Biotechnology Schools

Which types of jobs are available for those interested in biotechnology?

Biotechnology might seem like the epitome of modern science, but to some extent its principles have been used for thousands of years, such as in the use of microorganisms for the production of bread and cheese. Biotechnology today remains on the cutting edge of vital fields, such as medicine, agriculture and energy.

Biotechnology jobs involve the harnessing of cellular and biomolecular processes for practical purposes, but beyond that common characteristic, biotechnology jobs are extremely varied. Major industrial fields in which biotechnology research is applied are health care, energy and agriculture. The type of organizations which employ biotechnology research and practices includes corporations, government agencies, and academic institutions.

The typical work day of a biotechnologist will vary depending on the nature of the job and the employment situation. For example, in a corporate research and development department or in an academic research lab, you might spend the bulk of your time in a fairly isolated environment, reading background literature, conducting experiments and compiling results. In contrast, working for a government agency or teaching is likely to involve much more contact with people outside the organization--and in the case of government work, possibly some travel.

Perks of the job typically include working in a professional environment with coworkers sharing similar training and interests. You may also find yourself in a position where you can feel you are making a real difference, either via new discoveries or by solving problems.

Challenges can include the repetitive tasks involved in many scientific functions, and also the fact that any branch of science involving living things always has some unpredictability to it. From micro-organisms to humans, there can always be elements of your work that don't behave exactly as you'd like them to.

Formal training required to work in a career related to biotechnology

Because there are so many different levels of biotechnology jobs, the formal training required can range anywhere from a high school diploma to a PhD. The higher-level jobs tend to have more stringent training requirements. As a result, people may very well work their way up the academic ladder--from bachelor's degree to master's degree to PhD--in the course of pursuing a biotechnology career. This would typically take anywhere from four years for a full-time bachelor's degree program, to roughly seven years if you go all the way through to a PhD. Naturally, pursuing these degrees while you work could slow the timetable down somewhat.

As you consider biotechnology degree programs, don't expect them all to use the same label. The following are some of the degree fields that can prepare you for a career in biotechnology:

• Biotechnology
• Biochemistry
• Bioengineering
• Bioinformatics
• Biology
• Biomedical science/technology
• Biostatistics
• Marine biotechnology
• Clinical research

Besides a range of biology courses, such as molecular biology, principles of biotechnology, and bioinformatics, expect to also take courses that give you a solid foundation in math, computer use, and communications, since these skills are commonly needed in biotechnology careers.

Typical career path of someone interested in biotechnology

Biotechnology jobs can be broadly grouped into three different levels. These levels can be used to set the targets for your academic training, or to work your way up and gain experience as you continue to pursue your education. These levels are:

• Entry level. These jobs typically involve cleaning and other basic forms of assistance in a biotechnology facility, and may be open to people with high school diplomas or associate degrees.
• Intermediate. The intermediate level of biotechnology jobs includes research assistant and associate jobs, and is likely to require at least a bachelor's degree in a relevant field, and possibly some experience.
• Advanced. Advanced positions in biotechnology include scientists, analysts, vice presidents of research and development, scientific directors, and professors. These jobs are typically the province of people with master's degrees or PhDs, and may also require a substantial amount of experience.

As you move along the academic progression, biotechnology degree programs are likely to become increasingly specialized, so it helps to have developed a clear vision of what type of career you plan to pursue.

Job outlook and salary information for those interested in biotechnology

Since biotechnology jobs tend to be in fields with growing demand (health care, food production, energy), this bodes well for the future growth of the biotechnology job market. Already, that job market features tens of thousands of jobs which typically offer well above-average compensation. The following are some examples of the average wage levels for biotechnology jobs, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics information as of May, 2009:

• Biomedical engineers, $82,550
• Petroleum engineers, $119,960
• Food scientists and technologists, $64,370
• Biochemists and biophysicists, $88,550
• Biological scientists, $69,430
• Biological technicians, $41,140
• Biological science teachers, postsecondary, $87,220

In many respects, biotechnology careers are about the future, of energy, health care or agriculture. With the right training, they can also be about your future.