O*NET-SOC 19-4021.00 · US REFERENCE
Biological Technicians
Assist biological and medical scientists. Set up, operate, and maintain laboratory instruments and equipment, monitor experiments, collect data and samples, make observations, and calculate and record results. May analyze organic substances, such as blood, food, and drugs.
Skill importance below is an O*NET US occupational rating, not a global or individual benchmark. No score here is a job-loss probability or a prediction.
Examples of work in this occupation
- Conduct research, or assist in the conduct of research, including the collection of information and samples, such as blood, water, soil, plants and animals.
- Monitor and observe experiments, recording production and test data for evaluation by research personnel.
O*NET task statements describe US work; do not perform regulated or hazardous tasks without appropriate training and authorization.
Skills to examine first
Reading Comprehension
US occupation importance: 4.00/5 · rating last updated 2026-08-01
Summarise a public, role-relevant document in five points; verify each point against the source.
Active Listening
US occupation importance: 3.88/5 · rating last updated 2026-08-01
Ask a peer to explain a fictional work problem; paraphrase it and check what you missed.
Science
US occupation importance: 3.75/5 · rating last updated 2026-08-01
Turn a fictional claim into a testable question; list evidence that would change your view.
Critical Thinking
US occupation importance: 3.75/5 · rating last updated 2026-08-01
Compare two approaches to a fictional task and document one counterargument for each.
Writing
US occupation importance: 3.50/5 · rating last updated 2026-08-01
Draft a one-page explanation of a fictional decision for a non-specialist; ask for clarity feedback.
Active Learning
US occupation importance: 3.50/5 · rating last updated 2026-08-01
Try one new method on a safe example and record what worked, failed and should change.
These prompts are RolePaths practice suggestions, not O*NET instructions, training or certification.
Related work to compare
O*NET marks these occupations as related. That is a comparison starting point, not a guaranteed career transition. Check local licensing and entry requirements.
Your next seven days
- Choose one skill above and a fictional or non-confidential work example.
- Practise for 20 minutes on three days; keep one small output.
- Ask a qualified peer for feedback against clear criteria.
- Reassess the same career and record what changed.
Source and limits
Occupation definition, task examples, skill importance and related-occupation links come from the US O*NET 31.0 Database. RolePaths selected the top six skills by importance and authored the practice prompts. Career fit, local salaries, automation timing and licensing have not been verified.