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Guide to College Majors in Biotechnology
--Arthur C. Clarke
What is Biotechnology?
Biotechnology is the use of technology and biology to solve some
of today's most urgent cultural and scientific issues.
Biotechnologists help astronauts deal with effects of
weightlessness, research medicines and pharmaceuticals, and create
fabrics for the runways of New York and Milan. Biotechnology has
transformed forensic science, as portrayed in TV shows like
CSI.
Biotechnology is found virtually everywhere: in breakfast cereal,
coffee filters, aspirin, climbing ropes, camping gear, and
vitamins. Not to mention other biotech products, such as canola
oil, disease-resistant yeast, hard cheeses, and most soybean
products. 70 percent of all processed food items readily available
in the supermarket owe their existence to biotechnology.
Trends for Biotech Careers
Managers who understand marketing and financial planning, as
well as the day-to-day realities of the laboratory, are essential
for the successful growth of the biotech industry. Recently, much
has been written about the "management vacuum" now faced by the
biotech industry. Industrialized countries around the world have
reported a serious lack of leadership skills that holds back the
growth of biotech business there as well.
Studies show that an unprecedented number of PhDs - approximately
95% of life science doctorates - are moving from the purely
academic realm into the workforce. Although being a successful
researcher is an important part of the job, this alone does not
guarantee success in the ever-growing biotech industry. According
to the Biotechnology Industry
Organization, the 1,500 biotech companies in the U.S. have
combined earnings of over $40 billion - and business is booming.
The need for skilled workers who are able to bridge the gap between
science and business is overwhelming.
As Nature Jobs writer Virginia Gerwin puts it, "You may be an
expert on recombinant DNA, but the business world is about making a
return on an investment."
Leaders in the biotech business are lamenting the lack of such
talents as basic leadership and communications skills, competitive
budgeting, and viable analysis. In short, most biotech scientists
are simply out of the loop when it comes to the question of what
customers want - or will pay for. There is a tendency not to look
to the scientists whose discoveries make the company's success
possible. When a scientist wants to move to a position of
management within his or her own company, the "let them stay in the
lab" mentality rears its head. Often, this arises from fear of
losing a good scientist. Yet, who better than a scientist - who
understands the products from the ground up - with a little
business acumen to help fill the gaps in the biotech leadership
sector?
Understanding business is valuable even for a scientist who has no
desire to enter the world of entrepreneurship. In one way or
another, at some point in a biotechnology career, scientists will
face or be affected by business decisions. One way to gain
experience in this area is through business
courses, many offered jointly by various universities and
companies. For more business-minded scientists, a biotechnology
MBA offers a comprehensive grounding in the two fields.
Career Education in Biotechnology
On-Campus and Online Degree Programs
The array of programs available to those looking for a career in
biotechnology may seem overwhelming at first glance. Generally,
there are six types of programs: certificate, associate,
bachelor's, master's, PhD, and dual degree programs. Many
institutions focus on the multidisciplinary nature of the subject,
with schools bringing in expertise from other areas to supplement a
traditional study of biology. In addition, many universities apply
cutting-edge technology to biological procedures in newly creative
ways.
Certificate Programs in Biotechnology
A student who is looking to expand her knowledge of biotechnology
without specializing in it may consider a certificate program. Most
are offered with an eye towards immediate employment after
graduation, or for enhancing an existing degree. Those with majors
in another field may choose a certificate program to increase their
own marketability.
Generally, a certificate program carries few prerequisites and
offers a broad introduction into biotechnology. Most programs
consist of about 15 to 25 credit hours and may be taken in two to
four full-time semesters. The shorter programs are generally geared
towards those students using it as a bridge to a Master of
Science.
Courses range from basic concepts of biotechnology to studies in
current manufacturing practices, the molecular basis of
carcinogenesis, food biotechnology, biological computation, drug
design, and targeting. A biotechnology certificate or
diploma paves the way to a job as a laboratory or research
technician.
Associate Degree Programs in Biotechnology
In many ways, an associate degree is similar to a certificate
program. It typically lasts two years and prepares students either
for bachelor's degrees or for entry-level lab assistant positions.
However, an associate degree in biotechnology is more in-depth than
a certificate alone. The objective of most associate degree
programs is to see their graduates employed in the laboratory
sector of the biotechnology industry. To this end, research
training and technical skills are the focus of a strong associate
program.
An associate degree usually consists of 60 or more credit hours,
some of which may also count towards other majors and/or
concentrations. An industry internship is generally required. The
entire program takes four full semesters, or two years, to
complete. Graduates of associate degree programs in biotechnology
are well qualified to become lab technicians or assistants.
Bachelor's Degree Programs in Biotechnology
Because biotechnology has become so specialized in recent years, it
is rare to find a college or university that offers a bachelor's
degree in biotechnology. The expectation in the academic field is
that students will pursue an initial degree in an applicable field,
such as chemistry or
biology, and
then go on to a master's program in biotech. However, the
bachelor's programs that do exist stress a particular aspect of
biotechnology. Many programs offer employment assistance for new
graduates.
Master's Degree Programs in Biotechnology
Entry into a master's program in
biotechnology requires a bachelor's degree in a related field
of study. Grades from previous courses are highly important during
the admission process. The scores from at least one standardized
test - such as the GMAT or the GRE - are also required, although
different schools prefer different tests. Master's degree programs
typically last about two years, during which you'll develop the
independent research that may ultimately lead to a dissertation and
doctorate.
Doctorate Degree Programs in Biotechnology
Most schools with doctorate programs in biotechnology or a related
field award these degrees based on student achievement rather than
passing classes. A PhD is given in recognition of a student's
proficiency in research and thorough acquaintance with the specific
field of study. In addition, the student's depth, scope, and
soundness of academic scholarship are considered. Evidence of such
knowledge is ascertained through the presentation and oral defense
of a thesis developed through independent research. The thesis work
is guided and evaluated along the way by an appointed or chosen
faculty advisor.
The core of the doctorate program is the collaboration between the
graduate student, the advisor, and the graduate committee. Most
programs require that graduate students maintain a 3.00 GPA.
Further, many schools accept only higher grades, asking the student
to retake the course if the resulting grade is lower than A, B, or
C. This is also true for many master's programs as well.
Dual Degree Programs
A dual degree program usually offers a biotechnology degree in
conjunction with another certificate or degree. The most common
programs combine an M.S. or PhD in biotechnology in conjunction
with a Master of Business Administration (MBA).
Online Degrees in Biotechnology
Technological advances don't just benefit biotechnologists after
graduation-they're making it possible for students to earn
biotechnology
degrees online (typically at the master's level). These online
programs sometimes include brief residencies or locally arranged
lab work, so that students get the hands-on training they need.
Online programs are increasingly popular among working
professionals who want to earn their degrees without disrupting
their personal and professional obligations. Biotech professionals
already active in the field may choose online degree programs that
allow them to apply their knowledge to their work, benefiting their
studies and their employers simultaneously.
What Can You Do With a College Degree in Biotechnology?
Career options for aspiring biotechnical scientists
- Bioinformatician. The primary responsibility of a bioinformatics specialist is to design, develop, and use tools for gaining information about biotech procedures. In addition, bioinformaticians must implement these tools and analyze the data obtained from them. Many major companies, especially in the food processing and pharmaceutical arenas, are currently hiring many bioinformatics professionals. This career requires a PhD in biotechnology with a focus on bioinformatics, informatics, computational biology, molecular biology, and/or genomics. In certain cases, the PhD requirement for these jobs may be waived if the candidate can demonstrate comparable experience in the field. Fluency in several programming languages is a must. The bioinformatician is not the owner of the information that he extracts; this belongs to the company.
- Biotechnical Scientist. Requiring a PhD and at least two years of work and/or research experience, the biotechnical scientist works as part of a group of scientists on a given project. This position often entails knowledge of several programming languages. As a biotech scientist, good interpersonal skills are important, as much of the work is collaborative.
- Consultant. A scientist with a background in biotechnology might enjoy working for an engineering consulting firm. These companies provide advice and support in product development, process implementation, forensic analysis, manufacturing, and management recruitment and training. The goal of a consultant is to identify possible problems or issues and help trouble-shoot them, ensuring optimal client returns on investment.
- Director. An experienced senior scientist may eventually move to managerial status, becoming the head or director of a research facility. In this capacity, the scientist works to recruit and coordinate group leaders. In addition, the director of such a facility will be responsible for the management - and at times, promotion - of the services and programs offered by the institute. A director is, above all, a coordinator of all that goes on, from daily activity to long-range planning. The director also acts as partner and liaison to the company CEO. This job requires above-average communication skills and a proven track record as a team leader. In addition, it is expected that candidates would have an MD or PhD, several years' experience as the head of the research laboratory (or comparable experience), and extensive international publication credits to his or her name.
- Industry Researcher. Researchers for a biotech company generally enjoy a great deal of freedom and flexibility. A biotech researcher helps define the range and scope of new areas of research. Such a position generally requires a PhD plus a few years of postdoctorate experience in either industry or research. In addition to a doctorate degree, companies often look for candidates with strong publication skills. Companies in the industry are always on the lookout for talented researchers whose work demonstrates economic viability and the possibility of high returns. A researcher is frequently hired because her previous work dovetails with an area of interest for the company. Networking and communicating with other scientists around the world who are engaged in the same type of work is essential to your success as a researcher.
- Investigator. An investigator's job is essentially to determine whether a biotech company is operating in compliance with existing laws and regulations. Identifying defective products, system failures, or deficient manufacturing are all part of the investigator's job description. Careers in this area require the ability to multitask, excellent communication skills, and attention to detail. In addition, most positions as an investigator require an MD and/or a PhD.
- Professor. Not ready to give up the ivory tower? If remaining in academia seems attractive, consider a staff or faculty position at the university level. Many schools are looking for scientists willing to share their knowledge and expertise with others. Requirements for these jobs vary, depending on the level of the professorship. Generally, most positions require an MD or PhD with extensive postgraduate experience. These schools are also interested in candidates with a track record of high-quality academic writing and publication. Positions are available as a lecturer, an assistant professor, an associate professor, and, finally, as a full-time tenured professor. Professors are responsible for developing research programs in their own departments, as well as teaching, lecturing, mentoring, and overseeing student work.
- Project Leader. A project leader (or a group leader) oversees the collection, analysis, and integration of data from different sources. He directs collaboration between group scientists as well as two-way work with partner organizations. This job entails a higher degree of accountability and responsibility than working as a researcher or scientist. Generally, a project leader is expected to have a PhD as well as two to five years of postdoctorate work experience.
- Research Associate. The research associate position in a university biotechnology program teams up new postdoctorate students with leaders in their field. These positions often help the associate gain valuable contacts and knowledge, as well as increasing marketability. These are not generally high-paying positions, but rather a stepping stone to career development.
- Senior Scientist. Employers expect senior scientists to bring excellent interpersonal skills to their jobs. Strong communication skills and a talent for presentation are equally important for success in this role. The senior scientist will often oversee or coordinate the work of others, as well as acting as a liaison between the scientific arm of a company and its management. Candidates for these jobs are expected to have obtained a Master's and/or a PhD, depending on the company and the requirements of the job. In addition, some industry experience with a biotech company is preferred.
Did You Know?
These are exciting times for careers in biotechnology. Not only are
there amazing discoveries, inventive products on the market, and
new applications happening nearly every day, but the role of
biotechnology in our society is being recognized to an
unprecedented degree. Biotechnology has been targeted for
development by 40 state governments, who have implemented a number
of incentive programs. Their goal is to create a nurturing climate
for the biosciences in general, and biotechnology in
particular.
Because the industry as a whole is moving towards a more open,
collaborative approach, scientists around the world are finding
ways to link up and share information. In addition, many industry
organizations serve as great resources for those just entering the
field. Because these organizations have a vested interest in
linking with promising individuals and potential workers,
networking is the name of their game. Some of these organizations
include:
- Biocom - San Diego-based website for biotech employees
- BioInsights - Education and additional trainings for bioscience professionals
- Bio-Link - National Advanced Technology Education (ATE) Center for Biotechnology, working to expand educational programs in biotechnology
- European Initiative for Biotechnology Education - get biotech news, data, and reports from the other side of the Atlantic
- PharmWeb - information and networking on for the pharmaceutical industry
- MassBioEd - Website for the Massachusetts Biology Council; news and job listing, area information
