What Can You Do With a College Degree in Biotechnology?
Career options for aspiring biotechnical scientists
* Bioinformatician. The primary responsibility of a bioinformatics specialist is to design, develop, and use tools for gaining information about biotech procedures. In addition, bioinformaticians must implement these tools and analyze the data obtained from them. Many major companies, especially in the food processing and pharmaceutical arenas, are currently hiring many bioinformatics professionals. This career requires a PhD in biotechnology with a focus on bioinformatics, informatics, computational biology, molecular biology, and/or genomics. In certain cases, the PhD requirement for these jobs may be waived if the candidate can demonstrate comparable experience in the field. Fluency in several programming languages is a must. The bioinformatician is not the owner of the information that he extracts; this belongs to the company.
* Biotechnical Scientist. Requiring a PhD and at least two years of work and/or research experience, the biotechnical scientist works as part of a group of scientists on a given project. This position often entails knowledge of several programming languages. As a biotech scientist, good interpersonal skills are important, as much of the work is collaborative.
* Consultant. A scientist with a background in biotechnology might enjoy working for an engineering consulting firm. These companies provide advice and support in product development, process implementation, forensic analysis, manufacturing, and management recruitment and training. The goal of a consultant is to identify possible problems or issues and help trouble-shoot them, ensuring optimal client returns on investment.
* Director. An experienced senior scientist may eventually move to managerial status, becoming the head or director of a research facility. In this capacity, the scientist works to recruit and coordinate group leaders. In addition, the director of such a facility will be responsible for the management - and at times, promotion - of the services and programs offered by the institute. A director is, above all, a coordinator of all that goes on, from daily activity to long-range planning. The director also acts as partner and liaison to the company CEO. This job requires above-average communication skills and a proven track record as a team leader. In addition, it is expected that candidates would have an MD or PhD, several years' experience as the head of the research laboratory (or comparable experience), and extensive international publication credits to his or her name.
* Industry Researcher. Researchers for a biotech company generally enjoy a great deal of freedom and flexibility. A biotech researcher helps define the range and scope of new areas of research. Such a position generally requires a PhD plus a few years of postdoctorate experience in either industry or research. In addition to a doctorate degree, companies often look for candidates with strong publication skills. Companies in the industry are always on the lookout for talented researchers whose work demonstrates economic viability and the possibility of high returns. A researcher is frequently hired because her previous work dovetails with an area of interest for the company. Networking and communicating with other scientists around the world who are engaged in the same type of work is essential to your success as a researcher.
* Investigator. An investigator's job is essentially to determine whether a biotech company is operating in compliance with existing laws and regulations. Identifying defective products, system failures, or deficient manufacturing are all part of the investigator's job description. Careers in this area require the ability to multitask, excellent communication skills, and attention to detail. In addition, most positions as an investigator require an MD and/or a PhD.
* Professor. Not ready to give up the ivory tower? If remaining in academia seems attractive, consider a staff or faculty position at the university level. Many schools are looking for scientists willing to share their knowledge and expertise with others. Requirements for these jobs vary, depending on the level of the professorship. Generally, most positions require an MD or PhD with extensive postgraduate experience. These schools are also interested in candidates with a track record of high-quality academic writing and publication. Positions are available as a lecturer, an assistant professor, an associate professor, and, finally, as a full-time tenured professor. Professors are responsible for developing research programs in their own departments, as well as teaching, lecturing, mentoring, and overseeing student work.
* Project Leader. A project leader (or a group leader) oversees the collection, analysis, and integration of data from different sources. He directs collaboration between group scientists as w
Answered By: Coool - 3/22/2009 |