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Biotechnology

Page history last edited by Cindy Vaughn 14 years, 1 month ago

The Industry of Biotechnology

What is biotechnology, anyway? Biotechnology is the use of biological processes, organisms, or systems to manufacture products intended to improve the quality of human life. (Source: Whatis.com)

 

Life sciences, technology, manufacturing - it's all a part of biotechnology. With new discoveries being made every day, there are lots of opportunities to be a part of the action.  The earliest biotechnologists were farmers who developed improved species of plants and animals by cross pollenization or cross breeding. In recent years, biotechnology has expanded in sophistication, scope, and application. 

 

The science of biotechnology can be broken down into sub-disciplines called red, white, green, and blue.

  • Red biotechnology involves medical processes such as getting organisms to produce new drugs, or using stem cells to regenerate damaged human tissues and perhaps re-grow entire organs.
  • White (also called gray) biotechnology involves industrial processes such as the production of new chemicals or the development of new fuels for vehicles. 
  • Green biotechnology applies to agriculture and involves such processes as the development of pest-resistant grains or the accelerated evolution of disease-resistant animals.
  • Blue biotechnology, rarely mentioned, encompasses processes in marine and aquatic environments, such as controlling the proliferation of noxious water-borne organisms.

According to Career Voyages (http://www.careervoyages.gov/biotechnology-main.cfm ), there are different stages of the biotechnology process:

  • Research and Development (R&D) - conduct groundbreaking scientific research with state-of-the-art scientific technology.  Biotech R&D Technicians take the first steps toward curing the world's deadliest diseases. They design state-of-the-art products and services to meet the needs of scientists in the worldwide biomedical research community. This dynamic career path offers opportunities in a variety of research fields.
  • Quality Control and Assurance - perfect the systems and procedures of cutting-edge research and production.  Making a biotechnology product involves meeting specifications for precision and safety. Quality Assurance requires the product to meet certain standards and specifications. These are the people who ensure that products are what the labels say they are.
  • Manufacturing and Production - build innovative and life-saving scientific technology.  Biomanufacturing is an essential component of today's biotech industry. A career in biomanufacturing requires creativity and innovative thinking. Biomanufacturing technicians are the experts on the development and maintenance of biotech machinery. They play an integral role in biotech research and are responsible for developing and maintaining the technology and innovative equipment that drives industry research. 

 

Careers in Biotechnology

Because the science of biotechnology is so varied, the industry of biotechnology offers many career opportunities.  Jobs in biotechnology can be found in these Career Clusters.  Take a look; see if you can identify the biotechnical job titles.

There are many jobs in this industry that do not require a science background or a four-year degree.  A wide variety of career opportunities are available from entry level to the very advanced.  They include careers in sales and marketing, law, business and information technology, manufacturing and quality control, program management and clerical support, and laboratory technician and laboratory assistant  Check out the sites below to learn more. 

 

Wisconsin Labor Market Information

Visit the Wisconsin WORKnet website to learn more about the state labor market.  Use the Job Seeker and Career Exploration links (on left side of screen) to explore in more depth.  http://worknet.wisconsin.gov/worknet/default.aspx

 

Important High School Courses

If your career goal is to pursue a career in the biotechnology industry, it would be beneficial for you to take

  • Biological science courses
  • Chemistry – organic and inorganic
  • Math courses since strong math skills are often needed for these careers
  • Agriculture courses

  • Information technology courses (i.e., computer programming & software application)

  • Participation in a work-based learning program or a youth apprenticeship will provide valuable on-the-job experience and exposure to the tasks and responsibilities associated with jobs in this industry sector.
  • Consider doing one or more job shadows with persons who work in various careers in this industry in order to gain exposure to the responsibilities and kinds of work associated with these careers.

 

Colleges, Universities & Technical Colleges

Several UW System schools offer majors or sub majors related to biotechnology.

 

Businesses, Organizations, & Resources

 

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