each statement is aligned to the Pathsmith taxonomy, derived from trusted grounding data and mapped to occupation-specific O*NET tasks and skills.

1Communication10 statements
Emerging
  1. Lab notebook documentation — records experimental observations and sample collection notes using standardized formats under supervisor guidance Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Verbal status reporting — conveys experiment progress to supervising scientists using basic scientific terminology in routine check-ins Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Technical report drafting — compiles experimental data and preliminary findings into structured written summaries for research personnel review Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Cross-functional briefing — communicates specimen preparation status and equipment issues to scientists and engineers across agriculture, environmental, or health science projects Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Database entry communication — annotates data inputs with clear, accurate descriptors that enable downstream interpretation by research teams O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Research findings presentation — analyzes experimental results and interprets data into coherent written reports and oral summaries tailored to scientific audiences Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Protocol explanation — translates complex biological procedures into clear step-by-step instructions for new technicians entering the lab environment Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Interdisciplinary correspondence — exchanges technical information with scientists across biology, chemistry, and environmental science domains using precise field-specific language O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Scientific communication leadership — authors comprehensive research summaries and contributes to manuscript-level documentation that advances published or institutional scientific knowledge Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Audience-adaptive reporting — crafts findings communications that shift register and technical depth for diverse stakeholders including regulatory bodies, academic peers, and non-specialist clients Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
2Leadership9 statements
Emerging
  1. Task self-direction — completes assigned sample collection and specimen preparation tasks with minimal redirection in structured lab settings Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Procedure ownership — takes initiative to follow and uphold established safety and experimental protocols without requiring repeated prompting Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Peer guidance — demonstrates correct specimen isolation and equipment operation techniques to newly onboarded biological technicians during routine procedures Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Workflow prioritization — manages daily lab task sequencing, including sample processing and data entry, to meet experiment timelines under limited supervision Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Technical team support — leads coordination of sample collection logistics and equipment readiness for multi-person research projects in field and laboratory settings Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Mentorship of junior technicians — provides structured on-the-job coaching on microscopy, robotics operation, and data recording best practices Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Accountability modeling — takes ownership of data quality and experimental integrity, escalating discrepancies proactively to lead researchers Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Lab operations leadership — directs daily technical operations across biological research projects, allocating resources and coordinating technician efforts to meet scientific objectives Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Institutional knowledge stewardship — develops and refines standard operating procedures that improve reproducibility and efficiency across the research unit Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
3Metacognition8 statements
Emerging
  1. Learning gap identification — recognizes personal unfamiliarity with specific lab instruments or biological techniques and seeks supervisor clarification before proceeding Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Procedural self-checking — reviews own data entries and specimen logs against protocol checklists to catch errors before submission Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Skill progress monitoring — tracks personal growth in areas such as PCR operation, microscopy, or data analysis software and adjusts practice strategies accordingly Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Error pattern recognition — identifies recurring mistakes in experimental data recording or sample handling and adjusts personal technique in response Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Experimental strategy reflection — evaluates own contributions to research outcomes after each project phase and integrates lessons into subsequent experimental approaches Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Learning plan construction — designs targeted self-study plans for acquiring new biological methods or software skills required by evolving research demands Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Cognitive process modeling — articulates and teaches metacognitive strategies for troubleshooting experimental anomalies to less experienced technicians Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Research method self-evaluation — systematically critiques own laboratory outputs against published standards and proposes refinements to personal scientific practice Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
4Critical Thinking9 statements
Emerging
  1. Data anomaly flagging — identifies values in experimental datasets that fall outside expected ranges and brings them to supervisory attention Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Protocol comparison — evaluates differences between two procedural instructions and identifies which approach aligns with current experimental goals Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Result interpretation — analyzes recorded test and production data to draw preliminary conclusions about experiment performance for research personnel review Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Assumption examination — questions whether sample collection conditions or equipment calibration may have introduced bias into experimental results Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Evidence-based troubleshooting — diagnoses equipment malfunctions or unexpected biological outcomes by systematically evaluating procedural variables and eliminating alternative explanations Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Experimental design critique — evaluates proposed research methodologies for logical consistency, appropriate controls, and alignment with biological principles Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Comparative analysis — assesses multiple analytical methods for soil, water, or biological specimen testing and selects the most appropriate based on accuracy and resource constraints O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Research validity assessment — independently evaluates the scientific rigor of experimental designs and datasets, identifying confounding variables and recommending corrective methodologies Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Cross-domain synthesis — integrates findings from biology, chemistry, and environmental data streams to form evidence-based conclusions that inform multi-disciplinary research teams Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
5Collaboration9 statements
Emerging
  1. Team task participation — contributes assigned sample collection or data entry tasks reliably within multi-technician research workflows Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Information sharing — communicates specimen status and preliminary observations to colleagues to support coordinated lab operations Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Scientist support collaboration — coordinates directly with lead researchers to align technical support activities with ongoing experimental needs in agriculture, health, or environmental science contexts Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Equipment sharing coordination — negotiates instrument scheduling with peer technicians to ensure equitable access during high-demand experimental periods Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Cross-functional research contribution — functions as a reliable technical partner to scientists and engineers, delivering consistent specimen preparation, data monitoring, and results documentation that advances shared research goals Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Conflict navigation — addresses procedural disagreements among lab team members by referencing established protocols and facilitating consensus-based resolution Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Remote coordination — collaborates with off-site research teams by maintaining accurate digital data records and communicating field sample status through shared databases O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Interdisciplinary team integration — bridges communication and workflow between biological, chemical, and computational research personnel to unify multi-disciplinary project execution Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Collaborative culture development — establishes norms for knowledge sharing, peer review of lab logs, and mutual accountability within the research technician team Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
6Character9 statements
Emerging
  1. Data integrity commitment — records all experimental observations and sample data honestly and completely, even when results are inconclusive or unfavorable Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Safety protocol adherence — follows established laboratory safety standards and biohazard handling procedures consistently without exception Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Confidentiality maintenance — handles sensitive biological samples, proprietary research data, and participant specimens with discretion and respect for research ethics requirements Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Accountable error reporting — discloses procedural mistakes in sample handling or data entry to supervisors promptly rather than concealing or rationalizing them Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Ethical research practice — upholds institutional review and scientific integrity standards across all phases of data collection, specimen handling, and results reporting Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Professional reliability — delivers complete, accurate log entries and database inputs consistently across extended research projects without lapses in attention to detail Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Respectful peer conduct — engages with scientists, engineers, and fellow technicians with professional courtesy and intellectual humility regardless of role hierarchy Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Ethics leadership — champions responsible data management and specimen handling practices across the lab team, addressing lapses and modeling exemplary scientific conduct Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Integrity under pressure — maintains rigorous documentation and reporting standards even when experimental timelines are compressed or results face external scrutiny Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
7Creativity9 statements
Emerging
  1. Procedural adaptation — proposes minor modifications to sample collection techniques when standard methods are impractical in field environments Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Tool repurposing — identifies alternative laboratory instruments to accomplish specimen preparation tasks when primary equipment is unavailable Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Workflow improvement suggestion — proposes adjustments to data recording or sample processing sequences that reduce redundancy without compromising scientific validity Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Visualization innovation — develops clearer formats for presenting experimental data logs that improve readability for research personnel Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Experimental problem-solving — devises original approaches to specimen isolation or biological assay challenges when established protocols yield inconsistent results Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Technology integration — identifies and applies emerging computer-interfaced or robotic laboratory applications to enhance data collection precision and throughput Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Field sampling design — creates novel sample collection strategies adapted to unique environmental conditions such as remote terrain or seasonal biological variation Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Method development — authors new laboratory procedures or adapts published protocols to address research questions for which no established method currently exists Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Cross-disciplinary innovation — synthesizes techniques from biology, chemistry, and computational science to design experimental workflows that expand the research unit's analytical capabilities Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
8Growth Mindset9 statements
Emerging
  1. Skill acquisition openness — approaches training on unfamiliar instruments such as centrifuges, spectrophotometers, or robotics with willingness to make and learn from initial errors Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Feedback receptivity — incorporates supervisor corrections to specimen preparation or data recording techniques without defensiveness Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Challenge pursuit — volunteers for more complex experimental support tasks such as multi-step molecular assays or advanced data analysis to accelerate technical development Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Setback reframing — treats failed experiments or contaminated samples as diagnostic information that informs improved future technique Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Continuous method learning — proactively studies current biological literature and new laboratory technologies to keep technical skills aligned with advancing research standards Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Performance benchmarking — compares own data accuracy and procedural speed against established lab benchmarks and sets incremental improvement targets Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Cross-training engagement — deliberately acquires competencies outside primary assignment area, such as learning bioinformatics tools or field sampling techniques, to broaden research utility Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Learning culture promotion — creates opportunities for technician peers to develop new skills through structured shadowing, knowledge-sharing sessions, and collaborative problem-solving on novel experimental challenges Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Long-range mastery pursuit — engages in formal professional development, certification, or advanced coursework in biological sciences to achieve deepening expertise over career trajectory Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
9Mindfulness9 statements
Emerging
  1. Focused sample handling — maintains sustained attention during precise specimen isolation procedures to prevent contamination or mislabeling Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Emotional steadiness — manages frustration when experiments yield unexpected results by pausing to reassess procedure before taking corrective action Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Attention management during monitoring — sustains concentrated observation of ongoing experiments over extended periods, detecting subtle changes in biological or chemical indicators Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Stress-aware pacing — recognizes personal cognitive overload during high-volume data entry or multi-sample processing and implements brief recovery strategies to maintain accuracy Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Intentional data review — approaches database input and log verification with deliberate, unhurried attention that catches transcription errors before they propagate through research records Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Present-moment field awareness — maintains heightened environmental observation during biological sample collection in field settings, noting conditions such as temperature, contamination risk, and organism behavior Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Emotion regulation under scrutiny — maintains composed, accurate performance when work is directly observed by senior scientists or during external laboratory audits Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Mindful mentorship — models intentional, present-centered engagement during technician training, demonstrating how focused attention directly improves experimental outcomes and data integrity Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Systemic attention cultivation — introduces structured observation checkpoints into lab workflows that prompt all team members to pause and verify accuracy at critical experimental junctures Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
10Fortitude9 statements
Emerging
  1. Persistence through repetition — sustains accurate performance across repetitive tasks such as serial data entry, sample labeling, and routine specimen preparation without attention degradation Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Uncertainty tolerance — continues assigned experimental support duties calmly when research outcomes are ambiguous or timelines shift unexpectedly Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Setback recovery — resumes experimental workflows after equipment failures, contaminated sample batches, or inconclusive results without extended disruption to research continuity Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Physical endurance — maintains precise technique during extended field sample collection sessions involving physical demands such as traversing remote terrain or working in adverse weather Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Long-duration project commitment — sustains rigorous data quality and procedural discipline across multi-month research projects with delayed or uncertain outcomes Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. High-pressure accuracy maintenance — delivers reliable specimen processing and data recording during compressed experimental timelines or when critical research milestones are at risk Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Adversity-informed adaptation — draws on past experimental failures to build more robust personal protocols that prevent recurrence under similar challenging conditions Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Resilience modeling — demonstrates sustained composure and technical precision during research crises such as laboratory contamination events or system failures, stabilizing team performance Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Courageous problem escalation — raises difficult findings, ethical concerns, or procedural failures to senior researchers even when doing so invites scrutiny or delays project progress Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Sources:Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
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O*NET enrichment · skillscrosswalk.com

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Source anchors that ground each statement

Related titles
Aquatic Technician (Aquatic Tech) · Aquatics Technician · Artificial Breeding Laboratory Technician (Artificial Breeding Lab Tech) · Artificial Breeding Technician · Artificial Inseminator · Babcock Tester · Bacteriology Research Assistant · Bacteriology Technician · Biochemistry Technician · Biological Aide · Biological Field Technician (Biological Field Tech) · Biological Research Technician (Biological Research Tech)
RAPIDS apprenticeships
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O*NET skills
Reading ComprehensionCritical ThinkingActive ListeningScienceActive LearningWritingSpeakingMonitoringComplex Problem SolvingJudgment and Decision MakingMathematicsOperations MonitoringSystems Analysis
Knowledge domains
BiologyEnglish LanguageMathematicsComputers and ElectronicsChemistry
Abilities
Oral ComprehensionInductive ReasoningNear VisionOral ExpressionInformation OrderingDeductive ReasoningWritten ExpressionWritten ComprehensionSpeech RecognitionProblem Sensitivity
Work styles
Attention to DetailDependabilityCautiousnessIntellectual CuriosityIntegrityCooperation
Technology
Document management softwareGraphics or photo imaging softwareAnalytical or scientific softwareOffice suite softwareData base user interface and query softwareGeographic information systemSpreadsheet softwareMap creation softwareDevelopment environment softwareWord processing software
Tasks · seed anchors for statements
  1. Conduct research, or assist in the conduct of research, including the collection of information and samples, such as blood, water, soil, plants and animals.
  2. Use computers, computer-interfaced equipment, robotics or high-technology industrial applications to perform work duties.
  3. Monitor and observe experiments, recording production and test data for evaluation by research personnel.
  4. Analyze experimental data and interpret results to write reports and summaries of findings.
  5. Provide technical support and services for scientists and engineers working in fields such as agriculture, environmental science, resource management, biology, and health sciences.
  6. Keep detailed logs of all work-related activities.
  7. Input data into databases.
  8. Isolate, identify and prepare specimens for examination.
CIP education codes
26.010126.010226.020226.020426.040626.050226.050326.050826.070126.070826.070926.080126.110226.110326.110426.130226.130426.150141.0101

Sources: O*NET v30.2 (CC BY 4.0), SkillsCrosswalk.com, LER.me, Anthropic Economic Index, SAFI (Jadhav & Danve, 2026), WEF Skills Taxonomy 2021, Pathsmith Durable Skills Framework. © 2026 EBSCOed.