JOB OVERVIEW Biological technicians is what laboratory techinicians in artificial breeding are oftentimes called generically. They are types of staff invoved in artificial breeding projects whose main task is to work in an artifical breeding laboratories and collaborate with several scientists especially with the biologists , geneticist, biotechnologist and other doctors or scientists to conduct studies on living organisms focusing on perpetuation of different types of cross breeding and perpetuation of new species. They may be tasked to gather information from the specific study variables, procure materials and secure study samples. A biologyical technician in artificial breeding also performs experiments and tests with the supervision of the senior scientists. With the advent of the high technologies in the biological science, their work are being aided by other robotics, specialized computers, as well as computer-interfaced equipment and high technology industrial applications specific for artificial breeding use.
EDUCATION AND TRAININGS REQUIRED
The work of a biological technician is not a simple manual work wherein instructions can be followed easily. The skills and knowledge should be honed by a a solid foundation and training in college. Being a laboratory technician in artificial breeding therefore needs an educational degree sin college Some employers or laboratories require biological technicians in artificial breeding to have a Bachelor's Degree in Biology or in a closely related course such as Biotechnology, Molecular Biology, to name a few. In addiition, some employers also prefer to consider hiring those who have completed at least two years of specialized postsecondary training, or an elective, or those who have an associate degree in an applied science or science related technology since in simple terms, they deal with the application of the biological science in this industry, in the form of artificial reproduction.
ABILITIES AND SKILLS
The laboratory technicians in artificial breeding must have the expertise close to that of a scientist. In fact, they can progress to become scientists having mastered the studies being conducted in the laboratories supervised by the seniors. The skills in research methods have to be present. This include analytical skills, skills in data gathering, skills in statistics, specialized biological laboratory manual skills, computer skills and lastly, critical thinkking skills. There should be also integrity in conducting experiments as well as communicating and documenting the results of each and every study.
DUTIES
Laboratory technicians in artificial breeding are tasked to undertake experiments with instructions from the senior scientists. They are the ones to start the artificial breeding procedures along with the other staff, guided by a detailed instruction, then monitor the progress of the experiments and lastly make evaluations.
They evaluate in specific forms and focus and then calculate, and afterwards record and report the results of the experiments. They also examine organisms such as animals and take specimens to detect diseases or other biological problems. They help in setting up, as well as in the operation day by day and the maintenance of the laboratory area, instruments and equipment.
EARNINGS AND JOB OUTLOOK
In United States of America, the average median annual salary of a laboratory technician in artificial breeding points to around $35,710. With the increasing interest in biotechnology /applied science for the purpose of improving people's lifestyle, there are about 4,000 job openings yearly within the developed countries ,and the employment rate is expected to increase at 15% between 2006 and 2016. That means that the opportunities to start a career in this industry is ongoing presently until six years after. The places or countries that have demands on this kind of professionlas are those countires that focus on biotechnology and biological science innovations such as Europe, especially Germany, the United States, and in Asia, Japan, Korea and Singapore.
Paula Hiz is a researcher and a human resource specialist who helps newly graduates, job applicants and post graduate professionals be aware of the opportunities and trainings for skills and practice upgrading.