When thinking about biotechnology, what comes to your mind? The image might be that of a scientist in a lab coat developing a lifesaving drug or medical device for us.
While lab work is one most common parts of the biotechnology field, it has more applications and career options. Biotechnology is a biological discipline and an innovative technological field that can save people’s lives in many ways.
Today, with the help of biotechnological advancements, a doctor can even predict the chances of someone getting a heart attack. If you are interested in subjects like biology and are tech-savvy, then this is an excellent career option with a lot of opportunities in various fields.
Future Scope for a Career in Biotechnology
- Biotechnology graduates have a wide range of opportunities across medical, healthcare, and pharmaceutical research. Biotechnologists have made numerous contributions to the pandemic situation, especially in developing vaccines.
- Biotechnology is a highly demanding field with applications in various fields like molecular biology, immunology, virology, cell biology, seed technology, genetic engineering and life science.
- Innovations like biopolymers (natural polymers produced by cells of living organisms) and nanotechnology are opening up more job opportunities for graduates.
- Biotechnologists help formulate antibiotics for various diseases and there are many career opportunities for graduates in public health, policymaking, publishing, consulting and infection control.
- Biotechnologists help develop good quality breed varieties both in animals and plants, which will create many job opportunities in the field of livestock management for graduates.
- Biotechnologists create bioreactors by incorporating the process of bioremediation (the process of removing pollutants using microorganisms). This is an emerging career field for biotechnologists.
- As molecular biologists, graduates can work in different industries like aquaculture, textile manufacturing and food processing.
- Biotechnology graduates can also work as forensic science technicians, aiding in criminal investigations through evidence collection, analysis and preservation.
Skills Required to Study Biotechnology
- Observational and analytical skills
- Planning and organizational skills
- Communication skills
- Technical skills
- Management skills
- Problem-solving skills
- Fast action
- Good hand-eye coordination
- Ability to follow detailed instructions and work procedures
- Ability to use precision tools and instruments
Careers in Biotechnology
- Biotechnology / Pharmaceutical Sales.
- Biotechnology Laboratory Technician.
- Biotechnology Research Associate.
- Clinical Research Associate.
- Crime Lab Technician.
- Environmental Engineer.
- Crime lab technician
- Quality Analyst
- Validation Technician.
- Senior Research Scientist
- Forensic Science Technicians
- Medical Scientists
- Microbiologists
- Environmental Biotechnologist
- Geneticist
- Molecular Biotechnologist
- Epidemiologist
- R&D Scientist
- Biochemist
- Biophysicist
- Biomanufacturing Specialist
- Bioproduction Specialists
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnologist
- Process development scientists.
Eligibility to Pursue a Degree in Biotechnology
Students who passed 10+2 from recognized institutions under the science stream can apply for a bachelor’s degree in Biotechnology.
Entrance Examinations
- DUET – national level exam conducted by the Delhi University for admission into specific Undergraduate Courses.
- SAAT – national level entrance Examination conducted by the Siksa “O” Anusadhan University for admission to various undergraduate courses.
- KCET – State-level entrance exam conducted for admission to the various courses in Karnataka.
- JMI Entrance Exam – national level exam conducted by the Jamia Millia Islamia University for admission into specific Undergraduate Courses.
Top Colleges/Universities in India and Abroad to Study Biotechnology
- University of New Haven, US
- Kent state university, Ohio, US
- Northumbria University, UK
- University of Manchester, UK
- University of Nottingham, UK
- York University, Canada
- Australian national university, Australia
- Jamia Millia Islamia Central University, India
- St.Xavier’s College, India
- Fergusson College, India
Famous People Connected With Biotechnology
Alexander Fleming
Scottish physician and microbiologist. He discovered the most famous antibiotic known as penicillin.
Ananda Chakrabarty
Indian American microbiologist, scientist, and researcher. Chakrabarty was responsible for discovering a bacterium capable of breaking down crude oil.
Top Institutions that Employ People in this Field
- Bharat Immunological & Biological Corporation
- Indian Vaccine Corporation Limited
- Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council
- Accenture Technology Solutions
- Syngene
- Amazon
- Novo Nordisk
- Tata Consultancy Services Limited
