Introduction
For someone who studied biology in classes 11th and 12th, medicine is not the only field for pursuing a career. You could be interested in biology, but becoming a doctor may not be your passion. Explore career options in biotechnology that can fuel your passion with plenty of in-demand jobs.
The rapidly evolving field of biotechnology applies specific biological principles to manipulate living organisms and their products for various purposes to benefit the making.
With so many promising career choices, a biotechnology career is ideal for those passionate about science and its real-world applications.
Want to know if biotechnology is right for you? Read on to discover!
Is Biotechnology a Good Career?
Biotechnology is a promising career for individuals keen on working with the latest innovations and technologies. In this industry, you will get numerous opportunities to work with dynamic and intellectual individuals who constantly push the boundaries of scientific discovery.
The number of diseases that humans suffer from continues to increase. The COVID-19 pandemic proved once again that we are not as medically advanced as we think we are. At the same time, it also showed how biotechnology can quickly get such unknown diseases under control. The biotechnology industry is constantly working towards improving society and saving human lives.
Beyond healthcare, biotechnology also addresses global challenges in agriculture and environmental sustainability. It has numerous subfields that offer a wide range of career paths in research, development, manufacturing, and more.
Pros and Cons of Biotechnology as a Career
Pros:
- High job security due to increasing demand for biotechnology experts
- Excellent growth potential with opportunities for groundbreaking innovations
- Competitive salaries and benefits
- Diverse career paths across multiple sectors
- Intellectually stimulating and constantly evolving field
Cons
- Requires a strong academic background in science
- Demanding work hours
- Lab environments can be highly critical
- Research oriented roles have long project timelines
- Research efforts may not always be fruitful, resulting in lower job satisfaction
- Landscape is highly competitive for some specialised positions
How to Pursue a Biotechnology Career in 2024?
After you have completed your Science stream with Biology in your class 12, you can opt for a B.Sc Biotechnology undergraduate degree. Then, you can pursue M.Sc. Biotechnology and then take up a Ph.D. You can also complete graduate courses in molecular biology, bioinformatics, chemical engineering, advanced zoology, plant biotechnology, and applied biotechnology.
A biotechnology career option is also available for class 12 students who chose Mathematics instead of Biology. In that case, you can apply for a B.Tech in biotechnology, after which you can pursue an M.Tech in biotechnology.
Some prominent institutions where you can apply for undergraduate biotechnology courses are Loyola College, Jamia Millia Islamia University, and Vellore Institute of Technology. For post-graduation, you can apply with Jawaharlal Nehru University, IITM, IIT, etc.
You can choose your area of specialisation depending on your passion. For example, if you are interested in working in the drug discovery field, you might benefit from medical biotechnology or medical biotechnology. Similarly, a biotechnology engineering degree may be useful if you want to work in the medical equipment sector. Varied career paths are available for individuals with different areas of interest in biotechnology.
What are the Best Biotechnology Career Options ?
With an undergraduate or postgraduate degree in biotechnology, you can work in several critical fields like genetics, biochemistry, agriculture, biology, environmental protection, medicine, etc. You can play a crucial part in developing cutting-edge products and technologies to improve people’s quality of life.
The top 5 high-paying jobs in this field are:
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Biomedical Engineer
Biomedical devices and equipment like artificial organs and body parts are designed by Biomedical Engineers who combine medical knowledge with engineering to improve the healthcare industry. They are also responsible for installing and maintaining different types of biomedical equipment. It is an emerging field with lots of research and growth potential, with average annual earnings of around Rs. 1.92lakh to 3.6 lakh.
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Biochemist
For drug and vaccine development, the role of a biochemist is crucial. They study different biochemical reactions and explore various types of life processes at a molecular level. They explore growth, cell development and heredity to uncover new properties of biochemical substances. A biochemist in India can earn between Rs. 1.8 lakh and Rs.3.6 lakh annually.
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Medical Scientist
In the healthcare sector, medical scientists analyse different medical samples to understand health data and identify causes and treatments of various diseases. Acute attention to detail is crucial for such professionals as they are needed to develop different methods to diagnose and treat diseases. It is one of the high-paying biotechnology career options, as an individual can potentially earn Rs. 6.12 lakh to Rs. 8.5 lakh.
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Clinical Technician
One of the popular jobs among biotechnology graduates is clinical technician. This job role requires individuals to conduct different tests on biological samples and analyse the results. They use high-end technical products, including automated equipment, robotic devices, and advanced health software. The job entitles working primarily in clinical laboratories. On average, clinical technicians in India earn Rs. 2.6lakh to Rs.2.8 lakh annually.
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Microbiologist
Microbiologists study the immune system and the impact of microorganisms. They use their understanding of the microbes to improve disease prevention and treatment methodologies. Depending on your passion, microbiologists can work in laboratories, research centres, universities, etc. Obtaining a master’s degree in microbiology will help you grab many research positions in this industry. Microbiologists’ salaries in India vary from Rs. 1.8 lakh to Rs. 3.6 lakh.
Conclusion
A biotechnology career is ideal for students who like science and want to use their skills to solve real-world issues and improve their quality of life. It requires analytical and problem-solving skills. Moreover, teamwork is a crucial skill necessary for those working in biotechnology. You can work in laboratory, clinical, or office settings based on your interest in this diverse field.
Do you want to explore biotechnology career options but don’t know where to start? Consult Mindler experts to choose the right career path that aligns with your passion and skills.
