Skip to content
ESCO occupation

biology technician

Back to ESCO occupations

Biology technicians provide technical assistance in researching and analysing the relationship between living organisms and their environment. They use laboratory equipment to examine organic substances such as bodily fluids, medicines, plants and food. They collect and analyse data for experiments, compile reports and maintain laboratory stock.

3141.2.3 ISCO 3141 ESCO source
Competences
51
Groups
4
Essential
22
Optional
29

Competences and skills

51 ESCO relations
Essential knowledge 8 competences

Occupation specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Sector-specific

4 competences
computational biology

The interdisciplinary scientific field that focus on employing data analytics and theories to investigate biological systems obtained through experiments.

digital
ESCO source
cryopreservation

Cryopreservation deals with procedures, risks and conditions applied to cells or tissues in order to prevent contamination and damage. It refers to the preservation of embryos, eggs, semen and testicle tissue by cooling to very low temperatures (typically -80 or -196°C).

ESCO source
laboratory equipment

The tools and equipment used by scientists and other scientific professionals in a laboratory.

ESCO source
stem cells

The biological development of human embryonic stem cells, together with the ethical concerns related and the legal requirements involved.

ESCO source

Cross-sector

4 competences
biology

Tissues, cells, and functions of plant and animal organisms and their interdependencies and interactions with each other and the environment.

green
ESCO source
laboratory techniques

Techniques applied in the different fields of natural science in order to obtain experimental data such as gravimetric analysis, gas chromatography, electronic or thermic methods.

ESCO source
life sciences

The study of the processes related to cells, molecules and living organisms.

ESCO source
scientific research methodology

The theoretical methodology used in scientific research involving doing background research, constructing an hypothesis, testing it, analysing data and concluding the results.

ESCO source
Essential skills and competences 14 competences

Occupation specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Sector-specific

6 competences
analyse experimental laboratory data

Analyse experimental data and interpret results to write reports and summaries of findings

ESCO source
apply safety procedures in laboratory

Make sure that laboratory equipment is used in a safe manner and the handling of samples and specimens is correct. Work to ensure the validity of results obtained in research.

ESCO source
assist in the production of laboratory documentation

Assist in documenting laboratory work, especially paying attention to policies and standard operating procedures.

ESCO source
manage inventory

Control product inventory in balance of availability and storage costs.

ESCO source
perform stem cell transplantation

Carry out bone marrow stem cell transplants.

ESCO source
use laboratory equipment

Make correct use of laboratory equipment when working in a laboratory.

ESCO source

Cross-sector

8 competences
apply scientific methods

Apply scientific methods and techniques to investigate phenomena, by acquiring new knowledge or correcting and integrating previous knowledge.

ESCO source
calibrate laboratory equipment

Calibrate laboratory equipment by comparing between measurements: one of known magnitude or correctness, made with a trusted device and a second measurement from another piece of laboratory equipment. Make the measurements in as similar a way as possible.

ESCO source
collect biological data

Collect biological specimens, record and summarise biological data for use in technical studies, developing environmental management plans and biological products.

green
ESCO source
collect samples for analysis

Collect samples of materials or products for laboratory analysis.

Scope note
Follow the procedures required for the collection of materials and products for laboratory analysis.
ESCO source
maintain laboratory equipment

Clean laboratory glassware and other equipment after use and it for damage or corrosion in order to ensure its proper functioning.

ESCO source
perform laboratory tests

Carry out tests in a laboratory to produce reliable and precise data to support scientific research and product testing.

ESCO source
perform scientific research

Gain, correct or improve knowledge about phenomena by using scientific methods and techniques, based on empirical or measurable observations.

research
ESCO source
write technical reports

Compose technical customer reports understandable for people without technical background.

ESCO source
Optional knowledge 17 competences

Occupation specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Sector-specific

5 competences
applied zoology

The science of applying animal anatomy, physiology, ecology, and behaviour in a particular practical context.

ESCO source
botany

The taxonomy or classification of plant life, phylogeny and evolution, anatomy and morphology, and physiology.

green
ESCO source
evolutionary biology

The study of evolutionary processes from which the diversity of Earth's life forms originated. Evolutionary biology is a subdiscipline of biology and studies Earth's life forms from the origin of life to the dawn of new species.

ESCO source
genomics

The field of study in relation to whole genomes of organisms, as well as their genetic or epigenetic sequence of information. It aims to provide knowledge about the downstream of biological products and the analysis of the structure and function of these sequences through employing recombinant DNA and bioinformatics approaches.

ESCO source
microbiology-bacteriology

Microbiology-Bacteriology is a medical specialty mentioned in the EU Directive 2005/36/EC.

ESCO source

Cross-sector

12 competences
animal welfare legislation

The legal boundaries, codes of professional conduct, national and EU regulatory frameworks and legal procedures of working with animals and living organisms, ensuring their welfare and health.

Scope note
National and EU legislation relevant to occupation, regulatory body and codes of conduct. This may include . , health and safety, risk assessment requirements and codes of conduct, especially in the areas of animal welfare, health and public health, food and environmental safety in relation with clients.
ESCO source
biosecurity

Be aware of the general principles of the concept of bio-security and in particular, the disease prevention rules to be implemented in case of epidemics endangering public health.

ESCO source
chemistry

The composition, structure, and properties of substances and the processes and transformations that they undergo; the uses of different chemicals and their interactions, production techniques, risk factors, and disposal methods.

ESCO source
ecology

The study of how organisms interact and their relation to the ambient environment.

green
ESCO source
environmental legislation

The environmental policies and legislation applicable in a certain domain.

green
ESCO source
hazardous waste storage

The regulations and procedures surrounding the safekeeping of materials and substances which pose health and safety risks.

green
ESCO source
molecular biology

The interactions between the various systems of a cell, the interactions between the different types of genetic material and how these interactions are regulated.

ESCO source
oceanography

The scientific discipline that studies oceanic phenomena such as marine organisms, plate tectonics, and the geology of the ocean bottom.

green
ESCO source
pathology

The components of a disease, the cause, mechanisms of development, morphologic changes, and the clinical consequences of those changes.

Scope note
Excludes .
ESCO source
pharmacology

Pharmacology is a medical specialty mentioned in the EU Directive 2005/36/EC.

ESCO source
pollution prevention

The processes used to prevent pollution: precautions to pollution of the environment, procedures to counter pollution and associated equipment, and possible measures to protect the environment.

green
ESCO source
virology

The structure, characteristics, evolution and interactions of viruses and the diseases they cause.

ESCO source
Optional skills and competences 12 competences

Occupation specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Sector-specific

6 competences
analyse blood samples

Analyse blood samples using computer-aided and manual techniques, looking for white or red blood cell abnormalities and other risk factors.

digital
ESCO source
analyse cell cultures

Analyse cell cultures grown from tissue samples, performing also screening of the cervical smear to detect fertility issues.

ESCO source
collect reproductive cells

Properly collect eggs and sperm from patients in order to process them for fertility purposes.

ESCO source
label samples

Label raw material/product samples for laboratory checks, according to implemented quality system.

ESCO source
perform fertility laboratory procedures

Conduct laboratory analysis of various cells such as semen, prepare sperm and eggs for insemination and clinical intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).

ESCO source
perform field research

Participate in field research and evaluation of state and private lands and waters.

ESCO source

Cross-sector

6 competences
keep task records

Organise and classify records of prepared reports and correspondence related to the performed work and progress records of tasks.

ESCO source
maintain freelance database

Maintain a freelance database that offers extra support to your teams and is able to calculate negotiating costs.

digital
ESCO source
monitor the welfare of animals

Monitor animals’ physical condition and behaviour and report any concerns or unexpected changes, including signs of health or ill-health, appearance, condition of the animals' accommodation, intake of food and water and environmental conditions.

green
ESCO source
prepare visual data

Prepare charts and graphs in order to present data in a visual manner.

digital
ESCO source
preserve samples

Preserve collected and labelled samples of raw materials and other food products. Preserve samples applying chemical or physical methods.

ESCO source
write research proposals

Synthetise and write proposals aiming to solve research problems. Draft the proposal baseline and objectives, the estimated budget, risks and impact. Document the advances and new developments on the relevant subject and field of study.

ESCO source