Science · SOC 19-4021
Data entry and report writing are automatable, but lab equipment operation, sample collection, and bench science stay human-centered.
Parts of the job are exposed, but judgment and context still matter.
Timeline: AI will increasingly handle data interpretation and report generation, but the physical precision and safety requirements of bench biology protect most technician roles for at least 5-7 years.
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AI job-risk card
Biological Technicians is watch on AIFear. Parts of the job are exposed, but judgment and context still matter.
AIFear.com
Our AI Fear Score for Biological Technicians is 35/100 (Watch). Parts of the job are exposed, but judgment and context still matter.
35 out of 100, based on an AI-model review of this occupation's O*NET tasks against what current AI can actually do.
Most exposed: Entering experimental data into databases, Writing summaries and reports of findings, Monitoring experiments and logging production data, Assisting with pharmaceutical data analysis. Harder to automate: Collecting biological samples in field and lab settings, Setting up, calibrating, and maintaining lab equipment, Preparing and cleaning work areas and supplies, Hands-on conduct of laboratory experiments.
Lean into Laboratory techniques and instrumentation, Bioinformatics fundamentals, Research data management, Quality control in life sciences, Scientific communication. Consider roles such as Lab operations coordinator or Clinical research associate or Bioinformatics technician.
Tasks, skills and AI-exposure for this role were reviewed by an AI model against its O*NET task profile (curated roles use published research anchors). Pay and employment, where shown, are U.S. BLS OEWS (May 2024) figures. This is an estimate, not a prediction about any individual's job. Compare all occupations.