Role of the Technician in the R & D World

Abstract

The technical roles within an entrepreneurial company or academic research laboratory require a workforce that is prepared for cutting edge research applications and development. These technical roles also require employees (technicians) who are adept at using instruments, understand a regulated workplace, are able to document their work, and can adapt and adopt new protocols as needed. Gaps exist between the expectations of employers of technicians in the routine as well as the non-routine worlds of R & D and the traditional preparation of students in undergraduate programs. The challenge to creating a workforce prepared for the routine and non-routine is met through a variety of undergraduate programs in two-year and four-year undergraduate programs. As students move through molecular biology and biotechnology programs, undergraduates need to experience the roles and responsibilities common to the technical work in both academic and non-academic employment. Examples of how programs at various colleges and universities have evolved to meet the demands for a technical workforce will be presented.