Biotechnologist

“Open your refrigerators and pantry. Most of the products you see are made by biotechnology industries. Everything from simple things like tea to wine and ketchup is made up of microorganisms, enzymes, microbial products, or agricultural products developed by the biotechnology industry.”

Venkatesh Balan, PhD, Associate Professor of Biotechnology, Department of Engineering Technology at the University of Houston.

Biotechnology is the intersection of biology and engineering. Professionals in this field can manipulate organisms to produce everything from antibiotics to hormones. While many of the advances in this field are centered around medicine, such as vaccines and synthetic DNA, there are endless applications in the industrial, environmental, manufacturing, and agriculture sectors as well.

Working in this field requires specialized education and training in biotechnology. Aspiring biotechnologists must have at least a bachelor’s degree to start this career, although a master’s or doctorate is more common. Not only do advanced degrees give candidates an advantage when applying for work, but they are also better suited to do the complicated original research work necessary to make discoveries in this field.

To work as a biotechnologist, professionals must have a base level of education in this field. At a minimum, earning a bachelor’s of science in biotechnology is necessary, although many employers prefer an advanced degree such as a master’s or doctorate. Most students complete a degree in biotechnology, although it is possible to enter this career by completing a degree in a similar field, such as microbiology, chemistry, or biology.

When completing their education, aspiring biotechnologists can choose from many specializations. Some specialize in the administrative side of this field, such as biotechnology management, quality assurance, and compliance. Others specialize in the research and development side, such as pharmaceuticals, food, agriculture, medicine, and industry.

Biotechnologists work anywhere where biology and technology intersect. They are employed by universities, research organizations, government agencies, pharmaceutical companies, engineering firms, and laboratories. Day-to-day tasks vary based on job title and employer, but typical duties can include:

• Performing research in a lab setting
• Designing experiments to test hypotheses
• Collecting data both in the lab and in the field
• Keeping careful records of all experiments, procedures, and outcomes
• Producing reports of the findings
• Consulting with managers on the next steps for projects
• Adhering to regulatory requirements from the local, state, and federal authorities

In general, there are no state licensing requirements for biotechnologists. However, some of the work a biotechnologist may complete can fall under an adjacent discipline, such as medical laboratory technologist, which may require licensing. Biotechnologists should contact their local licensing board to ensure they have any necessary credentials for the work they are performing.

Biotechnologists can earn voluntary certifications to demonstrate competency in this field. The primary certification professionals pass the Biotechnician Assistant Credentialing Exam (BACE). Originally created for the state of Florida, this exam has become a national standard in this field.

The Biotechnician Assistant Credentialing Exam has two components: a knowledge assessment and a practical test. Topics covered include:

• General topics in biotechnology
• Technical skills/applications
• Biological systems
• Workplace safety & behavior
• Biotechnology skills
• Laboratory equipment
• Applied mathematics in biotechnology
• Research and scientific method

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS May 2023) has salary information for two occupations related to biotechnologists: biological technicians and biochemists/biophysicists.

On average, the 76,990 biological technicians in the US earn $56,540 per year. Here are the percentiles:

• 10th percentile: $36,970
• 25th percentile: $42,390
• 50th percentile (median): $51,430
• 75th percentile: $65,510
• 90th percentile: $80,330

On average, the 33,180 biochemists and biophysicists in the US earn $120,310 per year. Here are the percentiles:

• 10th percentile: $64,680
• 25th percentile: $81,650
• 50th percentile (median): $107,460
• 75th percentile: $136,080
• 90th percentile: $175,790