Biotech Career

Biotechnology as Career
By
Gowhar Shafi
[email protected]
Biotech jobs
The $28 billion biotechnology industry, in a broad sense, uses organisms, cells, or
molecules isolated from cells to make products or solve problems. Scientific
breakthroughs in the 1970s allowed companies to capitalize on biotechnology techniques
to make products ranging from better pharmaceutical drugs to enzymes that stonewash
jeans.
Today, the industry's nearly 1,457 companies employ more than 179,000 people in
research, development, manufacturing, sales and other types of jobs. The biotech industry
is predicted to employ a large number of people, with hundreds of high-paying scientific
and technical jobs, coming open every year.
Career Opportunities
The Career options related to the Biotech Industry extend to universities, medical
schools and government labs. Every well-established Biotech Unit comprises of several
divisions that carry out different functions. The career opportunity available with such
departments consists of
Research & Development

Scientific Directors, Scientists, Research Associates, Research Assistants,
Bioinformatics Scientist/Engineer, Bioinformatics Analyst/Programmer, Molecular
Modeler, Facility Manager/Supervisor (Animal Sciences), Veterinarian, Lab Assistant,
Glasswasher
Operations
Process Development Managers, Process Development Technician,
Manufacturing Managers Manufacturing Technician, Manufacturing Instrumentation /
Calibration Technician, Purchasing Agent / Buyer, Facilities Manager, Toxicologist,
Environmental Engineers.
Quality
Quality Control (QC) Manager/Supervisor, QC Analyst, Quality Assurance
Manager/Supervisor, Quality Assurance (QA) Documentation Specialist, Validation
Manager.
Clinical Research
Clinical Research Manager, Biostatistician, Clinical Data Manager/Associate,
Manager of Regulatory Affairs, Medical Affairs Director
Finance & Administration

Financial Officers, Director of Finance, Accounting Managers, Accounting
Clerks, Public/Investor Relations Manager, Government Relations Manager, Human
Resources Representative, Administrative Assistant, Manager of Information Systems,
Analyst/Programmer, Patent/IP Attorney
Business Development
Business Development Mangers, Corporate Planning Managers, Business
Development Research Analysts, Product Marketing Managers, Marketing Research
Analyst.
Project Management
Director of Project Management, Project Managers, Project Assistants.
The Job Demands

International Employers look for cross-disciplinary education, as Biology
problems are too big to be solved by people trained in only one discipline. The aspirants
need to possess science and technology basics, training in computer use and information
technology, and education in biotechnology & bioethics to anticipate and present options
for solving prickly social issues. Community and four-year college training in biology
and related disciplines, including integrated science and technology programs that
incorporate computer science, information technology chemistry, biology, engineering
principles, and bioethics, are preferred.
The industry's diversity and potential for growth mean exciting and rewarding
career opportunities for Indian Professional, since, Indians have two great skills; a sound
base in mathematics and knowledge of biosciences.
The tradition of Science and Technology (S & T) in India is over 5000 years old.
A renaissance was witnessed in the first half of the 20th century. The S&T infrastructure
has grown up from about Rs. 10 million at the time of independence in 1947 to Rs. 30
billion. Significant achievements have been made in the areas of nuclear and space
science, electronics and defense. The government is committed to making S&T an
integral part of the socio-economic development of the country.
India has the third largest scientific and technical manpower in the world; 162
universities award 4,000 doctorates and 35,000 post-graduate degrees and the Council of
Scientific and Industrial Research runs 40 research laboratories which have made some
significant achievements.
India has been the forerunner among the developing countries in promoting multi-
disciplinary activities in Biotechnology, recognizing the practically unlimited possibility
of their applications in increasing agricultural and industrial production, and in improving
human and animal life.
Recently, the Biotechnology Consortium India Lt. was set up. It will play the role
of catalyst in bridging the gap between Research and Development, Industrial and
Financial Institutions. Some of the new initiatives taken include developing techniques
for gene mapping, conservation of biodiversity and bioindicator research, special
biotechnology programs for the benefit of the scheduled castes and scheduled tribes and
activities in the area of plantation crops.
The areas, that are of Hot Target, are cattle herd improvement through embryo
transfer technology, in vitro propagation of disease resistant plant varieties for obtaining
higher yields, and development of vaccines for various diseases.
In the land of people where there is enormous man power but a little thrust in
imparting hands on training, a need based training program along or after a biotechnology
/ life science degree helps in adapting students to the needs of the biotech industry and
enhances their career prospects.

Biotech Career

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Biotechnology as Career

Research & Development

Finance & Administration

The Job Demands

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