Biotechnologist

Biotechnologists combine biology, the science of living things, with technology. They research and develop the use of biology to solve problems in areas such as health care, the pharmaceutical and chemical industries, agriculture, food production and environmental protection.

Work activities

Biotechnologists play a vital role in health care, including in the production of hormones, vaccines and antibodies. For example, they use their knowledge of genetics and biochemistry to artificially produce insulin, a hormone lacking in people with diabetes, from genetically engineered bacteria. They can use their knowledge of genetics to identify and map a disease-causing organism’s genome. This can enable them to identify and knock-out a gene that creates particular actions of the disease, for example, by inserting DNA so the gene doesn’t produce proteins needed to develop the disease. Biotechnologists also study inherited diseases, identifying the genetic factors involved in their development. This enables them to predict more accurately the likelihood of a person developing conditions such as Huntingdon’s disease and breast cancer.

Biotechnologists’ knowledge of genetics is very important to agriculture, where a major area of research worldwide is the genetic modification of crops. Biotechnologists can transfer individual genes to a crop from other species, to add or delete specific characteristics. This can enable biotechnologists to increase a crop’s resistance to disease and pests, or its tolerance to drought or extremes of temperature, for example. Biotechnology has the potential to be of great benefit to food production, especially in developing countries where huge quantities of crops are lost to pests and diseases. Biotechnologists are involved in lengthy tests to investigate the impact of genetically modified (GM) foods on human health and the environment. Biotechnology plays an increasingly important role in protecting the environment, including in waste management, recycling and pollution control. For example, biotechnologists can use micro-organisms to break down sewage. They are now extending the use of micro-organisms to break down certain types of industrial waste and to clean up chemical pollutants. They research and develop biodegradable plastics and have developed bioethanol and biodiesel, fuels produced from crops. These can reduce the use of fossil fuels. The food and drink industry is an area where biotechnology has been used for a very long time. It is essential to the production of beer, yoghurt, bread and cheese. Biotechnologists now develop new additives and preservatives, as well as vegetarian substitutes for meat.

While biotechnologists spend time alone performing tests and analysing results in the laboratory, they are also likely to have contact with a wide range of other scientists. For example, a biotechnologist in the pharmaceuticals industry could be working in a team with pharmacologists, toxicologists and biochemists. Biotechnologists often manage teams of technicians, who look after the day-to-day running of the laboratory. Biotechnologists’ day-today work will vary depending on the area of biotechnology they are involved in. However, it will involve laboratory work with equipment such as micro syringes, automatic pipettes, centrifuges and electron microscopes, and controlled environments (for example, sterility, temperature and humidity) for maintaining and storing cells and tissues. Biotechnologists will design, carry out and evaluate experiments, and also write up their results, perhaps for publication in scientific journals. A typical day could involve reading journals to keep up to date with advances in biotechnology. Biotechnologists can also go to conferences on their subject area, to meet other scientists and to discuss the results of their research.

Personal qualities and skills

Biotechnologists need an interest in areas such as industry, health care and agriculture, as well as expert knowledge of the application of biology to technology.

You’ll also need:

A thorough, patient and methodical approach to your work.
An enquiring mind and problem-solving skills.
The ability to explain results clearly and concisely, including in written reports.
Teamwork skills.
Number skills to work with statistics.
The ability to use a wide range of technology, including computers.

Pay and opportunities

Salaries for biotechnologists vary. Biotechnologists earn in the range of £23,000, rising to £44,000 with experience. Higher salaries are available depending on employer, role and responsibilities.

Biotechnologists typically work 37-40 hours a week, Monday to Friday. However, some biotechnologists might have early starts, late finishes, shifts and weekend work.

Employers are universities and research institutes, and companies in agrochemicals, horticulture, the food and drink industry and the pharmaceutical industry. Opportunities for biotechnologists occur in towns and cities throughout the UK.

Where are vacancies advertised?

Vacancies are advertised in science magazines such as New Scientist (which also posts jobs on its website), on specialist job boards and in national/local newspapers.

Entry routes and training

Biotechnologists usually have at least a first (undergraduate) degree in a relevant subject. Degrees in biotechnology are widely available in the UK, and there are also specialist degrees in areas such as medical and microbial biotechnology. A number of sandwich degrees in biotechnology are available. Some entrants have related first degrees, for example, in chemistry, biological science, biochemistry, genetics, microbiology and chemical engineering. They may then choose to take a specialist postgraduate qualification before entering employment. Entry may also be possible with a relevant HND or foundation degree, although this is likely to be at technician level. Some employers enable technicians to study for a degree part-time. Some universities offer degree courses with a foundation year. This is an extra year for students who don’t have the specified science A-levels for entry. While not essential for entry to employment in industry/agriculture, a postgraduate qualification can enhance your career prospects, and many employers ask for one. Postgraduate qualifications are usually essential for entry to a research position in higher education or a research institute.

You may be able to become a biotechnologist by doing a level 6 degree apprenticeship in the role of laboratory scientist, if this is offered by relevant employers. This way, you will train on the job while working towards a degree, paid for by your employer, on block or day release.

You’ll usually have training on-the-job, for example, in laboratory techniques and specialist equipment. Some employers give entrants the opportunity to work towards a postgraduate qualification part-time while in employment. You could progress to a supervisory or management position, which might involve training other scientists and technicians.

Qualifications

For entry to a degree in biotechnology, the usual minimum requirement is:

Two to three A-levels. Either biology or chemistry will usually be essential, with another science subject or maths. Some universities ask for both biology and chemistry.
GCSEs at grades 9-4 in your A-level subjects.
A further two to three GCSEs at grades 9-4. English and maths are usually essential. You might also need any science subjects you don’t have at A-level.

Alternatives to A-levels include:

Edexcel (BTEC) level 3 Nationals.
International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma.

To get onto a degree apprenticeship, you will need two relevant A-levels, such as biology, plus GCSEs in English and maths.

Adult opportunities

Age limits: It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

Some entrants have developed skills and knowledge by working in the biotechnology industry as laboratory technicians. Others have developed skills through relevant scientific fieldwork.

If you don’t have the qualifications needed to enter a degree, foundation degree or HND course, you might be able to start one after completing an Access course, for example, Access to Science. You don’t usually need any qualifications to enter an Access course, although you should check this with the course provider. A foundation year before the start of a science degree or HND is available at some universities and higher education colleges for students who don’t have the science A-levels usually needed for entry to the course. Part-time biotechnology courses are available.

Sponsorship for higher education study of science subjects is sometimes available from biotechnology companies. Funding for postgraduate study and research is available, through universities, from UK Research and Innovations (UKRI).

Related careers

Agricultural research scientist
Biochemical engineer
Biochemist
Biologist
Botanist
Food scientist
Horticultural scientist
Microbiologist
Pharmacologist
Process development technologist
Scientist
Technical brewer