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Biotechnologist

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Biotechnologists use plants, animals, microbes, biochemistry and genetics to develop new products and improve existing ones.

£19,000 to £60,000 average per year

35 to 40 per week

1. Entry requirements

You’ll need a degree in a relevant scientific subject, like:

biochemistry
bioscience
biotechnology
chemistry or chemical engineering
microbiology

Employers may expect you to have some knowledge of the specific area of biotechnology you want to go into, like the food and drink industry.

For a research post you’ll usually need a postgraduate qualification and several years' experience in the field.

You could start as a technician if you have an HND or foundation degree, and work your way up.

You could also move into biotechnology if you’ve a background in a related field like chemical engineering.

Future Morph has more information about becoming a biotechnologist.

2. Skills required

You’ll need:

problem-solving skills
a methodical approach to work
a high level of accuracy and attention to detail
the ability to analyse statistical and technical data
IT skills

3. What you'll do

You’ll work in environmental, industrial or medical biotechnology.

In environmental biotechnology, your duties may include:

developing micro-organisms and plants to clean polluted land or water
creating alternative renewable sources of energy, like biodiesel
producing environmentally friendly raw materials for industry, like biodegradable plastics from plant starches

In industrial biotechnology, your duties may include:

cloning and producing enzymes for use in manufacturing food and drink
creating biological detergents and dyes for the textiles industry
improving animal feed
developing crops that are more resistant to pests
genetically modifying crops to increase productivity

In medical biotechnology and biotherapeutics, your duties may include:

studying human genetics, proteins, antibodies, viruses, plants, fungi and bacteria to research and treat diseases like cancer
developing therapies, vaccines and hormones to treat the cause of a disease
producing medicines using techniques like cell culture and genetic modification

4. Salary

Starter: £19,000 to £24,000

Experienced: £30,000 to £50,000

Highly Experienced: up to £60,000

These figures are a guide.

5. Working hours, patterns and environment

You’ll usually work 35 to 40 hours a week, including shifts, nights and weekends.

You’ll mainly work in a laboratory, often in sterile conditions.

You’ll usually wear protective clothing like a lab coat and safety glasses.

6. Career path and progression

With experience, you could move into scientific journalism, quality assurance management, sales or marketing.