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Biotechnologists use plants, animals, microbes, biochemistry and genetics to develop new products and improve existing ones.
You could work: evenings / weekends / bank holidays; on shifts
Your day to day duties will depend on your specialism.
In environmental biotechnology, you could:
In industrial biotechnology, you could:
In medical biotechnology and biotherapeutics, you could:
You may need to wear protective clothing.
You could work at a research facility, at a university or in a laboratory.
You can get into this job through:
You'll usually need a degree in a relevant scientific subject, like:
Employers in sectors like the food and drink industry will expect you to have some knowledge of the relevant biotechnology specialism.
For a research job, you'll usually need several years' experience and have or be working towards a postgraduate qualification.
You'll usually need:
You may be able to work your way towards this role by doing a Laboratory Science degree apprenticeship.
You'll usually need:
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.
You may find it useful to join an organisation like the Science Council so you can:get professional recognition; find training opportunities; make industry contacts
You can find out more about working in biotechnology from the:Science Council; Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council
With experience, you could move into areas like:people and project management; science communication; quality assurance management; product sales or marketing; freelance consultancy or scientific advisory work