Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology and Laboratory Science

Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology and Laboratory Science

Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology and Laboratory Science The programme produce a cadre of laboratory technologists who will be capable to supervise  and  manage diagnostic,research,and training laboratories. These graduates can work and meet the demand of the public and private sectors involved in biomedical, biotechnology research and development in health, agriculture, forensics, pharmaceuticals, environment and food industries. These experts are made to  produce reliable and accurate scientific information and use of high-tech laboratory instruments

1. Graduates will be able to meet the demand of the public and private sectors involved in biomedical and biotechnology research and development.


2. Such graduates will be resourceful in diverse research and Development institutions and industries dealing with basic science and applicants in fields such as health, agriculture, forensics, pharmaceuticals, environment management and food industries.

You will serve in dynamic and advanced industries that requires well groomed technologist with blend of convention to high-tech sciences

What Can You Do with a Biotechnology Degree?

“What most people don’t realize about biotechnology,”  “is that there are many different career paths for students to pursue. They do not strictly need to pursue a career ‘at the bench’ as an associate scientist or technician at a medical device or pharmaceutical company.”

Career14 describes the field as “complex” and “interdisciplinary,” noting that biotechnology goes beyond biology and chemistry. The discipline applies to many industries, he says. Professionals can find exciting, meaningful work in areas outside of initial drug development.

The field—and its careers—span other functional areas that are just as integral in getting a meaningful biotechnology product to market. These areas include:

• Research and development


• Quality assurance/regulatory affairs


• Manufacturing


• Clinical research


• Government (policymaking)


• Software engineering


• Food, animal, and environmental science


• Sales and technical support


• Business management


• Project management

Because biotechnology has applications in many industries, professionals can choose to work for a variety of organizations, including government agencies, private companies, regulatory bodies, or clinical laboratories. Biotechnology employers range in size and type from small start-ups to global pharmaceutical leaders to federally-funded organizations such as the Department of Agriculture and National Institutes of Health.

Career14 emphasizes the extraordinary developments happening in the field, including personalized medicine, gene therapy, industrial disease treatment, and even hazardous waste control. But what’s most exciting about the industry, he says, is that no matter what part of the field you’re in, you can truly have an impact on the world around you.

Here are some of the most in-demand biotechnology careers that are shaping our future.

In-Demand Biotechnology Careers

Biomedical Engineer

Projected Growth by 2026: 7%

Biomedical engineers combine engineering and biological expertise to design solutions to problems in biology and medicine. With the goal to improve the quality and effectiveness of patient healthcare, they design biomedical equipment, devices, and medical software, such as artificial organs, prostheses, and diagnostic machines.

Biochemist

Projected Growth by 2026: 11%

Biochemists study the chemical properties of living things and biological processes, such as cell development, cell growth, heredity, and disease. They conduct complex research projects and frequently isolate, analyze, and synthesize proteins, lipids (fats), DNA, carbohydrates (sugars), and other molecules. They also research the effects of drugs, hormones, and nutrients on tissues and biological processes to develop products and processes that may improve human health.

Medical Scientist

Projected Growth by 2026: 13%

Medical scientists conduct clinical research to improve patient health by investigating diseases and prevention methods. They may also develop and test medical devices. They frequently prepare and analyze medical samples to investigate the causes and treatments of toxicity, pathogens, and chronic diseases. These scientists also help standardize drug potency, doses, and methods for the mass manufacturing and distribution of drugs and medicinal compounds.

Biological/Clinical Technician

Projected Growth by 2026: 13%

Also known as medical laboratory scientists, biological technicians collect samples, perform tests, and analyze results of body fluids, tissue, bacteria cultures, and other substances. These technicians use lab instruments, advanced robotics, specialized computer software, and automated equipment to collect, analyze, and model experimental data.

Microbiologist

Projected Growth by 2026: 8%

Microbiologists study viruses, bacteria and the immune system to produce biomedical and industrial products. These professionals conduct complex research projects and lab experiments to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of infectious illnesses.

Process Development Scientist

Process development scientists oversee the manufacturing process in an organization’s lab, looking for ways to increase quality and efficiency. Once a new product has been developed and approved for manufacturing, these scientists develop methods to scale production while adhering to standardized protocols.

Biomanufacturing Specialists

Biomanufacturing specialists use tools and methods to guarantee products meet stringent requirements of purity, safety, potency and quality throughout the manufacturing process. Biomanufacturing often involves the large-scale production of proteins used to treat or cure human diseases, which requires that these specialists possess a thorough knowledge of federal, state, and industry regulatory standards.

Business Development Manager

Business development managers provide detailed market analysis and competitive intelligence to help biotechnology companies formulate and execute growth and investment strategies. They assist in assessing and pursuing expansion, acquisition, and collaborative research and partnering opportunities with other biotechnology institutions to achieve business growth in line with corporate strategic goals.

Director of Product Strategy/Commercialization

Biotechnology professionals in these business-related roles are responsible for the development and execution of the commercialization strategy for new biotechnology products including launch, market development, marketing, sales, and logistics, driving growth and profitability while ensuring compliance with regulatory and quality requirements.

How to Prepare for a Career in the Biotech Industry

Career14 says there are five key strategies aspiring professionals can employ to advance their biotechnology careers.

1. Build an educational foundation.

Career14 says the first key to a successful biotech career is a solid educational foundation rooted in science-related coursework. Advanced programs, such as a Master of Science in Biotechnology, can give you a chance to explore the many avenues you can take in your career—something he considers critical.

“Look for a degree program that will give you the opportunity to get hands-on experience. It will help mimic the accountability and responsibility of a real-world company, where the work is not only about learning, but about owning projects and achieving results.”

2. Stay open-minded.

In a field like biotechnology, Career14 says: “Keep the blinders off.” When choosing your path, he says it’s important to look at the wealth of potential roles you can play in the industry, and not limit your options based on your first few experiences in the field.

Since there are so many options, it can be tough to find a good fit right away. While many prefer working for a pharmaceutical giant—“the Pfizers and Mercks of the world”— others prefer start-up cultures where they’ll be expected to wear many hats.

He suggests asking yourself: “Money aside, do I really see myself working here?”—noting that it’s likely you’ll make a good living no matter which path you choose. Research agrees, listing the average annual wage for a U.S. biotech worker as $94,543.

3. Hone your soft skills.

While it’s important to be detail-oriented at the bench, Career14 says it’s equally important to hone your soft skills. In today’s biotechnology market, scientific expertise is only one part of the hiring equation.

“While technical skill and scientific knowledge are a required baseline, that’s now not enough for companies looking to hire biotech professionals. How efficient are you in your communications? How do you engage with others? Defend your hypotheses? Troubleshoot issues? Handle conflict?”

When you get to the interview, the hiring manager is going to want to talk about your soft skills, he says. They want to know they are hiring the whole package. It’s not just about “how well you can pipette,” but how you can communicate and articulate your ideas to others within the business.

4. Build your professional network.

Establishing a robust professional network is crucial to career success. In fact, studies show that 85 percent of all jobs are filled through networking. So although it may seem difficult to find the time, make it a priority to build meaningful connections with those around you, including colleagues, supervisors, advisors, professors, and industry professionals. Join professional organizations, attend local industry meetups, or simply ask a coworker to have a conversation over lunch. Having a strong set of professional contacts can open doors to new opportunities, give you access to industry experts, and even help you land your next promotion.

5. Keep learning and adapting.

One of the biggest challenges biotechnology professionals face, he says, is being prepared for the constant change that occurs in the industry.

“Students need to be prepared: As much as you want to generate a meaningful product, there is a large financial component to the work. We still work within a business model. Jobs can be terminated; departments can be liquidated quickly.”

The good news is, however, because the only constant is change, there’s likely to be a new product or team that will quickly appear in its place, he says. One way to be prepared for this dynamic industry is to never stop learning. Career14 suggests upskilling by earning additional certificates in the discipline, attending conferences, and utilizing your network.

Taking the Next Step in Your Biotechnology Career

If you’re interested in being at the forefront of emerging advances in biotechnology, now is an opportune time to earn an advanced degree. As the field continues to evolve, there’s a growing need for skilled professionals to innovate and bring new technologies to market.