By: Zeynep Tokuz
Want to major in biotech but don’t know about the different career paths you might take following college? Well, fear not, biotechtalk is here to inform you on 5 different careers in biotech (not listed in any particular order):
1. Biomedical Engineer
Biomedical engineers apply their knowledge regarding “mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, chemical engineering, materials science, chemistry, mathematics, and computer science and engineering” (Michigan Technological University) and combine that “with human biology in biomedical engineering to improve human health” (Michigan Technological University).
They work on many projects including but not limited to: design and development medical devices and prosthetics, implants, tissue, and stem cell engineering, etc
The average salary for a biomedical engineer is $98K.
2. Biological Technician
Biological technicians are responsible for collecting samples, performing analyses, conducting experiments with samples, and maintaining the equipment they use. Their experiments are imperative as their observations are reported to scientists. “In addition to experiments, biological technicians would know how to set-up, operate, and sanitize lab equipment to ensure substances are not exposed to cross-contamination.” (“What Does a Biological Technician Do? How to Become a Biological Tech.”).
Some work that they participate in include: using databases, collecting biological samples, assisting teams with general tasks, etc.
The average salary for a biological technician is $44.5K.
3. DNA Analyst
DNA analysts work closely with the law enforcements by examining and analyzing evidence gathered by investigators. These scientists must “identify, isolate, and even copy small amounts of DNA within biological evidence. They then compare those strands to strands from a known source to determine whether or not there is a probability of a match.” (Roufa).
They work closely with forensic scientists and use DNA analysis to “identify victims and suspects, as well as placing people at crime scenes.” (Roufa). When there is no profile match, they can also prove innocence for those who have been accused.
The average salary for a DNA Analyst is $54K.
4. Microbiologist
The role of microbiologists is to examine microorganisms such as bacteria and viruses found in a variety of environments such as food, different diseases, and even “ tracking the role of microbes in climate change.” (Microbiology Society). Microbiologists don’t have one path that they could take, rather they work in a variety of areas such as healthcare, environments, and food security. Microbiologists help us identify potential harmful organisms and help research and find new information on these organisms.
The average salary for a microbiologist is $61K.
5. Genetic Engineer
Genetic engineers play around with the DNA of organisms in a number of ways including combining certain genomes together or modifying a certain characteristic of an organism. We can use genetic engineering in agriculture, technology, and research. By using genetic engineering in agriculture we can improve the growth rate of plants, increase nutritional value and increase resistance against diseases.
The average salary for a genetic engineer is $96K.
Sources:
“Biological Technician.” Salary.com, 2022, www.salary.com/research/salary/posting/biological-technician-salary.
Michigan Technological University. “What Is Biomedical Engineering?” Michigan Technological University, Michigan Technological University, 4 Oct. 2021, www.mtu.edu/biomedical/department/what-is/.
Microbiology Society. “What Microbiologists Do.” Microbiologysociety.org, 2020, https://microbiologysociety.org/careers/what-microbiologists-do.html
Roufa, Timothy. “The Job of a DNA Analyst—Duties, Salary, and More.” The Balance Careers, 3 June 2019, www.thebalancecareers.com/dna-analyst-job-information-974644.
“What Does a Biological Technician Do? How to Become a Biological Tech.” Career Test: Free Tests & Quiz for Students and Adults, 23 July 2017, www.yourfreecareertest.com/biological-technician/.
“What Is Genetic Engineering?” @Yourgenome, 7 Oct. 2014, www.yourgenome.org/facts/what-is-genetic-engineering.
コメント