3141-Life science technicians (excluding medical)

Job Title ( International classification ): 
Life science technicians (excluding medical)
ISCO Code: 
3141
Job Description: 
Life science technicians (except medical) provide technical support to life science professionals undertaking research, analysis and testing of living organisms, and development and application of products and processes resulting from research in areas such as natural resource management, environmental protection, plant and animal biology, microbiology, and cell and molecular biology.
Tasks: 

Main Tasks include -

  • (a) assisting in designing, setting up and conducting experiments
  • (b) setting up, calibrating, operating and maintaining laboratory instruments and equipment
  • (c) collecting and preparing specimens and samples, chemical solutions and slides and growing cultures for use in experiments
  • (d) performing routine field and laboratory tests
  • (e) monitoring experiments to ensure adherence to correct laboratory quality control procedures and health and safety guidelines
  • (f) making observations of tests, and analyzing, calculating, recording and reporting test results using appropriate scientific methods
  • (g) preserving, classifying and cataloguing specimens and samples
  • (h) keeping detailed logs of worked performed
  • (i) using computers to develop models and analyze data
  • (j) using complex and high-powered equipment to perform work
  • (k) participating in the research, development and manufacture of products and processes
  • (l) ordering and stocking laboratory supplies
  • (m) maintaining relevant databases.
Inclusions: 

Examples of the occupations classified here:
- Bacteriology technician
- Biochemistry technician
- Herbarium technician
- Pharmacology technician
- Serology technician
- Tissue culture technician
- Zoology technician

Exclusions: 

Some related occupations classified elsewhere:
- Medical laboratory technician - 3212
- Pathology laboratory technician - 3212
- Pharmaceutical technician - 3213
- Forensic science technician - 3119

Careers ( AUS/NZ Standards ): 
Careers ( Pakistan Standards): 
Careers (Singapore Standards):