You'll usually need a degree in a relevant scientific subject, like:
- biotechnology
- bioscience
- microbiology
- biochemistry
- chemistry or chemical engineering
Employers will expect you to have some knowledge of the biotechnology area you want to work in, for example the food and drinks industry.
You'll need a postgraduate qualification and several years' experience for a research job.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 7 (A* to B), including English, maths, chemistry and biology
- 2 or 3 A levels, including a biological science for a degree
- a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study