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Career Training>
Biotechnology Careers, Opportunities, Training Schools, Jobs
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Biotechnology Career Training
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Biotechnology Career:
Biotechnology is an applied science that
combines the sciences of biology, physics,
chemistry, engineering and information
technology to create and develop tools and
products that benefit society. It is also used
to modify the genetic information of plants and
animals to improve them in ways that benefit
people. Advances in biotechnology have resulted
in ground-breaking developments in the areas of
pharmaceuticals, agriculture, environmental
protection and industry. For example,
environmental biotechnology products allow the
more efficient clean-up of hazardous waste.
Industrial biotechnology applications have led
to more energy-efficient and cleaner processes.
There are many different career paths that you
can take within the biotechnology field. If you
have a scientific background, you may be
primarily involved in the Research and
Development or Clinical Research areas.
Entry-level positions within R&D include
Laboratory Assistant, Research Associate, Plant
Breeder or Greenhouse Assistant. Clinical
Research careers include Biostatistician,
Clinical Research Administrator, Drug Experience
Coordinator or Animal Handler among many others.
However, biotechnology firms also require highly
qualified staff in other areas such as Quality
Control, Manufacturing and Production,
Regulatory Affairs, Information Technology as
well as Administration positions such as Buyer
or HR staff.
Educational Requirements:
To obtain a scientific position within the
biotechnology field, you will need to hold a
minimum of an Associates Science degree. Many
positions will require you to have a doctoral
degree. You can complete an undergraduate course
in biotechnology or you could complete a
postgraduate biotechnology course after
achieving your primary scientific degree.
Specialized courses are also available depending
on which aspect of the field you wish to work
in. Some courses focus on the technologies,
applications and processes used in the industry
while other focus on the areas of validation and
regulation.
Most non-scientific positions within
the industry require a four year degree.
However, some positions, such as manufacturing
operator, require only a high school diploma and
on the job training. Previous experience working
within the biotechnology industry will give you
a competitive edge over other candidates so you
should try to find work-based learning
opportunities such as internships or co-ops
while you are studying.
Other Skills Required:
People entering careers in biotechnology require
a high level of computer skills and mathematical
ability. You will need excellent verbal and
written communication skills, particularly
because you will be required to prepare
technical reports and detailed observations on
experiments or new product development. You will
need to be able to collaborate effectively with
teammates on projects as well as carrying out
independent research. You should have an
investigative mind as well as being a logical
thinker who enjoys problem-solving. You need to
be committed to keeping aware of industry
developments, either through internet research
or via trade journals or technical magazines.
Accreditation:
When selecting a biotechnology program, you
should ensure that it is an accredited one so
that you can be confident of receiving a high
standard of education. Schools and programs can
be accredited by a regional and / or a
professional accrediting body. There are six
regional accrediting agencies in the US. If you
are unsure whether your chosen program is
accredited, you should call the educational
institute directly to enquire.
Career Opportunities:
Over the past ten years, it is estimated that
the number of people employed within the
biotechnology industry has grown by over 90%. It
is a dynamic industry that presents excellent
opportunities to advance your career. While
there are many opportunities to work in
scientific positions such as Laboratory
Technician or Research Scientist, graduates from
many other disciplines can also find employment.
There is a huge demand for engineers - chemical,
electrical, environmental and industrial
engineers can be found working on a wide range
of projects with Biotech companies.
Sales
representatives work directly with medical
professionals to raise awareness of the
company's product line and to generate higher
sales. Marketing graduates devise and manage
campaigns aimed at a particular segment of the
market. Business Development Managers work with
their scientific colleagues to introduce
products to strategic partners and negotiate
agreements with them. |
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