Biotechnology is biology-based technology; it uses biomolecular and cellular processes to create products and technologies that improve our lives and our planet’s health. For more than 6,000 years, biotechnologists have used microorganisms' biological processes to produce useful food products like bread and cheese and to preserve dairy products. This article discusses how to become a biotechnologist and the prospects of this profession.
A scientist who studies biology and creates technologies and products based on their findings is a biotechnologist. They can concentrate on a particular industry, like agriculture or medicine, or work with particular organisms, like marine life. By creating new green technologies, they can contribute to environmental restoration.
Biotechnologists work in quality control, manufacturing, research and development, and other departments. Biotechnologists are experts in the field of biotechnology who develop and enhance goods, technologies, and procedures by utilizing concepts from biology, chemistry, genetics, and other scientific fields. They operate at the nexus of biology and technology, using biological systems, cells, and living things to produce cutting-edge solutions for a range of industries.
Types of Biotechnologist
There are various types of biotechnologists, each with their own area of specialization. Here are some examples of biotechnologists:
Medical Biotechnologist: Specializing in utilizing living cells, these professionals develop technologies to enhance human health. They apply these tools to discover more effective methods of preserving human well-being.
Industrial Biotechnologist: In the field of industrial biotechnology, professionals apply biotechnological techniques to industrial settings. They work with specialized proteins called enzymes, produced by microbes, to facilitate complex biochemical reactions.
Environmental Biotechnologist: Experts in environmental biotechnology employ biological processes to address environmental issues. They manage microbial communities to provide societal benefits and contribute to environmental solutions.
Agricultural Biotechnologist: Focused on introducing desired genes into plants, these professionals create genetically modified plants to enhance crop yields. Their work contributes to improving agricultural productivity.
How to Become a Biotechnologist Abroad
To become a biotechnologist, follow these steps:
Earn a Bachelor's Degree: Obtain a degree in biotechnology, biology, biochemistry, environmental engineering, or a related field. Choose a program with science courses and lab experience.
Complete an Internship: Look for internship opportunities during your bachelor's program to gain hands-on experience and build professional connections.
Get a Master's Degree or Certification: Many biotechnology positions require a graduate degree. Pursue a master's degree for more opportunities and specialization in areas like biomedical engineering or pharmaceutical research. Consider completing the Biotechnician Assistant Credentialing Exam for additional recognition.
Pursue a Doctorate (Optional): For roles involving research or leadership, pursue a doctorate. This is particularly relevant for academic careers.
Courses to Become a Biotechnologist
Here are the top 10 universities ranked in biotechnology, along with their location and some of the courses they offer:
University
Location
Course
Rank
Harvard University
Massachusetts, USA
Biotechnology and Life Sciences
1
University of Toronto
Canada, Ontario
Biomedical Engineering
Biotechnology and Genomics
26
Stanford University
California, USA
Biomedical Informatics
Biotechnology and Bioengineering
3
Yale University
Connecticut, USA
Biomedical Engineering
9
Washington University in St Louis
Missouri, USA
Biomedical Engineering
47
University of Michigan - Ann Arbor
Michigan, USA
Biomedical Engineering
42
University of Oxford
England, UK
Biomedical Engineering
4
Karolinska Institute
Stockholm, Sweden
Biomedical Engineering
23
University of Tokyo
Tokyo, Japan
Biomedical Engineering
27
Scope After Becoming a Biotechnologist
The field of biotechnology is expanding quickly and provides many different career options. Biotechnologists can find employment in various settings, including manufacturing, quality control, and research and development. Biotechnology is a broad field that is always changing. Biotechnologists are essential to the advancement of science and the enhancement of global human well-being. Popular job profiles that are available in a variety of industries include the following:
A medical scientist carries out studies to create novel medical interventions and enhance human health.
A bioprocess engineer oversees the manufacturing of pharmaceuticals, biotechnological devices, and biofuels.
Environmental biotechnologist: Environmental biotechnologists are specialists in the molecular design of new products and their environmental interactions.
Agronomic biotechnologist: Creates novel crops and enhances already existing ones.
Here are some of the top biotechnology companies to work for:
Johnson & Johnson: Founded in the 1880s, it's a big healthcare company in over 60 countries.
Pfizer: An American company making medicines and vaccines for various medical fields.
Roche: A Swiss company in healthcare with divisions in Pharmaceuticals and Diagnostics, operating globally.
GlaxoSmithKline: A British company focused on making prescription drugs and vaccines.
AstraZeneca: A British-Swedish company specializing in researching, developing, and manufacturing prescription drugs.
Salary of a Biotechnologist
In the US, the average annual salary for a biotechnologist is $111,302. The average pay for a biotechnologist in the UK is £36,907 a year. In the UK, additional cash compensation for a Biotechnologist ranges from £3,593 to £11,860, with an average of £6,529. Based on their level of experience, the average salary of a biotechnologist in the US is broken down here.
Experience
Salary Per Annum
Entry Level
$49,428 (INR 4,110,617.48)
Early Career
$59,290 (INR 4,930,714.66)
Mid Career
$62,410 (INR 5,190,270.89)
Late Career
$80,000 (INR 6,653,127.25)
Conclusion
To become a Biotechnologist, you must first earn a degree in Biotechnology or a related field, such as biological science or chemical engineering. Specializations such as medical, industrial, environmental, agricultural, bioinformatics, and forensic biotechnologies offer a wide range of career opportunities. Top-tier universities worldwide provide relevant courses focusing on cutting-edge research and development.
FAQs
What is the difference between biotechnology and bioengineering?
Biotechnology is the study of microorganisms such as bacteria for industrial, agricultural, medical, and other technological applications, not just medical ones. Bioengineering is the application of engineering to biological processes, food, agriculture, and environmental processes.
Can Biotechnology be used in agriculture?
Farmers now have access to tools from biotechnology that can reduce costs and improve production efficiency. For instance, certain biotechnology crops can be modified to withstand particular herbicides, simplifying and improving weed control.
How long does it take to be a biotechnologist?
The minimal degree needed to work in this field is a bachelor's in biotechnology, which requires four years of post-high school education. A master's or doctoral degree, for example, can take one to eight years to finish.
What skills are essential for a biotechnologist?
The essential competencies are critical thinking, problem-solving, data analysis, laboratory techniques, and a solid grasp of biology and chemistry. Effective communication is also essential for teamwork and presenting research results.
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