The biotechnology industry is exploding into a sea of possibilities for school leavers. - Contributed

Amitabh Sharma, Features Coordinator

Say biotechnology and it is billions of organisms getting scrutinised under the microscope that one associates with the word.

So, why is biotechnology such a buzzword? A BioSpectrum-ABLE (Association of biotechnology-led enterprises) industry survey could prove to be an excellent pointer.

What augurs well for the biotechnology industry is the availability of venture capitalists ready to fund research and development, and the interest evinced by different governments, who have come out with clear-cut biotech policies, apart from setting up biotechnology parks. Many technology majors have made their foray into the biotechnology sector, making way for more job opportunities.

What is biotechnology?

Biotechnology is used in start-ups and multinational corporations that deal with pharmaceuticals, agriculture, chemicals, environmental sciences and energy.

Biotechnology is basically the employment of organisms, cells or molecules isolated from cells to make products or solve problems. This involves evolving new vaccines, serums, drugs or a new strain of grain.

Biotechnology can be divided into five distinct sectors: biopharma, bioagri, bioinformatics, bioservices and bioindustrial, depending on where the technology is being employed.

Any biotechnology company employs people in different areas, from research and development, production and quality control, sales and marketing, legalmatters, etc.

This, of course, means many job opportunities await anyone wanting to get a foothold in the sector.

Some companies, which are into research and development and are in the process of discovery of molecules, look at students of science with an inclination for research.

Qualifications

Typically, for a career in the biotechnology, a three-year degree in the biological sciences is a must.

A degree in bioinformatics or biotechnology, offered by several universities, would be an advantage.

An engineering degree is also increasingly sought after by companies.

If one is looking at working in a 'non-scientific' area, such as sales and marketing, then a bachelor's/postgraduate degree with skill sets for that particular area would suffice.

Companies also hire consultants for their legal cells. Here, the incumbent needs to hold a degree in law.

For a research career, a Ph.D. is an important prerequisite. Most companies involved in bringing out new products need highly qualified research scientists.

Growth

If the incumbent is a fresher in the research and development (R&D) division, the candidate is hired as a project trainee. Growth from there would take the fresher to group leader, and at the highest level of hierarchy, one could even head the biotechnology division.

Most companies hire project trainees, most of them doing their M.Sc. (biotechnology).

In terms of the other divisions, such as sales and marketing or production, the job titles would be similar to any other sales and marketing division in other industries.

Monetarily, salaries in the industry vary, depending on the company and the qualifications.

A Ph.D. would definitely be rewarded much higher than an M Tech or a B Tech.

The best part about being in research is the level of job satisfaction one gets at the end of the day.

Employees get opportunities to work individually and as a group at different points.

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amitabh.sharma@gleanerjm.com