Biological technicians work with biologists studying living organisms. Microbiological technicians study microscopic organisms and may do medical research. Chemical technicians work with chemists and chemical engineers, developing and using chemicals and related products and equipment. Most do research and development, testing, or other laboratory work. They often set up and conduct tests and experiments and collect and analyze data.
Some chemical technicians collect and analyze samples of air and water to monitor pollution levels.
Nuclear technicians operate nuclear test and research equipment, monitor radiation, and assist nuclear engineers and physicists in research. Some also operate remote control equipment to manipulate radioactive materials or materials to be exposed to radioactivity. Mathematical technicians work with scientists and engineers to solve computational problems encountered in research and development and other areas. They also apply standardized mathematical formulas to translate data into graphs and charts. Petroleum technicians perform a variety of tasks related to oil and natural gas production.