An Career In Biotechnology & Lifesciences
What Is Biotechnology
Biotechnology, being an important of day to day life, countless attempts have been made to define it. It has been agreed upon that an accurate definition of biotechnology is difficult due to the wide range of its usage. Fermentation, by some microbes, cheese from milk,formation of yoghurt (curd) and that of vinegar from molasses, production of antibiotics like penicillin from certain fungi and the processes of baking and brewing are often included in describing what is called old biotechnology.
Newer Definitions by National Biotechnology Agencies.
- Biotechnology is the application of biological organisms, system or process to manufacturing and service industries” (British or processes to manufacturing and Biotechnologist.
- Biotechnology is the integrated use of biochemistry, microbiology, and engineering sciences in order to achieve technological (industrial) application of the capabilities of micro-organisms, cultured tissue cells and parts thereof’ (European Federation of Biotechnology).
- Biotechnology is a technology using biological phenomena for copying and manufacturing various kinds of useful substances” (Japenese Biotechnologists).
- Biotechnology is the controlled use of biological agents, such as microorganisms or cellular components, for beneficial use (US National Science Foundation).
Career In Biotechnology
An career in biotechnology means involving oneself in the development of better biotechnological engineered products and processes in order to maximize the quality of life. Before considering a career in biotechnology, it is of utmost importance that the person has sound knowledge in biology, chemistry,mathematics and other life sciences.
An Biotechnology Company May have an wide variety of roles and functions for an Biotechnology Job Seeker.
Career in Research and Development:
Like any other company, the competitive edge for any biotechnology company is due to their core group of researchers. While some researches may focus on a specific projects allotted to them,most of the research may be carried out for acquiring knowledge which may not need immediate application.Researchers may also work in academic environments such as universities or within the premises of the company setup. The most important thing is that research and product development form the foundation and basis of any biotechnological setup.
Career in Production and Quality Control:
People with a bio engineering or industrial-biotechnology acumen are required by biotechnological firms in upstream and down stream processing during production off products . In order to make sure the finished products meet specifications, a group or team of quality control engineers are employed to monitor the production process, research and development. This group of experts belongs to the quality control division.
Career in Management:
Biotechnology companies need managers who can supervise process within such as Research and Development, Production, and Quality Control. These people are often MBA’s with knowledge on Life sciences or Ph.D. level scientists who have worked their way up through special achievements or accomplishments. They may also have business training and experience sometimes.If you are an MBA,knowledge of the processes involved is an advantage to get into management jobs in biotech sector.
Career in Sales and Marketing:
Market researchers analyze, assess and estimate the need for a specific product and it would sell. They advertise and promote, and try to find new markets for products already being sold. Salespersons deal directly with consumers by selling, getting feedbacks etc, and are the most visible representatives of the biotechnology company.An MBA degree in marketing after a under-graduate degree in life sciences is the preferred profile for an candidate
Career in Regulatory Affairs:
Since all biotechnology companies, especially agricultural and pharmaceutical, are regulated by federal and state agencies such as FDA, EPA, and USDA regarding the safety, ethics etc of manufacturing and products, they need a team of experts and specialists to make sure the company follows all regulations laid down by these agencies.
Career in Legal Affairs:
Any invention or discovery is not safe from copyright infringement without the proper patent. Since biotechnology companies and firms are continually engaged in the search for newer and better products, they need people specializing in law to prepare patent application, or keep track of patent laws.
Career in Public Relations, Communications, and Training:
Biotechnology companies must be able to relay information to the public or other agencies in a language they will understand because biotechnology involves the use of technical terms much of the time. They must also be able to convince others on the credibility and usefulness of their products. As the company grows bigger, the scope of its recruitment also grows along with it. This would imply the need for more training and staff development, and hence more trainers.
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