Nature of Work
The term biotechnology was coined by the Hungarian agricultural engineer Karl Ereky to describe the merging of biology and technology. Biotechnology refers to the use of living organisms or their products to modify human health and the environment. The living organisms are used to make useful chemicals which can be utilized in industries. Biotechnological products are used in areas like agriculture, food sciences and medicine.
Essential Skills and Qualities
Biotechnology is a niche field which requires aptitude or interest in science, engineering and medicine. Since the whole discipline of Biotechnology is research-driven, analytical and complex problem solving skills become valuable. Considering how biotechnologists work, collaborative skills are significant. There is a lot of team-work required in this domain, from developing a new vaccine to checking the effectiveness of pre-existing medicines, everything is done in teams.
Work Opportunities
A biotechnologist work opportunities is varied and diverse. They may work in the area of food and agriculture and produce enzymes and preservatives for use in food and drink products, or they might genetically modify crops to increase yields. An environmental biotechnologist might convert plants into biofuels or create plant-based bioplastics, and a medical biotechnologist may research and produce new pharmaceutical drugs and medical treatments.
Hence, they may work for Pharmaceutical and chemical companies; Biotechnology and genetic engineering companies, Universities, Hospitals, Research institutions, Agricultural and crop production companies, Food and drink manufacturers etc. at positions such as scientists, research assistants, research associates, technical assistants or technical officers. They may also get into production and quality management divisions of the food & pharmaceutical industry, drug & vaccine industry, dairy, etc.
It is one of the fastest-growing sectors in India and expected to be a 100 billion dollar industry by 2025. Moreover, it encompasses the vibrant biotech industry, innovative entrepreneurial ecosystem, and better industry-academia interface that will help one to have a stable professional career with lots of opportunities.
