Biotechnologist

Typical Salary

£19,000 To £60,000

Typical Hours

38 to 40 a week

evenings / weekends / bank holidays on shifts

How To Become a Biotechnologist

You can get into this job through:

a university course
an apprenticeship
working towards this role

College / University

You'll usually need a degree in a relevant scientific subject, like:

biotechnology
bioscience
microbiology
biochemistry
chemistry or chemical engineering

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 for a degree

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Apprenticeship

You may be able to start by doing a laboratory scientist higher or degree apprenticeship.

4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

Routes into this Career

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.

Other Routes

Other Routes are not listed for this job.

Skills And Knowledge

You'll need:

knowledge of biology
to be thorough and pay attention to detail
the ability to work on your own
excellent verbal communication skills
maths knowledge
the ability to work well with others
analytical thinking skills
knowledge of chemistry including the safe use and disposal of chemicals
to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Day To Day Tasks

In environmental biotechnology, your duties may include:

developing micro-organisms and plants to clean polluted land or water
creating alternative renewable sources of energy, like biodiesel
producing environmentally friendly raw materials for industry, like biodegradable plastics from plant starches

In industrial biotechnology, your duties may include:

cloning and producing enzymes for use in manufacturing food and drink
creating biological detergents and dyes for the textiles industry
improving animal feed
developing crops that are more resistant to pests
genetically modifying crops to increase productivity

In medical biotechnology and biotherapeutics, your duties may include:

studying human genetics, proteins, antibodies, viruses, plants, fungi and bacteria to research and treat diseases like cancer
developing therapies, vaccines and hormones to treat the cause of a disease
producing 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 & Progression

Career Path & Progression are not listed for this job.

Volunteering Opportunities

Volunteering Opportunities are not listed for this job.

Tips & Information

Professional and industry bodies

You may find it useful to join an organisation like the Science Council for professional recognition, training opportunities and to make industry contacts.

Further information

You can find out more about working in biotechnology from:

Restrictions & Requirements

Restrictions & Requirements are not listed for this job.