Biologielaborant/Biologielaborantin

Biology laboratory assistants are trained in the dual system (duales System). Learning locations are the training company (e.g., research institutes): laboratories or training laboratories, and the Berufsschule (vocational school): classrooms. If companies cannot provide all required training content, parts of the training can be moved to überbetriebliche Ausbildungsstätten (inter-company training centers). Note: Vocational school classes are partly conducted in cross-state specialized classes. Currently, for the Bundesländer (federal states) of Brandenburg (apprentices from the Berlin area attend the vocational school in Berlin, according to agreements between Berlin and Brandenburg), Saxony-Anhalt, and Thuringia, classes are in Bitterfeld (Saxony-Anhalt); for Hamburg and Schleswig-Holstein, classes are in Lübeck (Schleswig-Holstein).

Job Type: Recognized apprenticeship. Type of Training: Dual training in industry (regulated by training ordinance). Training Duration: 3.5 years. Learning Locations: Training company and Berufsschule (vocational school) (dual training). What does one do in this profession? Biology laboratory assistants examine animals, plants, microorganisms, and cell cultures. For example, they isolate cells, cultivate them on special nutrient media, and evaluate them. Under an electron microscope, they compare and examine the structure of viruses or bacteria. In biochemical experiments, they prepare cells, proteins, blood, or tissue samples in chemical solutions and test their reactions. They also breed, dissect, or examine parasites and pests. They also participate in animal experiments: they keep and observe test animals, especially rodents, administer medication, or take blood samples. In addition, genetic engineering experiments may be part of their tasks. If they work in pharmacology, they deal with the interaction between medicines and organisms.

Job Title: Biology Laboratory Assistant. Job Type: Recognized apprenticeship. Training Duration: 3.5 years. What does one do in this profession? Biology laboratory assistants examine animals, plants, microorganisms, and cell cultures. For example, they isolate cells, cultivate them on special nutrient media, and evaluate them. Under an electron microscope, they compare and examine the structure of viruses or bacteria. In biochemical experiments, they prepare cells, proteins, blood, or tissue samples in chemical solutions and test their reactions. They also breed, dissect, or examine parasites and pests. They also participate in animal experiments: they keep and observe test animals, especially rodents, administer medication, or take blood samples. In addition, genetic engineering experiments may be part of their tasks. If they work in pharmacology, they deal with the interaction between medicines and organisms and safety pharmacology.

3.5 years

The Ausbildung (apprenticeship) is conducted in parallel at the training company and the Berufsschule (vocational school). Vocational school classes take place on specific weekdays or in block form. Excerpt from the training framework plan and curriculum: 1st - 18th Training Month: Training in the company and, if necessary, in inter-company courses: Work organization and communication, handling of working materials, chemical and physical methods, performing microbiological work I, performing cell culture technical work I, performing biochemical work, performing diagnostic work, performing zoological-pharmacological work, area-specific quality assurance measures. 1st and 2nd Training Year: Training in the Berufsschule (vocational school) in the learning fields: Combining substances, separating substance systems, examining the structure and properties of substances, examining substances photometrically and chromatographically, performing microbiological and cell culture technical work, performing biochemical and molecular biological work.

No costs are charged for the Ausbildung (apprenticeship). The training company provides the necessary training materials for the practical part of the training and pays the examination fees. Unless otherwise regulated, apprentices must bear the costs of learning materials for vocational school classes and work clothing themselves. In addition, costs may arise if training locations are far from the place of residence. Funding Opportunities: In certain life situations, apprentices may receive Berufsausbildungsbeihilfe (vocational training allowance). For more information: Berufsausbildungsbeihilfe (BAB).

In this vocational training (Ausbildung), trainees learn, for example, how to record, evaluate, and process measurement data. They also learn how to take and prepare samples (e.g., body fluids, tissues) according to laboratory animal science recommendations, and what analysis methods exist. They learn how to perform microbiological, biotechnological, and cell culture technical work, and how to handle, care for, and maintain work equipment and devices. They learn how to measure physical quantities, determine material constants, and perform photometric determinations. They learn how to keep laboratory animals, especially rodents, how to perform pharmacological applications, and how to observe legal and ethical principles. They learn how to detect changes in the appearance and behavior of laboratory animals and initiate necessary measures. They learn how to evaluate data considering biological variability, and how to perform genetic engineering and molecular biological work. They learn how to anesthetize laboratory animals and prepare them for experiments.

For this vocational training (Ausbildung), one should be prepared for the following conditions and requirements: In the company, practical participation (under guidance) is expected, such as crushing, sieving, filtering solids, distilling substance mixtures, preparing nutrient solutions for bacterial cultures, and documenting results. The environment is a laboratory (artificial lighting), and protective clothing (e.g., lab coat, safety glasses, gloves) must be worn. Working hours may include shift work and night work. Requirements include diligence (e.g., when preparing specimens and culture media), a sense of responsibility (e.g., when handling laboratory animals, working with dangerous microorganisms), attentiveness and perseverance (e.g., when monitoring lengthy experimental series), dexterity and hand-eye coordination (e.g., when measuring, filling, and transferring chemical substances), and technical understanding (e.g., when maintaining laboratory equipment and facilities). At the vocational school (Berufsschule), classes are held one or two days per week or as block instruction.

Trainees can complete parts of their vocational training (Ausbildung) abroad, for example, in various European countries. An internship abroad, lasting at least 3 weeks, can be done as part of the additional qualification 'Europaassistent/in' (European Assistant). A secondary school leaving certificate (mittlerer Bildungsabschluss) is a prerequisite for this qualification. Further information on the additional qualification 'Europaassistent/in' is available.

The vocational training allowance (Ausbildungsvergütung) for a dual vocational training (duale Ausbildung) is paid by the training company and, for companies bound by collective agreements, is based on collective bargaining agreements. Trainees must be granted an appropriate allowance. If the training takes place in a school setting (e.g., at a vocational school or as a vocational basic training year (Berufsgrundbildungsjahr - BGJ) in the 1st year of training), no vocational training allowance is paid. Example for the chemical industry (monthly gross - depending on the federal state (Bundesland)): 1st year of training: €1,147 to €1,204, 2nd year of training: €1,222 to €1,315, 3rd year of training: €1,277 to €1,389, 4th year of training: €1,329 to €1,486. Source: Federal Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs (BMAS), as of April 2025. Note: These figures are for orientation purposes. No claims can be derived from them.

In-depth knowledge in the following school subjects are good prerequisites for successful vocational training (Ausbildung): Biology (e.g., to be able to examine and classify blood components), Chemistry (e.g., to understand reactions of substances), Physics (e.g., to apply analysis methods), Mathematics (e.g., to calculate percentage compositions).

The additional qualification 'Europaassistent/in' (European Assistant) is aimed at trainees with at least a secondary school leaving certificate (mittlerer Bildungsabschluss). It expands the initial vocational training with intercultural competencies and offers trainees the opportunity to improve their foreign language skills. For this, trainees attend additional vocational school (Berufsschule) classes, for example, in European Commercial and Economic Law, and complete a several-week internship abroad. The responsible chamber (Kammer) provides further information, e.g., on 'Europaassistent/in'.

The following Ausbildung (vocational training) alternatives are available for the profession of Biologielaborant/in: In the laboratory field, State-certified Biological-technical Assistant, Chemielaborant/Chemielaborantin (Chemical Laboratory Assistant), Milchwirtschaftlicher Laborant/Milchwirtschaftliche Laborantin (Dairy Laboratory Assistant), Pflanzentechnologe/Pflanzentechnologin (Plant Technologist). Their commonality is performing laboratory examinations.

The profession of Biologielaborant/in was first recognized in 1956. In 1986, a new training regulation was introduced under the Berufsbildungsgesetz (Vocational Training Act) due to the use of new technologies. In 2002, the structure of training in laboratory professions in the fields of biology, chemistry, and lacquer was reorganized, introducing common basic qualifications as well as compulsory and elective qualifications, and new training content, including laboratory-specific EDV (electronic data processing). A trial regulation (final examination in two separate parts) was implemented. In 2009, the new examination structure was integrated into the training regulation. In 2017, an amending regulation for vocational training brought changes to the training framework plan, particularly a new version of the section on conducting zoological-pharmacological work. In 2020, the Berufsbildungsgesetz (BBiG) and the Handwerksordnung (HWO) were amended, including the introduction of a minimum training allowance and the expansion of possibilities to complete Ausbildung (vocational training) part-time. An amending regulation for the vocational training of laboratory professions in the fields of biology, chemistry, and lacquer was also issued.

Biologielaborant/in is a 3.5-year recognized Ausbildung (vocational training) profession in industry.

The qualification title is Biologielaborant/Biologielaborantin.

The Ausbildung (vocational training) allowance for a dual Ausbildung (vocational training) is paid by the training company and, for companies bound by collective agreements, is based on collective bargaining agreements. Trainees must be granted an appropriate allowance. The appropriateness of an Ausbildung (vocational training) allowance for training starting in 2020 and later is regulated by the Berufsbildungsgesetz (Vocational Training Act) via the minimum allowance. Example chemical industry (monthly gross): 1st year of training: 1,176 €, 2nd year of training: 1,249 €, 3rd year of training: 1,318 €, 4th year of training: 1,412 €. Source: Bundesministerium für Arbeit und Soziales (BMAS), as of April 2025. Note: This information is for orientation purposes. No claims can be derived from it.

The Ausbildung (vocational training) allowance for a dual Ausbildung (vocational training) is paid by the training company and, for companies bound by collective agreements, is based on collective bargaining agreements. Trainees must be granted an appropriate allowance. The appropriateness of an Ausbildung (vocational training) allowance for training starting in 2020 and later is regulated by the Berufsbildungsgesetz (Vocational Training Act) via the minimum allowance. Example chemical industry (monthly gross): 1st year of training: 1,192 € to 1,202 €, 2nd year of training: 1,254 € to 1,264 €, 3rd year of training: 1,279 € to 1,293 €, 4th year of training: 1,344 € to 1,358 €. Source: Bundesministerium für Arbeit und Soziales (BMAS), as of April 2025. Note: This information is for orientation purposes. No claims can be derived from it.

The vocational training (Ausbildung) remuneration for a dual training program is paid by the training company and, for companies bound by collective agreements, is based on collective bargaining agreements. Trainees must be granted appropriate remuneration. The appropriateness of vocational training remuneration for training programs starting in 2020 and later is regulated by the Vocational Training Act (Berufsbildungsgesetz) via the minimum remuneration. Example chemical industry (monthly gross): 1st year: 1,161 €, 2nd year: 1,222 €, 3rd year: 1,277 €, 4th year: 1,364 €. Source: Federal Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs (BMAS), as of April 2025. This information is for orientation purposes only; no claims can be derived from it.

The vocational training (Ausbildung) remuneration for a dual training program is paid by the training company and, for companies bound by collective agreements, is based on collective bargaining agreements. Trainees must be granted appropriate remuneration. The appropriateness of vocational training remuneration for training programs starting in 2020 and later is regulated by the Vocational Training Act (Berufsbildungsgesetz) via the minimum remuneration. Example chemical industry (monthly gross): 1st year: 1,156 €, 2nd year: 1,247 €, 3rd year: 1,315 €, 4th year: 1,412 €. Source: Federal Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs (BMAS), as of April 2025. This information is for orientation purposes only; no claims can be derived from it.

The vocational training (Ausbildung) remuneration for a dual training program is paid by the training company and, for companies bound by collective agreements, is based on collective bargaining agreements. Trainees must be granted appropriate remuneration. The appropriateness of vocational training remuneration for training programs starting in 2020 and later is regulated by the Vocational Training Act (Berufsbildungsgesetz) via the minimum remuneration. Example chemical industry (monthly gross): 1st year: 1,186 €, 2nd year: 1,254 €, 3rd year: 1,293 €, 4th year: 1,371 €. Source: Federal Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs (BMAS), as of April 2025. This information is for orientation purposes only; no claims can be derived from it.

The vocational training (Ausbildung) remuneration for a dual training program is paid by the training company and, for companies bound by collective agreements, is based on collective bargaining agreements. Trainees must be granted appropriate remuneration. The appropriateness of vocational training remuneration for training programs starting in 2020 and later is regulated by the Vocational Training Act (Berufsbildungsgesetz) via the minimum remuneration. Example chemical industry (monthly gross): 1st year: 1,192 €, 2nd year: 1,254 €, 3rd year: 1,279 €, 4th year: 1,344 €. Source: Federal Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs (BMAS), as of April 2025. This information is for orientation purposes only; no claims can be derived from it.

The vocational training (Ausbildung) remuneration for a dual training program is paid by the training company and, for companies bound by collective agreements, is based on collective bargaining agreements. Trainees must be granted appropriate remuneration. The appropriateness of vocational training remuneration for training programs starting in 2020 and later is regulated by the Vocational Training Act (Berufsbildungsgesetz) via the minimum remuneration. Example chemical industry (monthly gross): 1st year: 1,147 €, 2nd year: 1,232 €, 3rd year: 1,343 €, 4th year: 1,486 €. Source: Federal Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs (BMAS), as of April 2025. This information is for orientation purposes only; no claims can be derived from it.

Improve opportunities with additional qualifications: Future biology laboratory assistants can gain a good starting position by acquiring additional qualifications during their vocational training (Ausbildung), for example, in European Commercial and Economic Law through the 'Europaassistent/in' qualification. Find the right employment: After their training, biology laboratory assistants work in medical and biological research, applied medicine, and public health. Secure employability: Through adaptive continuing education (Anpassungsweiterbildung), one can keep their specialized knowledge current, up-to-date, and expand it. The range of topics extends from biology to measurement technology. Advance professionally: Further training (Aufstiegsweiterbildung) helps to advance professionally and achieve leadership positions. A natural step is to pass the examination as an Industrial Master (Industriemeister/in) in Chemistry. With university entrance qualification...

The training allowance for a dual vocational training (Ausbildung) is paid by the training company. In companies bound by collective agreements, this allowance is determined by collective bargaining agreements. Trainees (Auszubildende) must be granted an appropriate remuneration. The appropriateness of a training allowance for trainings starting in 2020 and later is regulated by the Vocational Training Act (Berufsbildungsgesetz) via the minimum remuneration. Example chemical industry (monthly gross): 1st year: 1,192 €, 2nd year: 1,254 €, 3rd year: 1,279 €, 4th year: 1,344 €. Source: Federal Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs (BMAS), as of April 2025. Note: This information is for orientation purposes. No claims can be derived from it.

The training allowance for a dual vocational training (Ausbildung) is paid by the training company. In companies bound by collective agreements, this allowance is determined by collective bargaining agreements. Trainees (Auszubildende) must be granted an appropriate remuneration. The appropriateness of a training allowance for trainings starting in 2020 and later is regulated by the Vocational Training Act (Berufsbildungsgesetz) via the minimum remuneration. Example chemical industry (monthly gross): 1st year: 1,192 €, 2nd year: 1,254 €, 3rd year: 1,279 €, 4th year: 1,344 €. Source: Federal Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs (BMAS), as of April 2025. Note: This information is for orientation purposes. No claims can be derived from it.

In 2024, there were 462 new trainees (Ausbildungsanfänger). 75 percent had a higher education entrance qualification (Hochschulreife), and 24 percent had a secondary school leaving certificate (mittlerer Bildungsabschluss). Of the new trainees in 2024, 24% had a secondary school leaving certificate, 75% had a higher education entrance qualification, and 1% had other qualifications. Source: The information is based on data from the Trainee Data System (DAZUBI) of the Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB).

The training allowance for a dual vocational training (Ausbildung) is paid by the training company. In companies bound by collective agreements, this allowance is determined by collective bargaining agreements. Trainees (Auszubildende) must be granted an appropriate remuneration. The appropriateness of a training allowance for trainings starting in 2020 and later is regulated by the Vocational Training Act (Berufsbildungsgesetz) via the minimum remuneration. Example chemical industry (monthly gross): 1st year: 1,186 €, 2nd year: 1,249 €, 3rd year: 1,313 €, 4th year: 1,396 €. Source: Federal Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs (BMAS), as of April 2025. Note: This information is for orientation purposes. No claims can be derived from it.

The training allowance for a dual vocational training (Ausbildung) is paid by the training company. In companies bound by collective agreements, this allowance is determined by collective bargaining agreements. Trainees (Auszubildende) must be granted an appropriate remuneration. The appropriateness of a training allowance for trainings starting in 2020 and later is regulated by the Vocational Training Act (Berufsbildungsgesetz) via the minimum remuneration. Example chemical industry (monthly gross): 1st year: 1,192 €, 2nd year: 1,254 €, 3rd year: 1,279 €, 4th year: 1,344 €. Source: Federal Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs (BMAS), as of April 2025. Note: This information is for orientation purposes. No claims can be derived from it.

The training allowance for a dual vocational training (Ausbildung) is paid by the training company. In companies bound by collective agreements, this allowance is determined by collective bargaining agreements. Trainees (Auszubildende) must be granted an appropriate remuneration. The appropriateness of a training allowance for trainings starting in 2020 and later is regulated by the Vocational Training Act (Berufsbildungsgesetz) via the minimum remuneration. Example chemical industry (monthly gross): 1st year: 1,147 €, 2nd year: 1,232 €, 3rd year: 1,343 €, 4th year: 1,486 €. Source: Federal Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs (BMAS), as of April 2025. Note: This information is for orientation purposes. No claims can be derived from it.

During the Ausbildung (vocational training), specialization opportunities vary depending on the training company. These may include applying chromatographic methods, conducting biotechnological work, performing botanical and phytomedical work, carrying out genetic engineering and molecular biological work, conducting immunological and biochemical work, performing microbiological work, carrying out pharmacological work, performing toxicological work, digitalization in research, development, analytics and production, environmentally relevant working techniques, and working with networked and automated systems.

There are legal regulations and recommendations for the Ausbildung (vocational training). These include the Ordinance on Vocational Training in the Chemistry, Biology, and Paint Laboratory Sector from April 24, 2020 (BGBl. I S. 868), amended by Article 1 of the Ordinance from February 10, 2022 (BGBl. I S. 174). Additionally, there is a framework curriculum for the Biologielaborant/Biologielaborantin vocational training (Resolution of the Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs from January 13, 2000, as amended on December 13, 2019).

The Ausbildung (vocational training) remuneration for a dual Ausbildung (dual vocational training) is paid by the training company. For companies bound by collective agreements, the remuneration is based on collective bargaining agreements. Trainees must be granted appropriate remuneration. The appropriateness of Ausbildung (vocational training) remuneration for training starting in 2020 and later is regulated by the Vocational Training Act regarding minimum remuneration. For example, in the chemical industry (monthly gross): 1st year: 1,186 €, 2nd year: 1,260 €, 3rd year: 1,326 €, 4th year: 1,413 €. Source: Federal Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs (BMAS), as of April 2025. This information is for orientation purposes only; no claims can be derived from it.

The Ausbildung (vocational training) remuneration for a dual Ausbildung (dual vocational training) is paid by the training company. For companies bound by collective agreements, the remuneration is based on collective bargaining agreements. Trainees must be granted appropriate remuneration. The appropriateness of Ausbildung (vocational training) remuneration for training starting in 2020 and later is regulated by the Vocational Training Act regarding minimum remuneration. For example, in the chemical industry (monthly gross): 1st year: 1,176 €, 2nd year: 1,228 €, 3rd year: 1,277 €, 4th year: 1,329 €. Source: Federal Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs (BMAS), as of April 2025. This information is for orientation purposes only; no claims can be derived from it.

Legally, no specific prior education is required.

The Ausbildung (vocational training) remuneration for a dual Ausbildung (dual vocational training) is paid by the training company. For companies bound by collective agreements, the remuneration is based on collective bargaining agreements. Trainees must be granted appropriate remuneration. The appropriateness of Ausbildung (vocational training) remuneration for training starting in 2020 and later is regulated by the Vocational Training Act regarding minimum remuneration. For example, in the chemical industry (monthly gross): 1st year: 1,180 € to 1,204 €, 2nd year: 1,288 € to 1,315 €, 3rd year: 1,349 € to 1,389 €, 4th year: 1,448 € to 1,484 €. Source: Federal Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs (BMAS), as of April 2025. This information is for orientation purposes only; no claims can be derived from it.

The training allowance for a dual Ausbildung (vocational training) is paid by the training company and, in companies bound by collective agreements, is determined by collective bargaining agreements. Trainees must be granted an appropriate remuneration. The appropriateness of an Ausbildung allowance for trainings starting in 2020 and later is regulated by the Vocational Training Act (Berufsbildungsgesetz) via the minimum remuneration. Example chemical industry (monthly gross): 1st year of training: €1,192, 2nd year of training: €1,254, 3rd year of training: €1,279, 4th year of training: €1,344. Source: Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (BMAS), as of April 2025. Note: This information is for orientation purposes only. No claims can be derived from it.