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Biotechnologist
Biotechnologists study plants, animals, microbes, biochemistry and genetics to develop new products and improve existing ones.
Average salary (a year)
£23000
Starter
£44000
Experienced
Typical hours (a week)
37.0 to 40.0 hours
a week
Work Hours
evenings / weekends / bank holidays
on shifts
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You can get into this job through:a university course; an apprenticeship; working towards this role
University
You can do a degree qualification in a relevant scientific subject, like
biotechnology, bioscience, microbiology, biochemistry, food science, chemistry or chemical engineering
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
equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/
Apprenticeship
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, Laboratory Science Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship
Science Manufacturing Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship, Technician Scientist Level 5 Higher Apprenticeship, Laboratory Science 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
equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
higher and degree apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/higher-and-degree-apprenticeships
guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide
Work
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.
More Information
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.
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
Digital Skills Level
to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
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
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
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
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.
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
project or departmental management, science communications, quality assurance, bioinformatics and data analysis, freelance consultancy or scientific advisory work, biotechnology policy and ethics
Job profile data provided by The National Careers Service.
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