Searching for the Cure: A Career in Biotechnology |
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January 17, 2006
by Kathy A. Johnson
Healthcare Programs Columnist
Biotechnology companies employed 198,300 people as of Dec. 31, 2003, according to the Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO). Health care is the number one market for biotechnology, making it a promising field for those interested in curing disease through science and research.
Through biotechnology, scientists have developed diagnostic tests that detect disease earlier, improving patient prognosis. They have also engineered safer vaccines and medicines that fight pain or encourage the growth of tissue. Gene therapies that modify, remove, or add genes in order to cure diseases are also being developed.
Job Diversity
Hundreds of biotechnology jobs can be found in areas as diverse as research and development, quality control, clinical research, manufacturing and production, and regulatory affairs. Some entry-level positions include:
- Laboratory assistant. Performs experiments and laboratory tasks, analyzes data, and interprets results. Tasks may also include maintaining equipment and writing summaries and reports.
- Clinical data specialist. Collaborates with company departments in design, documentation, testing, and implementation of clinical data studies by developing systems that organize and analyze data and detect trends that occur.
- Manufacturing engineer. Develops and maintains manufacturing processes and operation sequences, estimates manufacturing costs, and maintains records of the operations.
Necessary Education
Education requirements vary, and some entry-level positions require only a high school diploma. However, most jobs require a bachelor of science degree, and an advanced biotechnology degree should really increase your chances for specialized positions.
To prepare for a career in biotechnology, students should take math and science classes, and spend time doing lab work, either in class or on a volunteer basis. Many biotechnology jobs require some laboratory experience.
While not without controversy because of privacy concerns and ethics questions regarding cloning and stem-cell research, biotechnology offers hope for the cure and treatment of many diseases. If you're interested in science and improving health, a career in biotechnology may be for you.
Source:
Biotechnology Industry Organization
About the Author:
Kathy A. Johnson has written articles on health, fitness, and many other topics in her career as a freelance writer and editor.
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