Introduction

Biotechnologists use biological material in a range of processes in medical, environmental and industrial areas. There are many different specialisms within biotechnology. They Include:

• developing new medicines and treatments to fight illness and disease - this area of work includes pharmacogenomics (tailoring medicines to an individual’s genetic makeup)
   

• using genetic engineering and genome mapping (trying to locate genes) to improve crop production or crop resistance to pests and diseases
   

• developing the use of biosensors for the early detection of environmental pollutants, and the use of biological systems to treat effluent (liquid discharged as waste) or to clean up contamination
   

• developing new products and processes for the manufacture of food, as well as for food preservation
   

• producing and cloning enzymes to manufacture and preserve food and drink, and for use in biological detergents
   

• researching and developing new manufacturing processes and products, including developing new methods for quality control and waste management in the chemical and allied industries
   

• using complex computer packages to analyse nucleotide and protein sequences.

Some biotechnologists are concerned with pure research, including:

• Proteomics - studying the structure and function of proteins, including the way they work and interact with each other inside cells
   

• Functional genomics - studying the function of individual genes and interactions among groups of genes
   

• Structural genomics - studying the three-dimensional structure of proteins.

In their work, biotechnologists design and conduct experiments, or make observations and analyse data. They use complex, sophisticated and sensitive equipment, including computer technology. Other responsibilities may include administration, supervising the work of support staff, writing up work in reports and scientific papers, and presenting work at scientific meetings or conferences.

Biotechnologists work in teams with other scientists and technicians.

Working Condition

Biotechnologists work in laboratories, industrial manufacturing or field settings. They may work with hazardous chemicals or micro-organisms. Some work requires sterile conditions.

The work can involve sitting or standing at a bench, desk or piece of equipment for long periods. Most biotechnologists wear some form of protective clothing, either to protect themselves or to prevent contamination of samples or equipment.

There may be some travel to scientific meetings and conferences.

Skills and personal qualities

A biotechnologist should:

• have strong scientific ability, particularly in biology and chemistry
   

• be able to think clearly and logically
   

• be good at problem solving, with a methodical approach to their work
   

• be able to work accurately
   

• pay great attention to detail
   

• be able to work in, and lead, a team of professionals
   

• have excellent communication skills
   

• be able to keep up with advances in their field
   

• have strong ICT skills
   

• be competent with statistics.

Interests
It is important to:

• have a strong interest in science
   

• enjoy working in a rapidly developing field.

Getting in

The biotechnology industry is expanding rapidly and employs over thousands of
people. Biotechnologists are employed throughout the India, with clusters of biotechnology companies in Bangalore. Employers include:

• Industrial companies - including companies in the chemical, metals and materials, plastics and polymer, petrochemical, cosmetic and toiletries industries
   

• pharmaceutical and agri-chemical companies
   

• food and drink manufacturers
   

• government establishments and agencies
   

• charity research institutes and hospitals
   

• specialist biotechnology companies that are involved in a wide range of research and development.
   

• universities, where biotechnologists are mainly involved in research.

There is a high demand for biotechnologists. Vacancies are advertised in national newspapers, in sector publications such as New Scientist, Nature and Science, and on the internet.

Entry Requirement

The minimum requirement for a biotechnologist is a degree, usually in biotechnology, biochemistry, genetics, microbiology, molecular biology, biology or chemistry.