Research technicians aid scientists in their experiments.
Research technicians aid scientists in their experiments by monitoring and recording their findings. They work in many labs and often have job titles related to the work they perform, such as biological or chemical technicians, agricultural technician or environmental science technician. Despite their titles, all research technicians have the same basic responsibilities. Most research technicians work in research facilities, industrial laboratories, and some are involved in fieldwork as well.
Education
Although research technicians have no formal educational requirements, most employers prefer applicants with a minimum of two years of specialized training. All research technicians receive some on-the-job training and high school applicants will require more training than certification holders or college graduates. Employment in biological research or forensic science laboratories usually requires a bachelor's degree. Chemical technicians working in research and development often need a bachelor’s degree, but chemical process technicians usually have an associate degree in process technology. Many programs at technical and community colleges can prepare an applicant for employment. Some schools offer internship-type programs in which students work part time and take classes on alternating schedules.
Job Duties
Research technicians clean, sanitize, maintain and operate lab equipment. They aid scientists with experiments and may perform some experiments or some parts of experiments themselves. They keep records, use computers and computerized equipment for research, and may assist with analysis of research data. Some research technicians work in the field collecting and analyzing air, water, soil and other materials.
Advancement
Research technicians often advance to become laboratory supervisors or mentors for beginning technicians. Research technicians may continue their education and become scientists, or enter a related field of work, such as sales or procurement.
Employment Opportunities
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects the research technician field to grow about as fast as all other occupations. The BLS expects an overall employment growth of 12 percent from 2008 to 2018, but growth will vary by occupation. Environmental science and protection technicians will have the fastest growth rate with an expected rate of 29 percent, while chemical technicians will experience a much slower growth rate of less than 1 percent.
Potential Income
According to PayScale.com, as of July 2010, the annual salaries for research technicians ranged from $31,152 to $42,880, with bonuses added. Without bonuses, salaries for research technicians ranged from $27,511 to $40,782. Research technicians in the research and development of biotechnology earned the highest salaries of $32,208 to $42,619 annually, and those in the college and university education field earned the least with annual salaries of $29,326 to $39,077.
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