Biotechology Jobs and Information
Provides information on biotechnology jobs, qualifications to get into the field of biotechnology and relevant reference resources.
What is biotechnology ?
Biotechnology (also referred to as applied biology) is said to be the application of advanced biochemical techniques in molecular and cell biology to agriculture, medicine and the environment. Since the discovery of DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) techniques have been discovered in application to recombinant DNA, cell fusion and proteins.
Biotechnology involves the relatively new fields of:
Monoclonal antibody technology
Proteomics
Genetic Engineering
Using these technologies many hormones, vaccines and pharmaceutical agents will be developed as well as advancements in food production (transgenic plants) and industry (bioremediation).
Qualifications in Biotechnology
Students wishing to gain qualifications in the field of biotechnology at university level would take the following programs, note: it is common for biotechnology to be called applied biology and course titles may vary with institutions.
Bachelor of Science (Biotechnology/Applied Biology)
Applied Science in Applied Biology/Biotechnology
It is common that a degree in biotechnology is a multidisciplinary degree and embraces a wide range of science subjects including but not limited to:
bioinformatics
chemistry
molecular biology
cell biology
genetics
microbiology
biochemistry
immunology
This course provides a basis for students in many scientific processes and techniques with specialization in biotechnology, these skills to graduates that can be applied in their future occupations and careers. These may include:
Skills in nucleic acid, protein and monoclonal antibody technologies
statistical data analysis
competence in using scientific laboratory equipment.
Skills in related software applications
While their are many employment opportunities for students with a degree in biotechnology, to improve career advancement, it is important to consider postgraduate qualifications eg honours, Masters, PHD
Jobs in Biotechnology
Jobs in the field of biotechnology may vary, as graduates may use their degree to go into an non science field such as management, however below are some of the examples of jobs in the field of biotechnology.
(Medical) Research scientist
(Life sciences) Research scientist
Scientist, industrial research
Scientist, product development
Forensic scientist (DNA fingerprinting)
Scientific laboratory technician
Scientific journalist
Research scientists in the agriculture
Research scientists in horticultural
Research scientists in food industry
Teachers, tutors and lecturers in schools and universities
Areas applied biologists can find employment
Areas where graduates in biotechnology can find employment include:
Pharmaceutical companies
Biotechnology companies
Federal, State and local government
Health service organizations
Universities and research
Horticultural industries
Conservation organizations
Food and drink manufacturers
Water industry
Agricultural industry
Law Enforcement