Biotechnology is a broad research and development field where professionals apply the principles of biological science to create new products, processes, and medicines. There are many different types of biotechnology jobs available for biological and medical scientists, engineers, and technicians. Biotechnology jobs can be found with universities, private research institutions, pharmaceutical companies, and manufacturing firms.

Many individuals who hold advanced degrees in science obtain biotechnology jobs with research laboratories and universities. There are several different sub-fields in which scientists might specialize, including food science, agricultural studies, biological and chemical manufacturing, and industrial technology. Experts conduct extensive research on the properties of different chemicals and substances. They use their findings to develop a number of different products, such as food additives, pesticides, and plastics.

Medical scientists in biotechnology jobs investigate the nature of bacteria and viruses, and apply their research to the creation of new pharmaceuticals. They often have extensive knowledge of molecular biology, chemistry, and human physiology. Scientists design new drugs and conduct extensive trials to ensure their effectiveness or safety. They are frequently responsible for writing detailed reports about trial results and seeking approval from federal administrations before new drugs can be marketed to the public.

Specialists known as geneticists study the principles of genes and chromosomes to learn about the causes and possible treatments of different genetic disorders. They scrutinize samples under microscopes, analyze visible interactions and computer data, and conduct clinical gene therapy trials. Geneticists are leaders in genetic engineering research, and many professionals in biotechnology jobs have contributed to the human genome project.

Engineers in biotechnology companies study the principles of different biochemicals in hopes that they can be used in the production of new machines and materials. Many engineers design and build prototypes for medical testing devices and laboratory equipment. When prototypes prove successful, engineers often apply for patents and introduce their new technologies to outside enterprises.

Scientists and engineers depend on laboratory technicians to ensure efficient, reliable operations. Technicians may be responsible for setting up laboratory experiments, monitoring testing procedures, finding subjects for clinical trials, recording data, and cleaning facilities. They often assist scientists with writing reports and presenting results.

Biotechnology is a quickly expanding field, and there is generally a steady calling for experts to fill openings in all different job settings. Medical scientists are in especially high demand to conduct research on currently incurable conditions, including cancer. The work of today's scientists, engineers, and technicians paves the way for future breakthroughs in medicine and technology.