Life Science Technician Career in South Africa
Explore the official OFO occupation, common tasks, specialisations and approved South African qualification pathways.
Occupation overview
Identifies and collects living organisms and conducts field and laboratory studies in support of life scientists and technologists.
What does a Life Science Technician do?
A Life Science Technician supports life scientists and technologists by identifying and collecting living organisms, preparing and handling biological materials, and assisting with field and laboratory investigations. The work can focus on areas such as microbiology, bacteriology, botany, zoology, entomology, fisheries, marine biology, biochemistry, tissue culture or biomedical investigations.
Specialisations
How to become a Life Science Technician in South Africa
- Build a foundation in the life and natural sciences at school, especially Life Sciences and related subjects.
- Consider the Certificate: Earth and Life Sciences: Natural Sciences at NQF level 4 as a relevant pathway.
- Consider the Certificate: Life Sciences or the Higher Certificate in Life and Environmental Sciences at NQF level 5 as further relevant pathways.
- Choose a work direction such as laboratory support, field research, microbiology, botany, zoology, marine biology or biomedical work.
- Develop practical experience in identifying and collecting organisms and in supporting field and laboratory studies where opportunities are available. Confirm current qualification, provider and progression details with SAQA or an accredited provider.
Edupstairs Preparation Guidance
The listed certificates provide relevant preparation for this career, but they should not automatically be treated as universal or compulsory requirements. The specific preparation needed may vary according to the area of work, such as microbiology, fisheries, tissue culture or laboratory support. Verify current qualification and provider details with SAQA or an accredited provider, and check role-specific expectations with potential employers.
Useful school subjects
- Life Sciences
- Physical Sciences
- Mathematics
- English
- Geography
Skills that may help
- Identifying living organisms
- Collecting biological specimens or organisms
- Conducting and supporting field studies
- Conducting and supporting laboratory studies
- Accurate observation and recording
- Working with life scientists and technologists
- Applying knowledge of biological and natural sciences