Biotechnologist

A bundle of techniques applied to living cells is what we call Biotechnology. Bio-technologists engineer these living cells to produce a particular product of improved quality. Biotechnology is the exploitation of natural resources at the microbial and molecular level to produce a product of improved quality for the benefit of mankind. The work Bio- technologists do is in a variety of sectors like in agriculture, pharmaceuticals, medicine, environment etc.

Job Profile

Bio technologists largely work in laboratories to conduct scientific research.
They work in a variety of sectors e.g. agriculture, pharmaceuticals, medicine, environment, chemical research, energy management, genetic engineering and industry.
Biotechnology being an interdisciplinary field involves combined scientific research projects involving disciplines such as microbiology, immunology, molecular biology, genetics, biochemistry, chemistry, food science, agriculture and engineering.
Agricultural biotechnologists conduct research for improving crop, livestock, forestry and fishery. Their work involves devising biotechnological techniques for increasing productivity, quality, efficient processing and utilization of products with lesser reliance on agro chemicals. The development of bio insecticides, bio-chemicals and tissue culture has been the contribution of bio technologists which has almost revolutionized agriculture sciences.
Bio technologist’s also work in medical and health care research.
With the application of Biotechnology pharmaceutical research, development of new vaccines, and diagnostic procedures has evolved.
Environmental biotechnology is used for treatment of industrial waste to recycling of sewage and microbial processes using many analytical and diagnostic techniques.
Biotechnologists also work in genetic improvement. It is an extensive area of work encompassing agriculture, animal and human genetics.

Salary/Package

An entry-level Biotechnologist with less than 1 year experience can expect to earn an average total compensation of Rs. 3.5 Lakh p.a. An early career Biotechnologist with 1-4 years of experience earns an average total compensation of Rs. 5 Lakh p.a. A mid-career Biotechnologist with up to 10 years of experience earns an average compensation of Rs 7-8 Lakh p.a. The salaries may vary based on experience, skills, roles, location, etc.

Skills required

Scientific temper
Perseverance
Urge to lead innovative research
Ability to work as part of a team
Hard work
Bright academic profile
Aptitude for continued learning

Pros and Cons of career for Biotechnologist

Pros

Ability to conduct experiments
Laboratory work environment
May work on finding cures for diseases

Cons

Strict safety procedures when dealing with dangerous substances*
Risk of contamination
Strong job competition

(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labour Statistics.)

How do I be one

Path 1

Std XII (Stream: Sc PCM/B) >> Graduation (Biochem/BotanyZool/Genetics) >> Entrance (CEEB/ IARI Entrance Test) >> Post graduation (M.Sc Biotech) >> Goal (Bio-technologist)

Path 2

Std XII (Stream: Sc PCM) >> Entrance (IIT JEE) >> Graduation (5 yr Integrated Biotech) >> Goal (Bio-technologist)

Path 3

Std XII (Stream: Sc PCM/B/Agri) >> Graduation (Physical/Life sc) >> Entrance (CEEB/IARI Entrance Test) >> Post graduation (M Sc Biotechnology) >> Goal (Bio-Technologist)

Path 4

Std XII (Stream: Sc PCB/M) >> Graduation (MBBS/B Pharma) >> Entrance (CEEB/IARI Entrance Test) >> Post graduation (Biotechnology) >> Goal (Bio-Technologist)

Path 5

Std XII (Stream: Sc PCB/M) >> Graduation (B.Sc Life sc) >> Entrance (CEEB/IARI Entrance Test) >> G Tech (M Sc/MTech Biotech) >> Goal (Bio-Technologist)

An interdisciplinary subject, biotechnology encompasses a wide variety of spheres, hence students from a wide range of academic backgrounds can do postgraduate studies in this specialized field.

Entrance Exams:

JNU Combined Entrance Examination for Biotechnology (CEEB) is conducted for MSc Biotech (2 yrs).

Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree under 10+2+3 pattern of education in Physical, Biological, Agricultural, Veterinary and Fishery Sciences, Pharmacy, Engineering/Technology, 4-years B.Sc (Physician Assistant Course); or Medicine (MBBS) or BDS with at least 55% marks

IARI: M.Sc./M.Tech.Biotech degree courses: Entrance examination for admission to M.Sc./M.Tech degree courses at IARI is undertaken by the Education Division of ICAR and on the basis of the merit, the ICAR finalizes the admission for M.Sc./M.Tech. degree courses in 26 disciplines at IARI.

Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) For admission to postgraduate and Doctoral programmes in Institutions under MHRD such as IITs IISc, Science research institutions a National Level Entrance Test GATE is conducted. Selected candidates get a scholarship/Assistantship in Engineering/Technology/ Science/Architecture.

Eligibility is a 3 or 4 year degree, technical diploma, architecture 5yr, Integrated 5 year degree courses, Postgraduates in Maths/ Sc/ Stats/Computer Applications.