Explore careers

Useful experience for science technicians includes:

• experience in fields related to the area of science you wish to work in 
• other science or laboratory work.

Science undergraduates often gain experience by working in a laboratory part time while studying.

Science technicians may do some or all of the following:

• collect and collate data for research
• prepare equipment, materials, products and specimens for experiments and surveys
• perform experiments and evaluate the results
• record experiments and results
• set up, operate and maintain laboratories for teaching and research
• help with or carry out field and site surveys and tests
• write reports and papers on research results
• maintain databases
• order laboratory supplies and equipment.

Number of science technicians expected to grow slowly

The outlook for science technicians is improving as research funding increases. The number of science technicians is expected to grow slowly until 2025. 

Opportunities for science technicians are best in applied sciences that develop new technologies, products and services. The applied areas the Government has prioritised are: 

• food research
• biological industries
• health
• environment
• high-value manufacturing and services (for example, making specialised medical equipment).

According to the Census, 4,554 science technicians worked in New Zealand in 2018.

Types of employers varied

Science technicians can work for a range of companies or organisations such as:

• Crown research institutes
• universities, polytechnics and schools
• private sector companies such as private research institutes or processing laboratories.

With three to five years of experience on various projects, a science technician may progress to become a senior or lead science technician.

Those with a Bachelor's degree who gain more experience or further qualifications, such as a Masters or Doctorate, may go on to work as research scientists or engineers.

Science technicians usually specialise in a particular scientific discipline such as:

Agricultural Technician

Agricultural technicians perform tests and experiments, and provide technical support to assist agricultural scientists in areas such as research, production, servicing and marketing.

Chemistry Technician

Chemistry technicians help chemists and chemical engineers carry out research, testing and experiments on organic and inorganic chemicals. They work with a wide variety of products, including fuels, food, pharmaceuticals, paints, metals, plastics and cosmetics.

Earth Science Technician

Earth science technicians collect and test earth and water samples, record observations and analyse data in support of geologists or geophysicists.

Life Science Technician

Life science technicians identify and collect living organisms and conduct field and laboratory studies in support of environmental scientists and life scientists such as physiologists, biologists, botanists or zoologists.

Medical Laboratory Technician

Medical laboratory technicians help scientists and pathologists take samples, run tests and complete other duties involved in the operation of a diagnostic medical laboratory.

Research Technician

Research technicians help scientists carry out research, testing and experiments in a particular area of importance to agriculture. This can include forage crops, pasture, soils, weeds, pests, nutrition, reproduction, animal behaviour, and plant breeding.

• Medical laboratory technician job information

Science technicians need to be:

• good at research
• enquiring and observant
• patient and safety-conscious
• good problem solvers
• good written and verbal communicators
• organised, with good planning skills
• able to work well both individually and as part of a team.