Biotechnologist vs. Biotechnician: What Are the Differences?

Biotechnologists and biotechnicians are both professionals who work with living organisms to create products or services. Though they share some similarities, there are several key differences between these two job titles. In this article, we discuss the differences between biotechnologists and biotechnicians, and we provide additional information about careers in this field.

What is a Biotechnologist?

Biotechnologists conduct research and develop processes and products using living organisms. Their work often leads to advances in medicine, agriculture and environmental science. Biotechnologists use their knowledge of biology and chemistry to solve problems in the real world. They may work in a laboratory setting, developing new drugs or testing the effects of pollutants on plant and animal life. Biotechnologists may also work in the field, studying the impact of climate change on ecosystems or developing new methods of food production. In all cases, Biotechnologists use their scientific skills to improve the world around us.

What is a Biotechnician?

Biotechnicians work in a variety of settings, including research laboratories, pharmaceutical companies, food and beverage companies, and agricultural companies. They use their knowledge of biology and chemistry to help develop new products and processes. Biotechnicians may work on projects such as developing new drugs, developing new ways to process food, or developing new methods of manufacturing. They may also be involved in quality control or testing of new products. In some cases, biotechnicians may also be involved in sales or marketing of new products.

Biotechnologist vs. Biotechnician

Here are the main differences between a biotechnologist and a biotechnician.

Job Duties

One of the main differences between a biotechnologist and a technologist is the job duties they perform. A biotechnologist typically performs research on living organisms to help develop new products or improve existing ones. This can involve working with animals, plants or bacteria. Biotechnologists may also test products to ensure they’re safe for consumers.

A technologist works in a laboratory and uses scientific methods to solve problems. They may use equipment like microscopes or pH meters to conduct testing and analysis. Technologists may work with biotechnologists to analyze samples and provide feedback to assist with product development.

Job Requirements

Biotechnologists typically need to earn a bachelor’s degree in biotechnology, biology or another related field. Some employers may prefer candidates with a master’s degree or higher. Biotechnicians usually only need an associate degree or some college coursework in biotechnology, biology or a related field. However, some employers may prefer candidates with a bachelor’s degree.

Work Environment

Biotechnologists typically work in laboratories, where they perform experiments and analyze data. They may also work for pharmaceutical companies or research institutions. Biotechnology is a relatively new field, so biotechnologists often have the opportunity to work on cutting-edge projects that can help improve human health.

Biotechnicians usually work in clinical settings, such as hospitals, doctor’s offices or medical laboratories. They may also work in other healthcare facilities, such as nursing homes or rehabilitation centers. As professionals who interact with patients, biotechnicians must follow strict safety protocols to protect their clients’ health and privacy.

Skills

Both biotechnologists and biotechnicians use basic laboratory skills, such as measuring and mixing solutions, to perform their work. They also need to be able to follow safety protocols when working with dangerous chemicals and materials.

Biotechnologists typically have more advanced skills than biotechnicians. For example, they may know how to operate complex laboratory equipment or have experience with programming languages that are used to develop software for managing data. They may also have a more in-depth understanding of biology and the principles of genetics.

Because biotechnicians often work under the supervision of biotechnologists, they may not need to have as many advanced skills. However, they still need to have a strong understanding of the basic concepts of biology and be able to perform tasks like measuring and mixing solutions accurately.

Salary

Biotechnologists can earn an average salary of $67,364 per year, while biotechnicians can earn an average salary of $51,772 per year. Both of these average salaries may vary depending on the size of the company at which you work, location of your job and the level of experience you have prior to pursuing either position.