Career in Biotechnology: Best Career Options, Scope, Top Universities and More

Before jumping on to the recipe for building a successful career in Biotechnology, let’s understand what exactly is biotechnology. Biotechnology is an interdisciplinary specialisation and a broad area of biology that uses biological systems, living organisms or their components and cellular and bio-molecular processes to make technologies that improve our lives.

The applications of biotechnology are diverse and are most popularly utilised in health and medical sciences, biomedical engineering, agriculture, cell biology, immunology, seed technology, virology and plant physiology. It is filled with lucrative opportunities to work in the medical sector as well as research and development. This blog takes you through the key essentials of pursuing a career in Biotechnology, from the top courses and universities as well as the rewarding employment opportunities it offers!

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Why Pursue a Career in Biotechnology?

The data given below illustrates the reasons to pursue a career in biotechnology.

Best Biotechnology Careers

Some of the best biotechnology careers are listed below.

• Biomedical Engineer
• Biochemist
• Medical Scientist
• Clinical Technician
• Microbiologist
• Process Development Scientist
• Biomanufacturing Specialist
• Business Development Manager
• Product Strategist
• Biopharma Sales Representative
• Medical Scientist
• Biotechnological Technician
• Epidemiologist
• Microbiologist
• Medical and Clinical Lab Technologist
• Biomanufacturing Specialist
• Bioproduction Specialist
• R&D Scientist

Taking the above into consideration, we have expanded on some of them below.

Biomedical Engineer

The job of a Biomedical Engineer generally includes fusing biological and engineering skills to construct solutions for problems related to medicine and biology. You can pursue a bachelor’s or master’s in Biotechnology or Biomedical Engineering and a related field to pursue this career profile. A Biomedical Engineer aims to develop and design better quality biomedical devices, equipment, artificial organs, diagnostic machines, and software for healthcare.

Average Annual Salary of Biomedical Engineer: $64,000 – $1,50,000

Medical Scientist

Medical scientists scratch every corner of the research to improve patients’ health by investigating different types of disease and their prevention methods. They constantly strive to analyze and prepare medical samples to know the causes and treatments of chronic diseases, pathogens, and toxicity. In addition to this, they standardize drug doses, methods, and potency to help in the process of manufacturing & distribution of medicinal compounds and various drugs on a large scale. By pursuing any of the major Medical Science Courses, you can explore this career opportunity across varied sectors.

Average Annual Salary of Medical Scientist: $80,000- $1,00,000

Clinical Technician

These clinical technicians are also known as biological technicians or medical laboratory scientists. They gather samples, conduct tests, and analyze the results of human body bacteria, tissues, fluids, and other so many other substances. Highly technical laboratory instruments like specialized computer software, advanced robotics, and automated equipment are used by them to analyze, model, and collect experimental information. There are varied diplomas and specialised courses available for those wanting to become a Clinical Technician and you can also explore degree programs in Clinical Technology and Medical Technology to pursue this job prospect.

Average Annual Salary of Clinical Technician: $70,000- $90,000

Microbiologist

As a Microbiologist, you will need to study the immune system, bacteria, and distinctive viruses to create industrial and biomedical-related products. A series of complex researches are conducted to find treatments for various infectious diseases. Completing a course in microbiology can make you ideal for this role and you can also further opt for a Master’s in Microbiology to steer towards a career in Microbiological research.

Average Annual Salary of Microbiologist: $40,000- $70,000

Process Development Scientist

Process Development Scientist tends to supervise the manufacturing process in an organization’s laboratory. They always look for pathways that elevate the efficiency and quality of the product. Once a product has been developed and production begins, these scientists build creative methods to scale up the products keeping in mind the standardized form of the product. The minimum educational qualification required to become a Product Development Scientist is a bachelor’s degree in Biotechnology, Biology, Chemistry Pharmacy, etc.

Average Annual Salary of Process Development Scientist: $90,000

Bio-manufacturing Specialists

Such specialists utilize methods and tools to match the quality of the product up to the mark of purity, potency, and safety. Moreover, the process of biomanufacturing also includes the production of a large-scale protein that is used to cure human illness. Along with such scientific skills, they also know state, federal, and industry regulatory standards. Majorly, to apply for the profile of a biomanufacturing specialist, you need to be a graduate in Biotechnology, Medical Engineering or Biomedical Engineering.

Average Annual Salary of Biomanufacturing Specialists: $80,000- $ 90,000

Business Development Manager

A Business Development Manager represents a highly researched market analysis and competitive intelligence to assist biotechnology companies. Their primary aim is to execute and formulate the growth & investment strategies of the companies. They help companies to expand, assess, acquire, indulge in collaborative research, and tie up with other biotechnology organizations to gain business growth. If you aim to explore the arena of business and management, you can simply apply for this job position after completing a diploma or bachelor’s in Biotechnology.

Average Annual Salary of Business Development Manager: $ 90,000- $ 1,00,000

Product Strategist

A Product Strategist is accountable for the creation and enforcement of the commercialization strategy of the biotechnological products. Such product strategists take care of the product launch, development, marketing, logistics, sales, growth, and profitability while keeping a check on regulatory and quality needs. To become a product strategist in the biotechnology arena, you can opt for a degree in the same field or related specialisations like Biomedical Engineering and biomanufacturing, amongst others.

Average Annual Salary of Product Strategist: $1,00,000

Biopharma Sales Representative

If you are one of those students who want to work in the field of Biopharma but not in the core, then signing up for a management job is a perfect option for you. A management career in Biotechnology lets you work in non-scientific jobs like medical representatives or sales executives. Panacea Biotec Limited, Novozymesm Biocon, and Dr Reddy’s Laboratories Limited are some of the popular companies in this field. Meeting with doctors, researchers, students, technicians and scientists will be a regular activity for you.

Average Annual Salary of Sales in a Biopharma Company: $90,000- $ 1,00,000

Qualifications to Pursue a Career in Biotechnology after 12th

If your interest is to build a career in Biotechnology, pursuing it right after your class 12th can be a great option for you. Here are some of the options that you can choose from to build a career in Biotechnology after Class 12. 

1. BSc in Biotechnology (Molecular Biology)
2. BSc in Bioinformatics
3. BSc in Medical Biotechnology
4. BTech in Chemical Engineering with Biotechnology Specialization
5. BSc Majoring in Plant Biotechnology
6. Bachelor of Biotechnology
7. Bachelor of Applied Science 
8. Bachelor’s Degree in Resource Biotechnology
9. Bachelor of Applied Science Majoring in Molecular Biotechnology
10. Bachelor of Biomedicine
11. Diploma in Biotechnology
12. Diploma of Laboratory Technology
13. Diploma of Health Science in Molecular Genetics and Biotechnology
14. Diploma in Molecular Biotechnology

Qualifications to Pursue a Career in Biotechnology after Bachelor

There is a wide range of courses available for those interested in building a career in Biotechnology. From short-term and online courses to master’s degree programs, you can choose from diverse course offerings at top universities across the globe. Here is a list of top Biotechnology courses that you must consider:

• PG Diploma in Biotechnology
• MSc Biotechnology
• MTech in Biotechnology
• Masters in Biotechnology of Environment and Health
• Master in Biotechnology
• Masters in Applied Biotechnology
• Masters in Medical Biotechnology
• Master of Science in Molecular Biology
• Masters in Industrial and Environmental Biotechnology
• MSc in Marine Biodiversity and Biotechnology
• Masters in Pharmaceutical Biotechnology
• Masters in Molecular Biotechnology
• PhD in Biotechnology
• PhD in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology

Scope in Biotechnology

There is an immense career scope in Biotechnology as you can work on creative efficient medical equipment and technologies, healthcare innovations, pharmaceutical research and much more. Building a successful career in Biotechnology, you will be working at the forefront of research in food sustainability, agriculture, medical sciences and healthcare. Here are the most popular sectors where you can pursue a promising career in Biotechnology:

• Waste Management
• Drug and pharmaceutical research
• Bio-processing industries
• Agricultural Sciences
• Environment Control
• Public funded laboratories
• Energy Management
• Food Biotechnology
• Dairy Technology
• Scope of Biotechnology in the Government Sector

Just like research and development opportunities in the private sector, there are several government departments which conduct the same activities at a national level. These researches are controlled by the Ministry of Science and Technology. All the biotech developments are under the Department of Biotechnology. Vacancies are released as per the needs of the government and the application process is mostly online. Keep checking the official website for the same.

Popular Employment Sectors

Along with the above-mentioned work sectors, here are some other popular employment sectors becoming part of which you can kickstart your career in Biotechnology-

• Pharmaceutical
• Agriculture
• Medicine
• Environmental Conservation
• Animal Husbandry
• Ecology
• Textile Industry
• Genetic Engineering
• Soil Biology

How to Start a Career in Biotechnology?

To follow the career path of a Biotechnologist, you must be familiarized with the educational qualifications, skills and professional training required to become one. So, we have summarized a step-by-step guide on becoming a biotechnologist below:

Pursue a Bachelor’s Degree like BTech or BSc in Biotechnology
The first step towards pursuing a career in Biotechnology is to get a foundational understanding of this field with a bachelor’s degree in Biotechnology and with interdisciplinary specialisations like Molecular Biotechnology, Chemical Biotechnology, and Biotechnology Engineering, to name a few. Further, you can also pursue a bachelor’s degree in any of its related fields like Biology, Chemistry, Biomedical Engineering, etc. to attain the fundamental concepts of this discipline.

Explore Training and Internship Opportunities
While studying an undergraduate program in Biotechnology, it is also essential to explore training and internship opportunities at research institutes or in the medical science or technology sector. Training and internships will also add to your resume and exhibit your professional exposure in this field thus helping you fit the job role of Biotechnologist better.

Gain a Specialisation with a Master’s Degree
It is important to gain a postgraduate qualification after graduating and you can pursue a master’s in Biotechnology or its related specialisations like Applied Biotechnology, Medical Biotechnology, and Industrial and Environmental Biotechnology as it will also impart you with the necessary research opportunities and skills you need to pursue a successful career in Biotechnology.

If you are aspiring for a career in research or academia, then you can also pursue a doctorate like PhD in Biotechnology.

Institutes for Biotechnology Research

Several institutes in the world are involved in Biotechnology research. Some of these institutes are autonomous bodies while others are owned by the government. If you are planning to build a career in biotechnology, a research project in these institutes will be very helpful:

Institutes for Research in India

1. Indian Council of Agriculture Research
2. Department of Science and Technology
3. Council of Scientific and Industrial Research
4. Constituent Research Labs of the Department of Biotechnology
5. Defense Research and Development Organization

Biotechnology Research Institutes in UK

1. Babraham Institute 
2. Institute of Food Research 
3. Pirbright Institute 
4. John Innes Centre
5. Roslin Institute 

Biotechnology Research Institutes in US

1. John Hopkins Institute 
2. University of Pennsylvania
3. Purdue University
4. University of Georgia
5. Columbia University

Who Can Study Biotechnology?

Though the specific eligibility requirements might vary as per the course and university, the basic eligibility criteria for Biotechnology courses are as follows:

• The applicant must have completed their 10+2 with PCB subjects from a recognised board of education and with the minimum percentage of marks specified by your chosen university.
• If you are planning to study biotechnology abroad, you will be required to provide language proficiency test scores such as IELTS, TOEFL, etc. along with an SOP and LOR. Some universities might also ask you to submit GRE scores for master’s level programmes in Biotechnology.

Note: The aforementioned criteria only indicate general eligibility requirements. Actual course requirements might differ as per the programme and university.

Top Universities for Biotechnology Abroad

Top Universities for Biotechnology in India

Apart from these, here are the top Biotechnology colleges and universities in India:

• Benaras Hindu University
• University of Allahabad
• Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar
• Kumaun University
• University of Pune
• Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi
• Himachal Pradesh University, Shimla

So that was all about making a lucrative career in Bio-technology. Hope the blog has answered all your queries regarding the topic.

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