Biotechnologist
Biotechnologists study plants, animals, microbes, biochemistry and genetics to develop new products and improve existing ones.
What you'll do
Day-to-day tasks
As a biotechnologist, your day to day duties will depend on your specialism.
In environmental biotechnology, you could:
- clean polluted land or water using micro-organisms and plants
- develop alternative sources of energy, like biodiesel
- make environmentally friendly raw materials, like biodegradable plastics
In industrial biotechnology, you could:
- clone and create enzymes for use in manufacturing food and drink
- improve animal feed
- modify crops to increase productivity and resistance to pests
In medical biotechnology and biotherapeutics, you could:
- study human genetics, antibodies, viruses, plants, fungi and bacteria
- develop therapies and vaccines to tackle the causes of disease
- produce medicines using techniques like cell culture and genetic modification
Working environment
You could work at a research facility, at a university or in a laboratory.
You may need to wear protective clothing.
Career path and progression
With experience, you could move into areas like:
- project or departmental management
- science communications
- quality assurance
- bioinformatics and data analysis
- freelance consultancy or scientific advisory work
- biotechnology policy and ethics
What it takes
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
- knowledge of biology
- knowledge of chemistry including the safe use and disposal of chemicals
- maths knowledge
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- analytical thinking skills
- excellent verbal communication skills
- the ability to work well with others
- to be flexible and open to change
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
How to become
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
You can do a degree qualification in a relevant scientific subject, like:
- biotechnology
- bioscience
- microbiology
- biochemistry
- food science
- chemistry or chemical engineering
As well as a degree, some employers may want you to have a postgraduate qualification, especially for research posts.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science
- 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including biology or chemistry
- a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study
More Information
You may be able to get into this job by doing an apprenticeship, such as:
- Science Manufacturing Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
- Technician Scientist Level 5 Higher Apprenticeship
- Scientist Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship
These apprenticeships take between 3 and 5 years to complete.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship
More Information
You could start as a lab technician and work your way up by training on the job. For example, on a part-time degree or a degree apprenticeship.
Professional and industry bodies
You can join an organisation like the Science Council, which can help you:
- get professional recognition
- find training opportunities
- make industry contacts
Further information
You can find out more about working in biotechnology from the Science Council.
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External links
This page contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.