Is Biotechnology a good career?

As soon as the word “Biotechnology” enters our ears, our mind starts picturing scientists in lab coats carrying out experiments. Well, this picture only tells us about one career in Biotechnology: lab work. Other than this, Biotechnology has numerous career options, such as Biomedical Engineer, Biochemist, Bioscientist, etc. If you seek a career in this industry, there are plenty of jobs in biotechnology to choose from. 

Due to its various applications in many industries, the biotechnology field allows professionals to work for multiple organizations, including government agencies, private companies, regulatory bodies, and clinical laboratories. Biotechnology employers range in size and type from small start-ups to global pharmaceutical leaders to legally-funded organizations such as the Department of Agriculture and National Institutes of Health.

Broadbelt emphasizes the extraordinary developments in the field, including personalized medicine, gene therapy, industrial disease treatment, and even hazardous waste control. But what’s most exciting about the industry, he says, is that no matter what part of the field you’re in, you can indeed impact the world around you.

For professionals looking to pursue a career in biotechnology, here are some of the most in-demand biotechnology careers shaping our future.

Biomedical Engineer: Biomedical engineers combine engineering and biological expertise to design solutions to problems in biology and medicine. 

Biochemist: Biochemists study the chemical properties of living things and biological processes, such as cell development, growth, heredity, and disease. 

Medical Scientist: Biomedical scientists conduct clinical research to improve patient health by investigating diseases and prevention methods.

Biological/Clinical Technician: Also known as medical laboratory scientists, biological technicians collect samples, perform tests, and analyze results of body fluids, tissue, bacteria cultures, and other substances. 

Microbiologist: Microbiologists study viruses, bacteria and the immune system to produce biomedical and industrial products.

Process Development Scientist: Process development scientists oversee the manufacturing process in an organization’s lab, looking for ways to increase quality and efficiency. 

Biomanufacturing Specialists: Biomanufacturing specialists use tools and methods to guarantee products meet stringent purity, safety, potency and quality requirements throughout the manufacturing process. 

Business Development Manager: Business development managers provide detailed market analysis and competitive intelligence to help biotechnology companies formulate and execute growth and investment strategies. 

Director of Product Strategy/Commercialization: Biotechnology professionals in these business-related roles are responsible for the development and execution of the commercialization strategy for new biotechnology products, including launch, market development, marketing, sales, and logistics, driving growth and profitability while ensuring compliance with regulatory and quality requirements.