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Biotechnologist

Alternative titles for this job include

Biotechnologists use plants, animals, microbes, biochemistry and genetics to develop new products and improve existing ones.

Average salary (a year)

£19,000 Starter

to

£55,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

38 to 40 a week

You could work

evenings / weekends / bank holidays on shifts

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become a biotechnologist

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role

University

You'll usually need a degree in a relevant scientific subject, like:

  • biotechnology
  • bioscience
  • microbiology
  • biochemistry
  • chemistry or chemical engineering

Employers in sectors like the food and drink industry will expect you to have some knowledge of the relevant biotechnology specialism.

For a research job, you'll usually need several years' experience and have or be working towards a postgraduate qualification.

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 for a degree
  • a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

More Information

Apprenticeship

You may be able to work your way towards this role by doing a Laboratory Science degree apprenticeship.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 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

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 may find it useful to join an organisation like the Science Council so you can:

  • get professional recognition
  • find training opportunities
  • make industry contacts

Further information

You can find out more about working in biotechnology from the:

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • knowledge of biology
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • the ability to work on your own
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • maths knowledge
  • the ability to work well with others
  • analytical thinking skills
  • knowledge of chemistry including the safe use and disposal of chemicals
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

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
  • create alternative renewable 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
  • create biological detergents and dyes for the textiles industry
  • improve animal feed
  • develop crops that are more resistant to pests
  • genetically modify crops to increase productivity

In medical biotechnology and biotherapeutics, you could:

  • study human genetics, proteins, antibodies, viruses, plants, fungi and bacteria
  • research and treat diseases like cancer
  • develop therapies, vaccines and hormones to treat the cause of diseases
  • 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.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

With experience, you could move into areas like:

  • people and project management
  • science communication
  • quality assurance management
  • product sales or marketing
  • freelance consultancy or scientific advisory work

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Level 6 R&D Laboratory Scientist Degree Apprenticeship Programme - Port Sunlight, Wirral

  • Wage: £16,432.00 Annually
  • Location: Quarry Road East, Bebington, Wirral

Level 6 Chemical Engineering Degree Apprenticeship Programme - Port Sunlight, Wirral

  • Wage: £17,000.00 Annually
  • Location: Quarry Road East, Bebington, Wirral
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

Chemistry

  • Provider: LITTLEOVER COMMUNITY SCHOOL
  • Start date: 05 September 2023
  • Location: Derby

Chemistry

  • Provider: BENNETT MEMORIAL DIOCESAN SCHOOL
  • Start date: 01 September 2023
  • Location: Tunbridge Wells
Find courses near you

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