Biotechnologist
Find new ways to make products that improve our health, environment and food.
Also known as: research technician, research scientist, manufacturing technician, fermentation scientist
About the job
A day in the life – Biotechnologist
What it's like
You'd use your biology knowledge to come up with products and processes that improve our health, our food and our world.
Your work would depend on your specific field.
In medical biotechnology and biotherapeutics, you might:
research genetics, proteins, antibodies, viruses, plants, fungi, bacteria and diseases
develop treatments for the genetic causes of disease
produce medicines using techniques such as cell culture and genetic modification
In environmental biotechnology, you might:
develop micro-organisms and plants to clean polluted land or water
create renewable sources of energy
produce environmentally-friendly materials for industry
In industrial biotechnology, you might:
produce enzymes for use in food and drink
create biological detergents and dyes
improve animal feed
genetically modify crops
In all three areas, you would:
do practical work in a laboratory
use computers and technical equipment
write reports
present your research
keep records
Green job
In this job you'll be doing work to help the environment. Find out more about green jobs.
Hours
You'd usually work between 35 and 40 hours a week. This may include shifts, nights and weekends because many of the processes involved in research and industry need continuous monitoring.
Environment
You'd mainly work in a modern laboratory, often in sterile conditions. You'd normally wear protective clothing as part of your work.
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Related industries
Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.
Life sciences Chemical sciences
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- understanding
- analysing
- taking initiative
- sorting
- attention to detail
- researching
- observation
- problem solving
- working with technology
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Biology
Chemistry
Engineering Science
Maths (Mathematics)
Physics
Skills for Work: Laboratory Science
Foundation Apprenticeship: Scientific Technologies (Laboratory Skills)
Applications of Mathematics
You can get a head start in this career by doing a Foundation Apprenticeship in S5 and S6.
You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification which is the same level as a Higher. You'll also learn new skills and gain valuable experience in a work environment.
Discover what's on offer at your school on Apprenticeships.scot.
A degree (SCQF Level 9/10) in a subject such as biotechnologies, biological science, microbiology, or chemistry.
Most undergraduate courses ask for at least four Highers at B or above (SCQF Level 6). Some universities may require AABB (first sitting) for entry.
The University of Dundee offers a BSc Life Sciences course with only requires two Highers at B including Biology or Chemistry and one other subject. This course has been developed for those with high academic potential who experienced disadvantage.
Many people who do this job also have postgraduate qualifications such as a Master of Science (MSc) (SCQF Level 11) or a doctoral degree (SCQF Level 12) in a relevant subject.
Although some technician level jobs, mainly based in laboratories, don't require a degree, competition in this industry is very fierce.
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