Technician, biophysics

Life science technicians (excluding medical) provide technical assistance to life science professionals in their research, analysis and testing of living organisms, and in the development and application of new products and processes in fields such as natural resource management, environmental protection, biology, microbiology, and cell and molecular biology.

• assisting in the design, organisation and conduct of experiments;
• setting up, calibrating, operating and maintaining laboratory instruments and equipment;
• collecting and preparing specimens and samples, chemical solutions and laboratory glassware, and growing cultures and strains for experiments;
• performing routine field and laboratory tests;
• monitoring experiments to ensure compliance with laboratory quality control procedures and occupational health and safety guidelines;
• overseeing tests, analyses, calculations, recording and reporting of results using appropriate scientific methods;
• storing, classifying and cataloguing specimens and samples;
• keeping detailed logs of work performed;
• using computers to develop models and analyse data;
• using high-technology and complex equipment;
• participating in research, development and production activities;
• ordering and storing supplies for laboratory testing;
• maintaining databases.
• Examples of occupations in this unit group:
• Technician, biochemistry
• Technician, genetics
• Technician, serology
• Technician, zoology
• Preparator (laboratory)