15 Types Of Careers In Biotechnology (Salary And Duties)

Biotechnology is a complex field that uses technology to study biological systems and derive ways to support and improve them. The industry offers opportunities in research, development, distribution, and non-scientific specializations. Learning about the various career opportunities in biotechnology may help you choose the one that suits your interest. In this article, we outline the different types of careers in biotechnology and share the steps to pursue a career in this industry.

Types Of Careers In Biotechnology

Here are some of the popular types of careers in biotechnology that you may wish to pursue:

1. Pharmacist

National average salary: ₹16,476 per month

Primary duties: A pharmacist organizes, stores, and provides medicines to patients, individuals, and other healthcare professionals. They understand medicine compositions, their effects, and their risks. Pharmacists ensure that they give the right medicines to the right individuals and brief them on their dosage. A pharmacist may also advance their career in research and trials of medicines.

Related: How To Become A Pharmacist: A Complete Guide

2. Bioprocess engineer

National average salary: ₹15,831 per month

Primary duties: A bioprocess engineer works in biotechnology industries to supervise the production of biofuels, pharmaceuticals, and biotechnological equipment. They are proficient in biology and chemical engineering and use the best practices to integrate technology into existing equipment or create new ones. They also work on research projects to help advance the technologies used in the industry.

3. Biomedical engineer

National average salary: ₹18,837 per month

Primary duties: Biomedical engineer uses their knowledge in engineering to produce solutions for medicine and biology. They design, prototype, and develop biomedical devices, equipment, treatments, artificial organs, diagnostic tools, and even software. These technological advancements help create products like injections, biosensors, and even pacemakers. A biomedical engineer conducts research and documents their findings for academic purposes.

Related: What Is Biotechnology Engineering? (With Course Details)

4. Chemical operator

National average salary: ₹18,823 per month

Primary duties: A chemical operator segregates, weighs, and mixes chemical components to initiate reactions in a controlled environment. They work in chemical factories to control, maintain and troubleshoot machinery. A chemical operator may also access projects to understand the materials required. They may suggest alternatives or arrange for the required quantities and ensure their safe storage.

5. Microbiologist

National average salary: ₹17,518 per month

Primary duties: A microbiologist studies bacteria, viruses, cells, and their behavior in different conditions. They understand the circumstances under which these organisms thrive and what may kill them. These studies aim to find a cure for diseases and develop vaccines and other medical products that may be beneficial. They conduct several experiments and tests on these organisms to understand their impact on the environment and the human body.

Related: How To Become A Molecular Biologist (With Duties And Skills)

6. Clinical research associate

National average salary: ₹28,897 per month

Primary duties: A clinical research associate runs trials to test medicines. They evaluate the effectiveness, risks, and benefits of a drug. They also ensure that a medicine meets quality and safety standards before releasing it into the market for public use. A clinical research associate often evaluates old and new drugs produced by pharmaceutical companies by conducting chemical and human trials.

7. Clinical technician

National average salary: ₹19,175 per month

Primary duties: Clinical technicians or biological technicians work in laboratory environments to perform medical research. They collect samples, conduct tests, and produce reports. A clinical technician often prepares laboratory equipment, sterilizes them, and even cleans them to produce accurate results. They work with advanced computer software, robots, and specialized scientific tools.

8. Pharmaceutical sales representative

National average salary: ₹23,245 per month

Primary duties: Pharmaceutical sales representatives assess their clients' requirements and promote a suitable product to them. They meet doctors, pharmacists, researchers, and technicians to introduce a new drug or pharmaceutical product relevant to each profession. These professionals may share product information and deliver product samples to their clients.

9. Pharmaceutical sciences manager

National average salary: ₹40,194 per month

Primary duties: The role of the manager of pharmaceutical science is to supervise the processes relating to the research, development, and production of a medicine. They work closely with engineers, doctors, scientists, and researchers involved in medical trials of the drug. A pharmaceutical sciences manager implements protocols, specifies project risks, plans project timelines, and maintains daily records.

10. Biostatistician

National average salary: ₹51,343 per month

Primary duties: Biostatistician is an extensive research-oriented job role. Biostatisticians collect and analyze data relating to medicine, the environment, and agriculture. They also use archival data for their research. They apply statistical modeling to make predictions and identify trends that help shape the future of healthcare, industry, agriculture, and the environment. A biostatistician may work in government organizations or with private companies.

11. Epidemiologist

National average salary: ₹32,964 per month

Primary duties: An epidemiologist investigates the causes of an illness. They collect research samples from healthy and unhealthy individuals to analyze the effects of the disease. An epidemiologist aims to curb the spread of the disease and prevent it from recurring. They conduct surveys, perform on-field research, study samples and report and share their findings to help improve public health policies and global strategies for preventing epidemics.

12. Process engineer

National average salary: ₹5,12,897 per year

Primary duties: Process engineers optimize the production process in research or biomanufacturing environments. They install equipment and may also help troubleshoot the manufacturing process in times of need. They interact with research technicians, scientists, and top-level regulators and managers. Some process engineers also assist in the design and production of equipment.

13. Scientist

National average salary: ₹40,554 per month

Primary duties: A scientist conducts experiments to test theories, and their implications and derive new ideas. These experiments help expand current knowledge on a particular topic to make it relevant to the present scenario. A scientist specializing in biotechnology may focus on agriculture, genetics, medicine, or the environment.

Related: How To Become A Scientist In 4 Steps

14. Environmental health and safety officer

National average salary: ₹6,44,683 per year

Primary duties: An environmental health and safety officer ensures safety measures to avoid workplace hazards. They design systems to ensure the safe disposal of hazardous material without causing harm to the workplace or the environment. An environmental health and safety officer implements procedures to report accidents, schedule inspections, and prevent environmental damage.

15. Pharmaceutical consultant

National average salary: ₹52,142 per month

Primary duties: A pharmaceutical consultant advises pharmaceutical manufacturers and healthcare organizations on ways to source and distribute drugs. They overlook the production, storage, and quality of medicines to meet industry standards. A pharmaceutical consultant also helps manufacturers plan the distribution and advertising of drugs. They stay updated with industry trends, processes, and laws to ensure they provide the correct advice to their clients or companies.

Why Choose A Career In Biotechnology?

Pursuing a career in biotechnology involves being in one of the most innovative fields available. People who work with biotechnology make it possible to develop scientific advances in genetics, biochemistry, biology, agriculture, environmental protection, medicine, and other critical fields. If you enjoy science and math, a career in biotechnology can give you the opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge products and new technologies that help improve people's quality of life.

How To Build A Career In Biotechnology

Biotechnology offers several career opportunities, with each requiring a certain level of knowledge, expertise, and experience. Here are the steps you may follow to build a career in biotechnology:

1. Complete your education

Careers in biotechnology require a minimum of a bachelor's degree in your preferred field. Some advanced roles such as a biochemist or an environmental health and safety officer may require a master's degree or even a PhD in a related field. A bachelor's degree exposes you to the foundational principles, processes, and theories. It is essential to choose subjects like physics, mathematics, biology, and chemistry in your high school to pursue a career in biotechnology.

2. Seek training and internships

It is essential to gain practical experience in your field through internships and projects. These expose you to the industry standards, processes and trends. It also helps you identify your areas of interest and pursue them by advancing your education. You may find internship opportunities in research labs, government offices, or private organizations.

3. Stay updated with trends

It is essential to stay relevant and be aware of the trends and advances in the industry. You may choose to publish research papers or use the information you learn during a job interview. Being aware of the advancements helps you hone your skills to meet industry requirements.

4. Apply for a job

Studying biotechnology allows you to work in several international, government, or private organizations. Depending on your specialization, you may find opportunities in bioprocessing, waste management, pharmaceutical, chemical, agricultural or environmental industries. You may also choose to build your career in research by joining laboratories and research centers.

Salary figures reflect data listed on Indeed Salaries at the time of writing. Salaries may vary depending on the hiring organization and a candidate's experience, academic background, and location.