Careers in Biotechnology

SCIENTISTS ARE PICTURED AS LIVING IN an ivory tower, out of touch with the real world. This might be true of some scientists, but not biotechnologists. These scientists are focused on using biological discoveries in practical ways or, as the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity noted, biotechnology refers to “any technological application that uses biological systems, living organisms, or derivatives thereof, to make or modify products or processes for specific use.” Biotechnologists work in many fields but especially in agriculture, food science, and medicine. Many of the companies where they work are relatively new and are often engaged in some of the most exciting developments taking place in the world of science and medicine, such as seeking treatments and cures for diseases that attack people, plants, and animals, finding ways to increase the size and nutritional value of food sources, and developing new, more efficient and eco-friendly fuels and building materials. As the Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) puts it, the industry’s goals are Healing the World, Feeding the World, and Fueling the World. In the years since the industry took off, it has drawn hundreds of billions of dollars in investment and generated equally large revenues. The appeal of participating in the development of products that can save lives and make this a better world is certainly reason enough to make a career in biotechnology your goal. Fortunately, this is a growing industry with jobs being created at a fast pace. In addition, earnings in biotechnology are excellent. There are many different career paths within the biotechnology industry so you have a good chance of finding something that is right for you. Among the different types of occupations are scientists and biotech engineers. These professionals are supported by an army of lab technicians and assistants, sales and marketing people, public relations representatives, and executives who spend a significant part of their time raising funds. A career in biotechnology can also include teaching as an option. Further, there are opportunities for industry advocates. These typically represent a state, regional or even national collection of biotech companies to the public and to the financial community, as well as to elected officials and persons in regulatory agencies, providing them with information about the latest developments that could use financial and legislative support. Most positions in biotechnology require a college education, although laboratory technicians may be trained and certified without having to obtain a college degree. Scientists and engineers as well as teachers typically have graduate degrees, at least a master’s but more often a doctorate. Even non-scientists in the industry are typically well educated in the sciences because of their need to communicate with their colleagues and explain the work that is being done to the outside world. A career in biotechnology demands a good deal of dedication and perseverance. There are more failures than successes coming from the labs. You need to have the kind of confidence that can accept failure and keep going towards your goals. There is the challenge for many in the industry of finding financial support. This requires as much perseverance as the work in the lab. In the end, the knowledge that you are working towards building a better future for humankind is sufficient motivation for putting your all into your work in biotechnology.