Biotechnologist

Introduction

Biotechnologists help to develop products that have a biological ingredient or action, like vaccines, antibiotics, hormones and washing powders. Some biotechnologists work with genes to try to improve crops or medicines.

Back to Top

Work Activities

Biotechnologists make products with a biological ingredient or action, like vaccines, antibiotics, drugs and hormones.

Biotechnologists may use genetic engineering to change the way an organism grows or behaves. For example, insulin, a chemical normally made in the human body (but lacking in people with diabetes) has been made from genetically engineered bacteria. Biotechnologists use genetics to study inherited diseases to predict the likelihood of a person developing a medical condition.

In agriculture, biotechnologists may change genes to increase crop yields, or make crops more resistant to pests and disease. This can expand food production especially in developing countries. Biotechnologists research the effects of genetically modified (GM) foods on humans and the environment.

In manufacturing, biotechnologists supervise the production plant, and test the product to monitor its safety and quality. Biotechnology is used in the food and drink industry to produce beer, cheese, yoghurt and bread. Biotechnologists also develop new preservatives and additives.

Biotechnology is increasingly important in protecting the environment by managing waste, recycling and controlling pollution. Biotechnologists use micro-organisms to deal with sewage, industrial waste and polluting chemicals.

Biotechnologists often work in teams with many other scientists. They must keep up to date with new developments in biotechnology by reading journals, researching the Internet and going to courses and conferences.

Back to Top

Personal Qualities and Skills

As a biotechnologist, you must have a thorough and methodical approach to your work. You will need an enquiring mind and enjoy solving problems. You will also need the ability to communicate your findings, both verbally and in writing, to your colleagues.

For some work, you may need normal colour vision. In some cases, there may be a risk of infection, but good health and safety procedures will minimise this.

Back to Top

Pay and Opportunities

Salaries for biotechnologists vary.

The pay rates given below are approximate.

Biotechnologists earn in the range of £18,000 - £22,000 a year, rising to £25,000 - £30,000. Higher earners can make around £45,000 a year.

Higher earners can make around £50,500 a year. Higher salaries are available depending on employer, role and responsibilities.

In the National Health Service (NHS), staff doing biotechnology work are generally on Band 5 of the Agenda for Change pay scales. From April 2008 this has been £20,225 - £26,123 a year.

Biotechnologists typically work 35-39 hours a week, Monday to Friday. However, early starts, late finishes, shifts and weekend work may be required.

Employers throughout the UK are companies in agrochemicals and agriculture, horticulture, the food and drink industry and the pharmaceutical industry, as well as the National Health Service (NHS).

Back to Top

Adult Opportunities

It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

Some entrants have developed skills by working within the biotechnology industry as laboratory technicians. Others have developed skills through relevant scientific fieldwork.

If you don't have the qualifications needed to enter a degree course, you might be able to start one after completing an Access course, eg, Access to Science.

Sponsorship for higher education study of science subjects is sometimes available from biotechnology companies.

Funding for postgraduate study and research is available through universities from the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC).

• 9% of people in occupations such as biotechnology work part-time.
• 16% have flexible hours.
• 13% of employees work on a temporary basis.

Back to Top

New Developments

Some people working in this occupation may be involved in the green jobs sector in areas such as renewable energy or waste management.