What does a Research Technician do?
Research technicians help senior scientists perform lab or field tests by setting up necessary equipment and recording observations carefully during experiments. They work in settings including a college, university, hospital, or independent research center and in sectors including agriculture, environmental, physics, and biology, where they specialize accordingly. They collect data, run tests, and interpret results. They might gather biological samples and operate electron microscopes or other laboratory equipment.
Research technicians collect data and order inventory. They conduct experiments and assist scientists with the more practical aspects of daily research. They gather, interpret, and record relevant research and data, operate and maintain computer and lab equipment, and analyze specific substances. Research technicians also examine quality control at the laboratory and are responsible for ordering inventory and shipping and tracking samples. Research technicians need a minimum bachelor's degree in a science-related field.
- Assist with planning specific research protocols and procedures.
- Assist researchers with routine experiments under close technical supervision.
- Clean, sterilize, operate, maintain, troubleshoot and repair equipment, machinery and instruments used for research.
- Record results, make observations, analyze data, and interpret test results.
- Assist staff to develop and troubleshoot new techniques and ideas.
- Actively promote safety for patients, families, visitors and co-workers.
- Prepare simple chemical solutions, media, reagents, stains, and buffers.
- Assist in collection, preparation, and processing of specimens or cell or tissue cultures, process tissue samples for histological analysis.
- Inventory and requisition supplies for assigned area. Check in shipments and restock shelves.
- Plan, conduct, and manage search projects within the federal and institutional regulations and policies under the direction of the principal investigator.
- Extract and purify DNA from various specimen type (both automated and manual.)
- Bachelor's or Graduate's Degree in electrical engineering, civil engineering, engineering or structural engineering or equivalent experience.
- Experience with R, Language, IMAGEJ, and CRISPR systems and technology.
- Demonstrated experience in genotyping, isolation, deviations, and mechanisms.
- Sound time management, dexterity, and computer literacy.
- Demonstrated professionalism and problem-solving skills alongside critical thinking and collaboration.
- Is an expert in experimental design and pays strict attention to detail.
- Fluent in the use of statistics and editing and documentation of all progress for teams and outsiders.
How much does a Research Technician make near United States?
Base Pay
Additional Pay
$47,642
/ yrResearch Technician Career Path
Learn how to become a Research Technician, what skills and education you need to succeed, and what level of pay to expect at each step on your career path.
Years of Experience Distribution
Research Technician Insights
Stowers Institute For Medical Research“The facility was top notch for science and everyone there was dedicated to assisting you do the worlds best science.”
Camosun College“Worked at camosun for a couple years and it was a great opportunity to work on many interesting projects.”
University of Oklahoma HSC“This is a good job to get some experience in the field and learn the politics of this career.”
Washington University in St. Louis“The pay was not the best but that can be expected while working in academia.”
Imperial College London“No one ever cared to let me know what the project I was hired for was about and my technical training was extremely superficial.”
La Jolla Institute for Allergy and Immunology“People are really nice and friendly”
Atrium Health“The technicians are nice and well to work with.”
Monasterium Laboratory“good facility highly quaified rechnicians”
Frequently asked questions about the roles and responsibilities of a Research Technician
- Research Analyst
- Research Specialist
- Research Consultant
- Research Manager