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How exposed to AI is a Biological Technician?

Of the 18 tasks O*NET lists for biological technicians, 1 could be done in half the time with a chat window today. 10 cannot be sped up at all. Here is which.

Exposure means published research judged an AI could halve the time a task takes, at the same quality. It does not mean the task stops needing a person. How to read this

Also called
Biological Science Laboratory Technician (Biological Science Lab Tech)Biological Science TechnicianBiological TechnicianLaboratory TechnicianMarine Fisheries TechnicianResearch AssistantResearch AssociateResearch SpecialistResearch TechnicianWildlife Biology Technician
Reachable today Needs software built first Cannot be sped up
18
tasks rated for this occupation
96%
hold a degree, from a survey of 25
76k
people do this job in the US
53 of 60
least protected in science

Every task, and what AI can do with it

These are O*NET's task statements for this occupation, exactly as written, sorted into the three bands by the ratings behind this report. Nothing has been reworded.

Reachable with a chat window today

1
  • Use computers, computer-interfaced equipment, robotics or high-technology industrial applications to perform work duties

Only with software built on top

7
  • Analyze experimental data and interpret results to write reports and summaries of findings
  • Provide technical support and services for scientists and engineers working in fields such as agriculture, environmental science, resource management, biology, and health sciences
  • Keep detailed logs of all work-related activities
  • Input data into databases
  • Place orders for laboratory equipment and supplies
  • Participate in the research, development, or manufacturing of medicinal and pharmaceutical preparations
  • Conduct standardized biological, microbiological or biochemical tests and laboratory analyses to evaluate the quantity or quality of physical or chemical substances in food or other products

Cannot be sped up

10
  • Conduct research, or assist in the conduct of research, including the collection of information and samples, such as blood, water, soil, plants and animals
  • Monitor and observe experiments, recording production and test data for evaluation by research personnel
  • Isolate, identify and prepare specimens for examination
  • Set up, adjust, calibrate, clean, maintain, and troubleshoot laboratory and field equipment
  • Clean, maintain and prepare supplies and work areas
  • Monitor laboratory work to ensure compliance with set standards
  • Feed livestock or laboratory animals
  • Examine animals and specimens to detect the presence of disease or other problems
  • Measure or weigh compounds and solutions for use in testing or animal feed
  • Conduct or supervise operational programs, such as fish hatcheries, greenhouses and livestock production programs
What this does not say

This is not a prediction about your job

Nobody surveyed an employer. Tasks are counted equally, so a percentage here is a share of the list rather than a share of your week. And the ratings were made in 2023, which makes every figure a floor rather than a ceiling.

It must never be used to select anyone for redundancy. The full limits are here.

Where to go next

This is the standard task list for the title. The useful next question is which of the tasks you actually do should go near AI, and which should not.

Sort your own tasks Read the full report

Exposure ratings from Eloundou, Manning, Mishkin and Rock, GPTs are GPTs: Labor market impact potential of LLMs, Science 384, 1306–1308, 2024, used under the MIT licence. This page includes information from the O*NET Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. People Team AI has modified all or some of this information. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications. Employment figures from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.