Biotechnology is one of the world’s newest and most important applied sciences of the 21st century. It is the application of different domains of science and technology like physics, chemistry, engineering, law and biology for the betterment of human health. It includes the manipulation of organisms at the molecular and genetic levels to improve health, safety, nutrition, and the environment.
It is a good time to understand that Indian Life science space is very dynamic and is in a booming stage full of opportunities in all its sectors which encompasses vibrant biotech industry, bioentrepreneurship, academics, environment, health sector, agriculture, and research. The whole world is looking towards biotechnology for a sustainable solution to the problems related to human health. The recent pandemic of COVID-19 has reinforced the need for a huge investment in the field of medical science and research through the tools of biotechnology.
India is among the top twelve biotechnology destinations in the world and 3rd largest biotech destination in the Asia Pacific Region. With a strong foundation of about 600+ core biotech companies, around 2600+ biotech start-ups, and 47 Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) supported incubators, the Indian Biotechnology industry is expected to reach 150 billion dollars by 2025 from a 64 billion dollar industry (as in 2019). This will require a huge number of skilled work forces in the field of biotechnology.
Almost every sphere of life will absorb biotechnologists, be it agriculture, horticulture, dairy technology, pharmaceutical industry, core biotech industry, healthcare sectors, research laboratories, and food and beverage industry. The type of job depends on the type of industry and its requirements.
Careers in biotechnology tend to be related to the following four broad sectors (but not limited to)
- Research and development
- Manufacturing
- Sales and service
- Teaching/academics
Research and development
This job is best suited for students who have a quest for knowledge and passion to discover mysteries in the field of biosciences. However, R&D labs also require technical staffs where work skill is more demanding. Both government and private R&D labs offer jobs for biotechnologists. Various jobs related to research laboratories are
- Research Scientist
- Project assistant
- Research fellow
- Postdoctoral research fellow
- Lab technician
- Forensic expert
- Bioinformatician (A Bioinformatician combines research in biology, medicine, and health-related studies with information technology to collect and interpret data covering a range of fields, such as genetics or drug development.)
- Veterinarian (responsible for diagnosing, treating and monitoring laboratory animals during the research stage of new drug therapies/discoveries, biochemical pathway analysis, and physiological studies.
Product manufacturing
The biotech industries in this sector manufacture drugs, therapies, vaccines, and other products on a commercial scale. Jobs related to product manufacturing are
- Product development supervisor/associate/technician: Their job is associated with the development, planning, and implementation of product and process development for new products and technologies from laboratory scale to pilot plant and then manufacturing scale.
- Manufacturing manager/supervisor/technician: The job profile is associated with the development, operation, and ongoing support of manufacturing business systems.
- Environmental engineer/technician: they take care of the research, coordination, operation, and management of environmental issues like waste disposal, pollution control, and hazardous waste management.
- Quality Control (QC) Supervisor/analyst/technician: QC is product-oriented and focuses on defect identification.
- Quality assurance (QA) Supervisor/associate: QA is process-oriented, focuses on defect prevention and ensures the best quality product to the customer.
Sales and Marketing
In this sector, a biotechnologist can work as a business development officer, technical service representative, sales executive and sales representatives based on their skill and experience.
Teaching/ academics
A higher degree in the field of biotechnology like Ph.D./M.Tech is desirable for a job in this sector. Those who have an aptitude for teaching are best suitable for this job. A teaching enthusiast can join as an assistant professor. A Fresher with a bachelor’s degree may get the job of a laboratory technician or lab instructor.
Apart from the above-mentioned sectors, there are many other scopes like clinical research, content writing and patent writing where a biotechnologist can get the opportunity. The field of biotechnology is highly dynamic and in the future, many more avenues are expected to open up.
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