Biotechnologist Job Description – What Are their Duties
Asides from biomedical science, biotechnology is an emerging field which has really helped in advancing both health and industrial needs. They have actively contributed via research into agriculture to eliminate some problems associated with farming e.g the creation of biologically engineered crops.
Contents
Job Profile For Biotechnologists
Biotechnologists usually take time in understanding and carrying out research to see how organisms can be used to prefer solutions or make new innovations within the health, industrial or agricultural sector. Working in the laboratory for long hours is one of the things you might have to do especially when carrying out some laboratory work that requires monitoring. The field of biological technology is quite wide thus specialising in a particular area is also very important especially when starting out your career, Some of the areas of specialisation includes;
- Industrial
- Agricultural
- Medical
- Environmental
- Biofuel
- Aquatic and Marine Biotechnology
Read also: Short Courses in Medical and Health Sciences
 Job Description Of Biotechnologists
- Analysis of biological fluids or the activity of desired enzymes which have proved to be useful in the desired area.
- Ensuring that people in the laboratory adhere to health and safety procedures
- Writing of reports from the analysis carried out
- Attending biotechnology-related seminars and workshops
What Skill Should I Have As A Biotechnologist?
Some of the relevant skills you should be deliberate about having as a biotechnologist includes;
- Analytical skills
- Good communication skills
- Working alongside team members
- Laboratory skills
- Paying attention to detail
- Ability to work for long hours and work well under pressure.
Who Are The Employers Of Biotechnologists?
In case you were wondering where your degree as a biotechnologist would enable you to work in, here are some of the areas you can consider sending your applications to after graduation they include:
- Hospitals
- Research Laboratories
- Universities (as an academic)
- Pharmaceutical industries
- Genetic engineering and biotechnology companies
- Agricultural related institutions
- Food and beverage industries
What Steps Can I Take To Become A Biotechnologist?
First of all, you should have a flair for biological sciences as the basic understanding of biology and chemistry would be useful throughout your career. some of the fields where you can have an undergraduate degree before studying biotechnology at graduate level include;
- biochemistry
- biological sciences e.g physiology, anatomy
- biology
- biomedical engineering
- biomedical science
- biotechnology
- chemistry
- chemical engineering
- microbiology
- molecular biology
- pharmacology
- Genetic engineering
You should also ensure that you study biotechnology with an intention to specialise in the desired area at postgraduate level for a better understanding of the principles involved in this field. After fulfilling all of these, you can then look to applying for internship positions within research laboratories or hospitals for the required work experience.
