Biotechnology as a subject has grown rapidly. And as far
as employment is concerned, it has become one of the fast growing sector.
Employment record shows that biotechnology has a great scope in future. Bio-technologists
can find careers with pharmaceutical companies, chemical, agriculture and
allied industries. They can be employed in the areas of planning, production
and management of bio-processing industries. 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. Alternatively they may find employment in specialized
biotechnology companies or biotech-related
companies such as pharmaceutical firms, food manufacturers, aquaculture and
agricultural companies. 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. The work scope
can range from research, sales, marketing, administration, quality control,
breeders, technical support etc.;Armed with this powerful combination of fundamental
cell and molecular biology and applied science, graduates are well placed
to take up careers in plant, animal or microbial biotechnology laboratories
or in horticulture, food science, commerce and teaching.
Some major organizations employing bio-technologists in India include Hindustan Lever Ltd, Thapar
Group, Indo-American Hybrid seeds, Bincon India Ltd, Bivcol, IDPL, India
Vaccines Corporation, Hindustan Antibiotics, National Botanical Institute,
National Chemical Laboratories, Tata Engineering Research Institute etc.
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. Analyst (Venture-Capitalist)Environmental
/ Safety Specialist .Biotechnology companies
require Corporate Executives with business/management Degrees. A graduate in
Biotechnology can get job in government sectors
such as Universities and Colleges, Research institutes or at Private Centers as
Research scientists/assistants.
Lab technician: includes cleaning and maintaining equipment used by scientists and working on the various pieces of lab equipment as instructed.
Research associate: If you are interested in Research and Development, then becoming a
Research Associate can provide an interesting career that allows you to carry out experiments under the instruction of established
Scientists.
Research scientist: if you wish to enter the field at a high level, you may choose to become a
Research Scientist. This involves working alongside established scientists to design and carry out experiments, then writing reports for future publication.
Engineer (Chemical, Electrical, Environmental and Industrial): This position would involve engaging in a range of projects from building robots to assisting with
Research and Development.
Sales representative: As a sales representative, you would work with hospitals, doctors and a wide range of medical institutions to keep them aware of biotechnology's latest offerings, as well as trying to encourage their approval for your products over rival products
in the market.
Marketing: In biotechnology marketing, you would manage and devise campaigns aimed at particular customer areas, through such methods as working with advertising agencies and maintaining a visible presence at medical conventions and trade shows.
Business development manager: This position involves working with colleagues to introduce products and
to negotiate agreements with strategic partners.
