Career in Biotechnology

Biotechnology is a research-oriented science, a combination of Biology and Technology. It covers a wide variety of subjects like Genetics, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Chemistry and Engineering and is also concerned with many other subjects like Health and Medicine, Agriculture, Crop Management, Ecology, Soil science and Soil Conservation, Seed Technology etc.

Biotechnology is the use of living things, especially cells and bacteria in industrial process. There are many application of biotechnology such as developing various medicines, vaccines and diagnostics, increasing productivity, improving energy production and conservation. It also helps to improve the quality of seeds, insecticides and fertilizers; overcome problems like soil imbalances, genetic breeding and crop diseases. Environmental biotechnology helps for pollution control and waste management.

The work of biotechnologists is essentially scientific and research oriented, which aims at the application of technology to the improvement of life and development of a variety of end uses. The biotechnology profession offers excellent prospects, particularly in the areas of medicine and agriculture. There is a great scope in this field as the demand for biotechnologist is growing in India as well as abroad.

Qualifications

If you want to join a course in biotechnology you must have a background in science. Candidates having Physics or agriculture, chemistry and biology at the intermediate level can take up B.Tech in Biotechnology.

P.G. courses available are M.Sc. Biotechnology, M.Sc. (Agriculture) Biotechnology, M.V.Sc. (Animal) Biotechnology, M.Tech. Biotechnology, M.Sc./M.V.Sc. in Veterinary Biotechnology, M.Sc. (Marine) Biotechnology, Medical Biotechnology, M.Tech.in Biomedical Engineering/Biotechnology.

Being an interdisciplinary subject with diverse areas of study, biotechnological procedures apply themselves to a wide range of fields allowing students from different backgrounds and interests to specialize in fields of their choice. Some of the fields of specialization are Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Botany, Zoology, Pharmacology, Physiology, Horticulture, TissueCulture, Agricultural Engineering, Animal Sciences, Dairy Technology, Fisheries, Medicine, Life Sciences, and Genetics.

Depending upon the aptitude and necessity, more advanced courses such as Ph.D. and Post-Doctoral Research in Biotechnology can also be pursued.

Personal Traits

A prospective biotechnologist should have a scientific aptitude and a keen interest in the biological sciences. He should be methodical and patient by nature, able to work neatly and accurately and have a flair for laboratory work. Hard work and high level of intelligence, determination, perseverance, imagination, innovative attitude, ability to work for long hours and originality are some important essentials for becoming a successful biotechnologist. The ability to work independently is another important aspect.  Ability to use computers in work is very important. Biotechnologist also needs certain skills of problem solving, information technology skills, analyzing and interpreting skills.

Career Options

As there is increasing popularity and explosive growth, there is plenty of opportunities available in Biotechnology field. You can be a Research Scientist, Teacher, Marketing manager, Science Writer, Bioinformists, Quality Control Officer or Production in-charge in the Food, Chemical and Pharmaceutical industry. 

As far as employment is concerned, biotechnology has become one of the fast growing sectors. Employment record shows that it has a great scope in future. Bio-technologists can find careers with pharmaceutical companies, chemical, agriculture and allied industries. Companies that are engaged in business related to life sciences (ranging from equipment, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, diagnostics, etc) also consider a biotech degree relevant to their field.

There is a large-scale employment in research laboratories run by the government as well as the corporate sector. Biotechnology students in India may find work in a government-based entity such as universities, research institutes or at private centers as research scientists/assistants.

A career in biotechnology is highly rewarding if one is successful in research. Funds flow easily and as one publishes more and more research papers in prestigious journals, one's standing in the research community rises. Job satisfaction is high, as one works on one's own vision towards disease eradication, drug design and altogether better quality of human life.