Biotechnology Careers At-a-Glance

The United States leads the pack in biotech revenue, market capitalization, and the number of public biotech companies, according to a 2015 report by Ernst & Young Global Limited. In 2007, three biotechnology companies made more than one billion dollars; by the end of 2014, that number had grown to 26, and there is no end in sight to the massive growth. Biotechnology careers can be found mainly in pharmaceutical companies including Gilead Sciences, Celgene, Biogen, and Regeneron, all companies named by Forbes among the top 10 biotech companies in the country.

People who choose biotech careers have several areas of specialization to choose from. A few options include working as an epidemiologist, microbiologist, biochemist, botany specialist, agricultural and food scientist or biomedical engineer. Graduates might wind up working in a laboratory, creating new seed lines, or in a vast field, testing new soil compositions. They might work to clone animals, develop new pharmaceutical drugs, create a bionic pancreas and so much more. No matter what the career path, it all begins with rigorous study and earning a biotechnology degree.

As with all statistics, salary numbers can be deceiving. There are two reasons why the numbers below should be taken into context.

First, biotechnology careers typically require a bachelors degree for entry, but the field is filled with people who also hold masters and doctoral degrees. For instance, 45 percent of the biomedical engineers who responded to an O*NET survey said a bachelors degree was sufficient; thirty-five percent needed a masters degree and a further 20 percent needed a doctorate. Those with advanced degrees typically have higher earning potential, which partially explains how some biomedical engineers can earn around $50,000 per year while others are clearing $140,000.

Second, there are multiple employers of the scientists listed below. Some of the most prominent are universities, which typically pay less than companies engaged in applied research. Companies make profits, which can be shared with employees; universities do not.

Working in the biotechnology field starts with the proper education. Though there are numerous pathways to the various professions, some steps to success are universal. Heres how to get there.

1

Begin with the right classes

Those interested in biotechnology careers can begin their journey by taking several biology or chemistry electives while in high school. Students should also look into pursuing courses that provide both high school and college credit, such as advanced placement.

2

Start with the bachelors degree

Once high school is over, its time to move into college and earn a bachelors degree in biology, biotechnology (if offered) or a closely related field. Though there are associate degrees in biology that will form a firm foundation for the bachelors, most entry-level positions in biotechnology will require at least a bachelors degree.

3

Get experience

Learning about the job and getting hands-on training in the field can look great on a resume, as well as provide students an opportunity to decide what area of biotechnology interests them the most. Some students choose internships during their college years, while others seek out part-time or full-time work with biotech companies or labs.

4

Pursue graduate studies

In many cases, biotechnology careers will require a graduate degree for advancement. Depending upon the chosen career path, students might need to embark on their masters degree or end up with a PhD in order to do the work they really want to do.

5

Stay up-to-date

Technology is always changing, growing and shifting. Some fields of biotechnology are moving so fast that they can literally change by the week. Thats why it is so important to stay up-to-date by subscribing to industry publications, becoming active in industry associations, keeping in touch with network contacts, and otherwise staying on top of what is happening in the field.

6

Seek out new opportunities in the field

Biotechnology careers offers quite a bit of overlap; for instance, a soil and plant scientist might choose to eventually work as an agricultural and food scientist, and their education might support both paths. Seeking out new opportunities to expand on a current profession is one of the perks of working in the field, and can lead to exciting possibilities.

Those who are interested in biotechnology will discover a dizzying array of possibilities for degrees; anything from the certificate to the PhD can be helpful during the career pursuit. In addition, many biotech degrees easily adapt to online study for students who dont have the ability to attend traditional classes. Heres an overview of which degrees might be more advantageous for certain situations.

I am excited to begin work in biotechnology. I need something that will allow me to get my foot in the door while giving me a strong foundation for graduate work.

I have been working in the field for years, but there are some points that I need to brush up on times have definitely changed these last few years, and Im ready to change with it. But leaving my job to go back to school is simply not an option, as finances would be too tight.

I already have my bachelors degree, but none of my classes focused on the high-level biology I need to know in order to move into the biotech field. I need to get a bit more education while I gain experience.

I definitely want to go into biotech but I have no idea where to begin. I want to test the waters a bit and leave my options open for changing my degree path when I find what I really want to do

I grew up on a farm and love working with animals. I want to be an animal scientist, so I can help make their lives better. Its a journey that will take some serious time and effort, but Im ready for the challenge.

Ive been working in the field for a while, but promotions and pay raises seem rather elusive one manager pointed out that my educational level is holding me back. Its time to remedy that problem.

Choosing the best biotechnology degrees can be tough, as there are so many options out there. However, the desired career path often provides clues to which degree might be best, as well as which level of educational attainment is expected. Heres what students can expect to learn from each.

There are two types of biotechnology certificate programs: Those that are designed for students who have completed their graduate studies and now need more specialized training, or those who have earned their bachelors degree but didnt get all the recommended courses to move into a biotech career. The latter scenario often applies to those who have earned their bachelors in another field but have now chosen a career change to the biotechnology field.

Most certificate programs take a year or less to complete, and are very focused on the particular educational path, with little to no general education courses. Some of the common courses in a certificate program include:

This course helps students understand structural organic chemistry, chemical thermodynamics, acid base chemistry, and reaction mechanisms.

Understanding of Lewis structures

Strategic use of reaction mechanisms

Knowledge of biological molecules and how they form and interact

Students will explore the ethical issues in biotechnology, including real-world case studies and current events in the field.

Applying philosophical theories to critical current issues

Conducting human experimentation in a compassionate and ethical manner

Ethical practices regarding animal testing

This class focuses on the regulatory approval process for drugs, foods, cosmetics and more.

Proper compliance with regulatory rules

Legal implications in regulatory issues

Ethical considerations when bring a new product to market

The associate degree in biotechnology prepares students to eventually move into the bachelors degree program. Though there are some employers who will accept students who have only the associate degree, many entry-level jobs do require the four-year education. The associate degree requires four years of study to complete, though some accelerated programs might allow completion in as little as 18 months. Some common courses found in the associate in biotech program include:

This course serves as an important overview for those who are interested in the biotech field, including a look at career options.

Use of safe laboratory procedures

Understanding the variety of potential careers and how they relate to each other

Applying the basics of biotech to day-to-day life

Students will learn quality assurance principles and how they relate to the biotech fields.

Understanding the differences in regulated and non-regulated work environments

Quality system usage, including Lean and Six Sigma

Theoretical views of quality assurance as applied to real-world events

Focuses on computational biology and bioinformatics as it relates to processes and end results.

Methods for high-volume data collection

Storing and accessing biological data

Use of common programs and algorithms to analyze data

For most careers in biotechnology including that of biomedical engineer, food scientist, microbiologist, plant and soil scientist, and agricultural engineer, among others a bachelors degree is required for entry-level work. The bachelors degree typically takes four years to complete and offers some opportunities for specialization through the use of electives under the biotechnology umbrella. Some classes that students can expect to take include:

Students explore the current research in biological science and analyze it according to biotechnology principles.

Critical analysis of current research

Use of scientific reasoning to make evaluative decisions

Understanding core biological concepts

Focus on the structure and function of cells, with an emphasis on eukaryotic cell biology.

Use molecular biology knowledge to draw research conclusions

Understand DNA replication and repair

The applications of genetic engineering

An in-depth look at safety procedures and proper management of laboratory spaces.

Management of personnel, space, inventory and equipment

Proper communications with stakeholders

Compliance with all safety and health regulations

The masters in biotechnology degree allows students to enhance their knowledge through a specialized curriculum. The masters in biotech is made up of a few core courses, which are then enhanced by electives that focus on the particular educational path a student wants to carve out for themselves. The masters degree takes two to three years to complete, depending upon the program. Many programs are available online, as schools recognize the need for a flexible schedule for those who are already working in the field.

Some courses that can be found at the masters level include:

Focuses on all the aspects of project management, such as working in teams, managing time, structuring projects and more.

Consideration of each phase of a project

Communicating with a wide variety of people involved in a project

Monitoring and controlling change

Students will learn the ins and outs of federal funding and regulations, writing grant proposals, and other sources of funding for research and development.

Students will study how to apply a comprehensive validation philosophy to new ventures in biotech.

Creating equipment or processes that are less prone to failure

Designing robust yet cost-effective projects

Creating validation documents in line with rules and regulations

The doctorate is the pinnacle of the biotechnology field, and offers students quite broad autonomy when choosing an original research project and focus of study. Those who intend to work with in-depth research or move into teaching will need to earn the PhD. Some professions require it, such as that of animal scientist or biophysicist. The doctoral program usually takes between three and four years to complete, though some schools allow up to eight years for completion of the dissertation. Some courses that might be found at the PhD level include:

Students will explore cutting-edge research areas and instruments, with a rotation that takes them through biomedical and biotechnology areas.

Familiarity with the latest technologies

Refresher on how to use instruments that considered out-of-date but might be advantageous for some projects

How to balance research between different laboratories and get the same results using different systems

Students will examine upper-level biotechnology or bio-engineering problems through the lens of equations and statistics.

High-level mathematics literacy

Advanced numerical methods

Refresher on statistical analysis

Students will engage in discussions with leaders in the field on current events and ethical issues that arise from the use of technology in the biological field.

Proper development of biological products

Conducting ethical biomedical research

Marketing and transparency in presenting new biotechnologies to the public

The U.S. biotech industry grew by just about every measure in 2014, according to Ernst and Youngs 2015 industry report. Revenue was up 29 percent, net income increased 293 percent and there were 164 more biotech companies than during the previous year. All of this meant one thing for jobs: There were a lot more of them. The industry added over 10,000 new jobs in 2014, which equates to a staggering 10 percent annual growth rate. Of course, not all of these jobs were for scientists and researchers many were for support staff one might find in any industry. Jobs specific to biotechnology involving research and development and manufacturing are outlined below.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) combines three related careers under the heading of agricultural and food scientist: animal scientist, food scientist and technologist, and soil and plant scientist. Although all have the ultimate task of improving farm productivity, they accomplish this in different ways. Each are discussed separately here.

Many people dont think of farming as being sophisticated. Seeds are planted, crops are watered, and eventually food is harvested. But it is an extraordinarily advanced field, and the largest farms are essentially food factories. Engineers are involved in research and development as well as manufacturing. They might oversee water supply and usage, design comfortable areas for the animals, and create machines that can efficiently harvest crops with minimal food loss. Agricultural engineers spend their time both in offices designing systems and on farms testing and applying those systems.

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