Tissue Culture Technician Job Description & Career Opportunities

Being a tissue culture technician requires the candidate to be adept with biology, chemistry, and higher math knowledge. He needs to be passionate with handling cells of plants and animals under the microscope in the laboratory throughout the day. He has to be good in doing research work for doctors and scientists from the laboratory. He will be doing research reports about findings on cells. In relation to cells, he will be observing how the cell tissue grows, reproduces, and does other functions biologically. Through his work in collaboration with doctors and scientists, he will be able to contribute to how diseases are be cured and prevented. Healthy tissue can also be observed in its growth.
Job Functions

The behavior of tissue culture will be studied as to how it can propagate and be used as ornaments. The tissue culture technician assesses how the tissue of a plant, human, or animal can be manipulated. When the manipulation is determined, he can also replicate the tissue. The unique genotypes are preserved and maintained. He contributes to the growth of new plants by maintaining the greenhouse. Pests and diseases are monitored until the time to transport the crops has come. The kind of work that a tissue culture technician does involves self-discipline and attention to specific details. With only one wrong action done on the cell, trouble can happen.
Biological Scientist

In the United States, a tissue culture technician is categorized as a biological scientists. He puts up, operates, and maintains laboratory equipment and instruments. He can be asked to oversee experiments, document observations, calculate results, and record them. He can analyze tissue samples and explain the findings obtained from a specific study. In dealing with tissue culture, the technician handles cellular or organ materials. In relation to hazardous tissue culture, he uses laminar flow hoods or cabinets for the safety of material related to biology. Since the specimen is fragile, he makes sure that it is incubated. For accurate and specific notes on tissue culture, the microscope is a very efficient tool. The laboratory must be sterile and prepared for the next activity.
Science Aptitude and Education

An aspiring tissue culture technician needs to possess an associate degree in applied science or a course in connection with technology. Also, two years of being trained under a program for a technical vocation can prove beneficial for the candidate. His oral and written communication skills need to be polished in order to create valuable reports for doctors and scientists to read. There are instances wherein strong mathematical skills are needed for calculation. Passion for chemistry will also come in handy for the candidate since he will determine what chemicals can let the tissue grow and develop for propagation. In this case, possessing a university degree related to biology or chemistry will be a good starting point for acceptance.
Technical Knowledge

At work, the candidate can experience rigorous training in connection with the specifications of the client. Since this kind of work requires technical science knowledge, the candidate must also have training on how to handle diagnostic laboratory equipment.