The term "biotech," short for "biotechnology," refers to the application and manipulation of biological resources to develop products and processes that fulfill industrial and other human objectives. While popular imagination tends to latch onto controversial fields of biotechnological research like DNA typing, cloning, and stem cell research, the fact is that biotechnology has commonplace applications ranging from bread production to wastewater recycling that influence our daily lives. The consequence of this wide reach of biotechnology is that the number biotech jobs continues to grow faster than the numbers of jobs in other sectors.
The Divisions of Biotech
A great number of industries are directly influenced by biotechnology, and it would be difficult to mention all of them in a short article. However, to provide a broader perspective, jobs in biotechnology can be grouped into three functional categories:
Research and development: Considered by some to be the most prestigious division of biotech research and development (R&D) creates the frontiers of biotechnology and sets the paradigms that influence both humanity and the biotech job market. The three major divisions of biotechnological R&D are research for discoveries, veterinary sciences, and bioinformatics. Jobs in this sector are usually reserved for life scientists.
Clinical research and safety: Once a functional process or product is developed by R&D, the necessity to establish trials to determine the impact of the product or process on public health and safety emerges. Biotechnologists working in this field ensure the safety of biotechnological products and processes.
Compliance: Issues of compliance with respect to biotechnological products and processes—in terms of both quality and standards and rules established by the state—create openings for biotechnologists.
Openings for biotechnologists are also available in the following specific areas and functional fields:
Medicine and Pharmaceuticals
In this broad field, the following functional areas need biotechnologists:
genetics, including medical genetics, genetic counseling, and genetic nursing
organ transplantation, reproduction, and regenerative medicine
public health and safety, which includes projects ranging from vaccine development to wastewater treatment by bacterial colonies
gene testing and genetic therapy
Agriculture
Under the broad heading of agriculture, the following functional areas rely on the application of biotechnology and consequently are the areas where biotech jobs are to be found:
development of genetically modified variations of plants and seeds
development of biological pesticides and nutrition
identification and protection of endangered species, including artificial breeding
verification and authentication of costly food products
Bioinformatics
Under this broad heading come:
computational biology
supercomputing
statistical and actuarial functions
data analysis, data transfer, database creation, and other data-related functions
Law
With the rise in the use of biotechnology, openings for biotechnologists have also opened up in the legal field. Openings are principally located in the following functional areas:
patent specialties and litigation
academia
ethical, social, and legal issues
forensic sciences, including gene testing for identification purposes
Guided Missile Development and Space Technology
Biotechnologists are required in organizations engaged in manufacturing guided missiles and space vehicles. Functional areas include:
creation of closed artificial environments
creation of life-supporting equipment and systems
research into the effects of space on biological systems
cybernetics
Engineering
There are many opportunities for biotechnologists in the field of engineering. Biotechnologists working in this area may be involved in:
designing bioprocessing containers and equipment
creating new energy sources such as biofuels
biomedical engineering
Education
Obviously a need for biotechnologists who can teach will always exist. Types of opportunities available in biotechnological education reflect the needs of universities and traditional academic structure.
Besides the above fields, there are myriad other divisions of applied biotechnology, including life-science research, anthropology, history, military, bio-science communication, and chemical manufacturing.
Biotech Job Designations
Biotech job designations are as varied as the fields in which biotechnology finds application. Though designations can reflect the imagination of the employer, some standard, industry-recognized designations that are related to biotechnology or the application of biotechnical knowledge are veterinary assistant, veterinarian, technician, technologist, chemist, pharmacologist, laboratory technician, chemical technician, engineer, computer system analyst, health service worker, physician, biological scientist, biotechnologist, and agricultural technician. One's designation depends on the organization, industry, and sector in which he or she works, and job designations can be superficially misleading.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Biotechnology – Its Latest Trends And Techniques
One of the fastest growing research areas in the world is Biotechnology as we know it. The basic idea behind biotechnology is using living things to create products rather than the other way around. We often times see that the living organisms are nothing more than parts of DNA structure or code which will help the researcher to develop the idea that he or she has working. The organisms do what the research does not have the power to do, hence their small size. The organisms are used to perform the tasks that are impossible for humans and can only be accomplished by the tiny particles that are working inside everything we see and touch on a daily basis.
The trends in biotechnology are inviting to a good many areas of the world. The industrial sector is extremely interested in biotechnology as they need new ways to develop products without the use of humans. This is generally because the process that is used to make the products can be overtly dangerous to people and the job needs to be performed by something that will not be harmed. This is where biotechnology fits into the process. The particles that are used will set to work doing the only task they know how. This in turn helps the company as they have developed the way to make sure that none of their employees were harmed and the job was done correctly without the intervention of humans to the methods. This is popularly shown with the new one way reactor that is being installed with many of the larger industry areas. Rather than the power having to move back and fourth it comes out and stays out while the reactor continues to make more. This would not be possible if it were not for the biotechnology research that has been done in this area.
The other most important area that biotechnology is present in is the medical or red sector. Using the techniques that biotechnology employs researchers believe that they are very close to having a system that will diagnose and attack tumors in the body without surgery. This would all be done by way of an injection that would contain the biotechnology particles and organisms that are specifically made to attack and diagnose the tumor as it is found in the body. This is very good news for the many cancer patients of the world. When you operate on a cancer patient you run the risk of the disease spreading or missing some of the cancerous material that is contained therein. This will be completely unnecessary if the use of biotechnology reaches a point where it will do the job that it is made to do.
Biotechnology is changing the way that the world is created around us and is working to help cure some of the most horrible diseases that are currently known to man.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Biotechnology Certificate and Training Programs
A cursory look at jobs that are being offered in biotechnology, bioscience and life science, by companies, organizations and institutions, demonstrates the wide range of job titles and jobs offerings available to job seekers. True, many of these entities are conducting cutting-edge research and development, but it is also true that like other industries they require support from employees who have skills and expertise in other fields that enable them to conduct their overall operations.
Biotechnology companies (and such allied industries as pharmaceuticals, health care, bioinformatics, agriculture and engineering), organizations and educational institutions require employees with diverse expertise from a variety of fields for efficient, productive operation. Employees are required in such fields as:
Accounting and finance, administration, management, Human Resources, technical writing, marketing, Quality Assurance, medical sales, IT, Multimedia, Graphic Design, and law
The growing field of biotechnology is also creating career opportunities that do not require advanced degrees. These jobs titles include:
Assay analyst, media prep technician, glasshouse assistant, glass washer, instrument calibration technician, documentation specialist, lab technician, library asssistant, technical services representative, buyer, and medical and paraprofessional support
Certificate and Training Programs
Many community and junior colleges, as well as some colleges and universities, are offering short-term biotechnology training and certificate programs, A. A. and B. A. degrees. Some universities are also offering graduate certification programs. The following include some of the institutions that are offering training and certificate programs:
California State University, Hayward (CSUH) --Biotechnology Certificate Program (BCP) -- The Biotechnology Certificate Program (BCP) was established at CSUH in 1986 to meet the personnel requirements of the rapidly expanding Bay Area biotechnology industry. The program was among the first in California to offer an integrated series of courses in the molecular life sciences leading to a certificate. CSUH is presenting two new programs of study in Bioinformatics and Regulatory Affairs. The Bioinformatics program is offered in the evening and the Regulatory Affairs program is completely on-line and is offered in association with San Diego State University.
California State University, Los Angeles-- Biotechnology (Post-baccalaureate) Certificate Program-- This post-baccalaureate certificate program provides intensive theoretical and laboratory training in the techniques and application of genetic engineering and related technologies. It is meant for students who have a bachelor's degree or equivalent in the biological or biochemical sciences but who have little or no experience in genetic engineering.
Columbia University Teachers College -- Certificate in Health Disparities Reduction-- This online or in-person certificate program in Health Disparities Reduction is offered jointly through the Department of Behavioral Studies Program in Health Education and the Center for Educational Outreach and Innovation at Teachers College, Columbia University, This program is for professionals with varied backgrounds who share an interest in being exposed to knowledge, attitudes/beliefs, and skills seen as central to the task of working to reduce disparities in health. Building upon their area-specific or pre-existing professional and academic preparation; those admitted will hold a minimum of a BA or BS degree. These professionals include but are not limited to allied healthcare professionals, social workers, health and related counseling professionals, researchers, teachers, doctors and health and school administrators working in an urban setting in particular, as well as others nationwide who are seeking distance learning opportunities.
Indiana University School of Medicine--The Graduate Certificate in Biotechnology is designed to train technicians for working in health-related industrial research laboratories, including those at the IU School of Medicine. Students also have access to IUSM core facilities in gene expression analysis, genotyping, protein expression, animal experimentation, proteomics, imaging and cell analysis research.
Ivy Tech Community College-Bloomington-- Biotechnology Program-- Ivy Tech Community College's Biotechnology degree program is designed to provide an educational opportunity to students who want to take career paths in Biotechnology as entry-level technicians.
Ohio State Agricultural Technical Institute, OH--Ohio State ATI has a broad range of programs in agriculture: horticulture, animal sciences, crop sciences, environmental sciences, and engineering technologies. They have the largest number of 2 year agricultural graduates in the nation.
Seattle Central Community College -- Biotechnology Training Program-- The Biotechnology Training Program prepares students for entry-level employment as biotechnicians and is approved by the college's industry-based Biotechnology Advisory Committee and the State of Washington. Classes in the program include cell biology, microbiology, genetics, immunology, chemistry, computer science applications, technical writing, applied mathematics, and hands-on training in biotechnology laboratory techniques and media and solution preparation.
University of California, San Diego--UCSD Extension--Offers Professional & Specialized Certificates in Biotechnology--San Diego's biotechnology, pharmaceutical and marine industries are important growth sectors in the California economy. UCSD Extension offers a broad array of courses and certificate programs to meet the continuing education needs of the life sciences community, support high-level skills development for industry professionals and career transition for those interested in entering the biotechnology field.
University of California, Irvine--The Medical Product Development Certificate Program is designed for engineers, scientists, regulatory professionals, managers, physicians, and marketing and sales professionals involved in the medical product industry (degreed professionals or those with an associate degree). The Clinical Laboratory Science/Medical Technology (CLS/MT) Training Program is a full-time, one-year educational program that leads to a career in diagnostic laboratory medicine. UC Irvine Extension's program is designed to fill the growing need for professional learning that ensures designing and implementing clinical trials for success. The Medical Product Development program is designed to meet the need for comprehensive professional learning in the successful design, development and delivery of medical devices, pharmaceuticals, and other biomedical products.
University of Hawaii Community Colleges, Kapi'olani Community College-- Programs of Study include Medical Assisiting, Medical Laboratory Technician, Occupational Therapy Assistant, Pharmacy Technician, Radiologic Technology, Physical Therapy Assistant, and Respiratory Care Technician. The Nursing program offerings include Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) Licensed Practical Nurse to Registered Nurse Transition Program.
San Diego State University Department of Biology: Certificate in Biotechnology-- San Diego State's biotechnology training program is designed to introduce undergraduate, postbaccalaureate, and postdoctoral students and technicians to state-of-the-art techniques used in molecular biological research laboratories as well as to qualify certificate recipients for employment in various sectors of the biotechnological arena.
University of California, Santa Cruz -- Certificate Program in Biotechnology, Applied and Natural Sciences Department-- UCSC Extension's highly regarded Biotechnology Certificate Program was developed to meet the industry's need for professionals who are knowledgeable about core principles and up-to-date on the latest technologies. Whether you are a scientist or a motivated professional from another discipline (IT, engineering, business, legal, financial, project management, and regulatory), this program is designed to help you to develop the solid scientific foundation and industry savvy needed to advance your career in the biopharmaceutical arena.
Certificate Contact: Applied and Natural Sciences Department, (408) 861-3860, or e-mail program@ucsc-extension.edu.
University of Rhode Island Certificate Programs-- Biotechnology Training Initiative Courses and Seminars-- Short courses and seminars ranging from half day to four full days are offered in various areas of operations and management of biotechnology, biomanufacturing, and clinical trials as well as basic areas of related research. Courses vary each semester and have included offerings in Tangential Flow Filtration (lecture and laboratory workshops); Environmental Health & Safety Challenges in Biotechnology and Emerging Industries; Genomics and Proteomics; Tools of Biotechnology; Survey of Systems Biology; and various Good Practices Courses such as Good Clinical Practice, Investigator Clinical Practice Training Program course, SOP Writing Skills (Basic and Improve), and Technical Writing.
University of Virginia, Biotechnology Associate Degree Program-- PVCC offers a two- year associate degree in biotechnology. This program provides PVCC students with the education and training needed to perform selected activities in a research laboratory. By successfully completing this biotechnology curriculum, students will develop the skills necessary to be competitive for laboratory specialist positions at the University of Virginia and for other lab research positions at biotech companies. This program was developed in response to a demonstrated need for additional laboratory specialists at UVA.
Workforce Alliance Biotechnology Training Grant -- The regional workforce investment board for Palm Beach County, Florida has developed a Biotech career ladder with course curriculum for certificate programs and plans to continue the development of a BS to MS program in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology based on coursework in advanced lab techniques. The program is designed to create Biotech career opportunities for participants living in the Treasure Coast.
Online Training and Certificate Programs
Such websites as California Virtual Campus (http://www.cvc.edu/) are also offering training and certifcate programs. The California Virtual Campus site is designed for those who want to further their educational objectives by linking to online courses and other services offered by the Golden State's colleges and universities. Many colleges and universities in other states are also offering Distance and Online E-Learning Certificate and Training Programs.
Biotechnology companies (and such allied industries as pharmaceuticals, health care, bioinformatics, agriculture and engineering), organizations and educational institutions require employees with diverse expertise from a variety of fields for efficient, productive operation. Employees are required in such fields as:
Accounting and finance, administration, management, Human Resources, technical writing, marketing, Quality Assurance, medical sales, IT, Multimedia, Graphic Design, and law
The growing field of biotechnology is also creating career opportunities that do not require advanced degrees. These jobs titles include:
Assay analyst, media prep technician, glasshouse assistant, glass washer, instrument calibration technician, documentation specialist, lab technician, library asssistant, technical services representative, buyer, and medical and paraprofessional support
Certificate and Training Programs
Many community and junior colleges, as well as some colleges and universities, are offering short-term biotechnology training and certificate programs, A. A. and B. A. degrees. Some universities are also offering graduate certification programs. The following include some of the institutions that are offering training and certificate programs:
California State University, Hayward (CSUH) --Biotechnology Certificate Program (BCP) -- The Biotechnology Certificate Program (BCP) was established at CSUH in 1986 to meet the personnel requirements of the rapidly expanding Bay Area biotechnology industry. The program was among the first in California to offer an integrated series of courses in the molecular life sciences leading to a certificate. CSUH is presenting two new programs of study in Bioinformatics and Regulatory Affairs. The Bioinformatics program is offered in the evening and the Regulatory Affairs program is completely on-line and is offered in association with San Diego State University.
California State University, Los Angeles-- Biotechnology (Post-baccalaureate) Certificate Program-- This post-baccalaureate certificate program provides intensive theoretical and laboratory training in the techniques and application of genetic engineering and related technologies. It is meant for students who have a bachelor's degree or equivalent in the biological or biochemical sciences but who have little or no experience in genetic engineering.
Columbia University Teachers College -- Certificate in Health Disparities Reduction-- This online or in-person certificate program in Health Disparities Reduction is offered jointly through the Department of Behavioral Studies Program in Health Education and the Center for Educational Outreach and Innovation at Teachers College, Columbia University, This program is for professionals with varied backgrounds who share an interest in being exposed to knowledge, attitudes/beliefs, and skills seen as central to the task of working to reduce disparities in health. Building upon their area-specific or pre-existing professional and academic preparation; those admitted will hold a minimum of a BA or BS degree. These professionals include but are not limited to allied healthcare professionals, social workers, health and related counseling professionals, researchers, teachers, doctors and health and school administrators working in an urban setting in particular, as well as others nationwide who are seeking distance learning opportunities.
Indiana University School of Medicine--The Graduate Certificate in Biotechnology is designed to train technicians for working in health-related industrial research laboratories, including those at the IU School of Medicine. Students also have access to IUSM core facilities in gene expression analysis, genotyping, protein expression, animal experimentation, proteomics, imaging and cell analysis research.
Ivy Tech Community College-Bloomington-- Biotechnology Program-- Ivy Tech Community College's Biotechnology degree program is designed to provide an educational opportunity to students who want to take career paths in Biotechnology as entry-level technicians.
Ohio State Agricultural Technical Institute, OH--Ohio State ATI has a broad range of programs in agriculture: horticulture, animal sciences, crop sciences, environmental sciences, and engineering technologies. They have the largest number of 2 year agricultural graduates in the nation.
Seattle Central Community College -- Biotechnology Training Program-- The Biotechnology Training Program prepares students for entry-level employment as biotechnicians and is approved by the college's industry-based Biotechnology Advisory Committee and the State of Washington. Classes in the program include cell biology, microbiology, genetics, immunology, chemistry, computer science applications, technical writing, applied mathematics, and hands-on training in biotechnology laboratory techniques and media and solution preparation.
University of California, San Diego--UCSD Extension--Offers Professional & Specialized Certificates in Biotechnology--San Diego's biotechnology, pharmaceutical and marine industries are important growth sectors in the California economy. UCSD Extension offers a broad array of courses and certificate programs to meet the continuing education needs of the life sciences community, support high-level skills development for industry professionals and career transition for those interested in entering the biotechnology field.
University of California, Irvine--The Medical Product Development Certificate Program is designed for engineers, scientists, regulatory professionals, managers, physicians, and marketing and sales professionals involved in the medical product industry (degreed professionals or those with an associate degree). The Clinical Laboratory Science/Medical Technology (CLS/MT) Training Program is a full-time, one-year educational program that leads to a career in diagnostic laboratory medicine. UC Irvine Extension's program is designed to fill the growing need for professional learning that ensures designing and implementing clinical trials for success. The Medical Product Development program is designed to meet the need for comprehensive professional learning in the successful design, development and delivery of medical devices, pharmaceuticals, and other biomedical products.
University of Hawaii Community Colleges, Kapi'olani Community College-- Programs of Study include Medical Assisiting, Medical Laboratory Technician, Occupational Therapy Assistant, Pharmacy Technician, Radiologic Technology, Physical Therapy Assistant, and Respiratory Care Technician. The Nursing program offerings include Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) Licensed Practical Nurse to Registered Nurse Transition Program.
San Diego State University Department of Biology: Certificate in Biotechnology-- San Diego State's biotechnology training program is designed to introduce undergraduate, postbaccalaureate, and postdoctoral students and technicians to state-of-the-art techniques used in molecular biological research laboratories as well as to qualify certificate recipients for employment in various sectors of the biotechnological arena.
University of California, Santa Cruz -- Certificate Program in Biotechnology, Applied and Natural Sciences Department-- UCSC Extension's highly regarded Biotechnology Certificate Program was developed to meet the industry's need for professionals who are knowledgeable about core principles and up-to-date on the latest technologies. Whether you are a scientist or a motivated professional from another discipline (IT, engineering, business, legal, financial, project management, and regulatory), this program is designed to help you to develop the solid scientific foundation and industry savvy needed to advance your career in the biopharmaceutical arena.
Certificate Contact: Applied and Natural Sciences Department, (408) 861-3860, or e-mail program@ucsc-extension.edu.
University of Rhode Island Certificate Programs-- Biotechnology Training Initiative Courses and Seminars-- Short courses and seminars ranging from half day to four full days are offered in various areas of operations and management of biotechnology, biomanufacturing, and clinical trials as well as basic areas of related research. Courses vary each semester and have included offerings in Tangential Flow Filtration (lecture and laboratory workshops); Environmental Health & Safety Challenges in Biotechnology and Emerging Industries; Genomics and Proteomics; Tools of Biotechnology; Survey of Systems Biology; and various Good Practices Courses such as Good Clinical Practice, Investigator Clinical Practice Training Program course, SOP Writing Skills (Basic and Improve), and Technical Writing.
University of Virginia, Biotechnology Associate Degree Program-- PVCC offers a two- year associate degree in biotechnology. This program provides PVCC students with the education and training needed to perform selected activities in a research laboratory. By successfully completing this biotechnology curriculum, students will develop the skills necessary to be competitive for laboratory specialist positions at the University of Virginia and for other lab research positions at biotech companies. This program was developed in response to a demonstrated need for additional laboratory specialists at UVA.
Workforce Alliance Biotechnology Training Grant -- The regional workforce investment board for Palm Beach County, Florida has developed a Biotech career ladder with course curriculum for certificate programs and plans to continue the development of a BS to MS program in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology based on coursework in advanced lab techniques. The program is designed to create Biotech career opportunities for participants living in the Treasure Coast.
Online Training and Certificate Programs
Such websites as California Virtual Campus (http://www.cvc.edu/) are also offering training and certifcate programs. The California Virtual Campus site is designed for those who want to further their educational objectives by linking to online courses and other services offered by the Golden State's colleges and universities. Many colleges and universities in other states are also offering Distance and Online E-Learning Certificate and Training Programs.
Monday, July 21, 2008
Background Requirements For Career In Biotechnology
If you're seeking a career in biotechnology, one thing is for certain ... the more education you have, the higher up you can go. The fact is, no matter where you wind up working, you will be surrounded by people with Ph.D.'s and medical degrees. It is highly unlikely that an individual without an advanced degree such as these will get to the top of the corporate chain.
Therefore a bachelor's degree in the life sciences is a bare minimum. After that, it is recommended that you pursue an advanced degree; whether it be a master's degree or higher. Common degrees include; molecular biology, cell physiology, biochemistry, genetics and the like.
You should plan to take as many labs in college as possible as these will provide you with hands-on experience. Teaching as a student-teacher is also a wise move, as is becoming a part of a research project. It is possible to co-author a quality research paper before you ever even graduate with a bachelor's degree.
Biotechnologists frequently gain employment for biotech corporations. Over the last two decades, thousands of biotech corporations have sprung up around the globe. From start-ups to companies the size of Amgen, the choices range from pay to research to prestige.
Employment in the biotech industry may also be sought in academic institutes; such as universities and non-profit organizations. These typically pay less than biotech corporations, but may have more opportunities for independent research.
As a biotechnologist, you will spend most of your work hours in a laboratory. The work can be tedious and requires patience, but many truly enjoy working with their hands. You will design and carry out experiments and will need to keep good records.
The best biotechnologists enjoy innovation and the spirit of helping to advance society. If you choose biotechnology as a career, you can expect to be right on the cutting edge of technology.
Author: John Daye
Therefore a bachelor's degree in the life sciences is a bare minimum. After that, it is recommended that you pursue an advanced degree; whether it be a master's degree or higher. Common degrees include; molecular biology, cell physiology, biochemistry, genetics and the like.
You should plan to take as many labs in college as possible as these will provide you with hands-on experience. Teaching as a student-teacher is also a wise move, as is becoming a part of a research project. It is possible to co-author a quality research paper before you ever even graduate with a bachelor's degree.
Biotechnologists frequently gain employment for biotech corporations. Over the last two decades, thousands of biotech corporations have sprung up around the globe. From start-ups to companies the size of Amgen, the choices range from pay to research to prestige.
Employment in the biotech industry may also be sought in academic institutes; such as universities and non-profit organizations. These typically pay less than biotech corporations, but may have more opportunities for independent research.
As a biotechnologist, you will spend most of your work hours in a laboratory. The work can be tedious and requires patience, but many truly enjoy working with their hands. You will design and carry out experiments and will need to keep good records.
The best biotechnologists enjoy innovation and the spirit of helping to advance society. If you choose biotechnology as a career, you can expect to be right on the cutting edge of technology.
Author: John Daye
Sunday, July 6, 2008
How To Get A Perfect Biotechnology Job
The euphoria of graduation day has worn off. You have done it - finished up that degree, made your family proud, and now it is time to strike out on your own. Your love of the field led you to seek and earn a degree in biotechnology, but how do you go about finding a job in such a field? It isn't as hard as you might think. You can find a job in biotechnology, or any field, with a little bit of dedication and prep work.
Biotechnology - or the use of technology to modify organic (living) material - is a vast field that has been around for years. While there are several subcategories of the field, the main ones are agriculture, industry, medicine, and bioinformatics. The vastness of the field works in your favor, as there are many options for employment. You could end up working in a brewery or winery to make that perfect drink, or working in the field to minimize the damage an oil spill or other chemical spill might have on wildlife, or even working in a lab on pest control, genetics, or pharmaceuticals. All of it is biotechnology.
The vast array of options aside, how exactly do you go about securing that all-important job? In addition to a biology or biotech degree, you will need a strong resume. Post it to every online job bank you can. Really good ones for biotech jobs are www.Biospace.com, www.cleanroomjobs.net and www.Biotechnologyjobs.com. Posting your resume allows employers to find you. When they call, the initial screening is already complete, and you'll know you passed.
Search the online job bank databases as well. Don't just stick to popular sites like Monster, CareerBuilder, and HotJobs. Try looking at databases dedicated to the biotech job scene. In addition to the above two, check out www.ihirebiotechnology.com and www.sciencejobs.com. Many universities offer free job placement services and career counseling - take advantage of that while you can. They may have connections or knowledge of listings for entry level jobs that are not posted elsewhere.
Another approach to landing that job is to attend job fairs hosted by companies in the biotechnology industry. You can find out about these by reading newspaper classifieds, visiting the human resources pages of the companies you are interested in, and by checking announcements posted in job forums. Make your social networking time pay off!
Lastly, don't be afraid to use word of mouth when it comes to successful job searching. Sometimes, the adage, "It's not what you know, its who you know" proves true. Ask friends, family, or someone "in the know" if they are aware of any jobs that would be right for you. Sometimes, your best tools for job searching are your mouth and ears. Use them wisely.
As vast as the field of biotechnology is, you are bound to find at least an entry level position in a reasonable amount of time. With patience and persistence, the perfect biotechnology job will come your way. Use the resources that are available to you, and watch your career take off.
Biotechnology - or the use of technology to modify organic (living) material - is a vast field that has been around for years. While there are several subcategories of the field, the main ones are agriculture, industry, medicine, and bioinformatics. The vastness of the field works in your favor, as there are many options for employment. You could end up working in a brewery or winery to make that perfect drink, or working in the field to minimize the damage an oil spill or other chemical spill might have on wildlife, or even working in a lab on pest control, genetics, or pharmaceuticals. All of it is biotechnology.
The vast array of options aside, how exactly do you go about securing that all-important job? In addition to a biology or biotech degree, you will need a strong resume. Post it to every online job bank you can. Really good ones for biotech jobs are www.Biospace.com, www.cleanroomjobs.net and www.Biotechnologyjobs.com. Posting your resume allows employers to find you. When they call, the initial screening is already complete, and you'll know you passed.
Search the online job bank databases as well. Don't just stick to popular sites like Monster, CareerBuilder, and HotJobs. Try looking at databases dedicated to the biotech job scene. In addition to the above two, check out www.ihirebiotechnology.com and www.sciencejobs.com. Many universities offer free job placement services and career counseling - take advantage of that while you can. They may have connections or knowledge of listings for entry level jobs that are not posted elsewhere.
Another approach to landing that job is to attend job fairs hosted by companies in the biotechnology industry. You can find out about these by reading newspaper classifieds, visiting the human resources pages of the companies you are interested in, and by checking announcements posted in job forums. Make your social networking time pay off!
Lastly, don't be afraid to use word of mouth when it comes to successful job searching. Sometimes, the adage, "It's not what you know, its who you know" proves true. Ask friends, family, or someone "in the know" if they are aware of any jobs that would be right for you. Sometimes, your best tools for job searching are your mouth and ears. Use them wisely.
As vast as the field of biotechnology is, you are bound to find at least an entry level position in a reasonable amount of time. With patience and persistence, the perfect biotechnology job will come your way. Use the resources that are available to you, and watch your career take off.
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Biotechnology Timeline: Important Events And Discoveries In Biotechnology
977:
The Age of biotechnology arrives with “somatostatin” - a human growth hormone-releasing inhibitory factor, the first human protein manufactured in bacteria by Genentech, Inc. A synthetic, recombinant gene was used to clone a protein for the first time.
1978:
Genentech, Inc. and The City of Hope National Medical Center announce the successful laboratory production of human insulin using recombinant DNA technology. Hutchinson and Edgell show it is possible to introduce specific mutations at specific sites in a DNA molecule.
1979:
Sir Walter Bodmer suggests a way of using DNA technology to find gene markers to show up specific genetic diseases and their carriers. John Baxter reports cloning the gene for human growth hormone.
1980:
The prokaryote model, E. coli, is used to produce insulin and other medicine, in human form. Researchers successfully introduce a human gene - one that codes for the protein interferon- into a bacterium. The U.S. patent for gene cloning is awarded to Cohen and Boyer.
1981:
Scientists at Ohio University produce the first transgenic animals by transferring genes from other animals into mice. The first gene-synthesizing machines are developed. Chinese scientists successfully clone a golden carp fish.
1982:
Genentech, Inc. receives approval from the Food and Drug Administration to market genetically engineered human insulin. Applied Biosystems, Inc. introduces the first commercial gas phase protein sequencer.
1983:
The polymerase chain reaction is invented by Kary B Mullis. The first artificial chromosome is synthesized, and the first genetic markers for specific inherited diseases are found.
1984:
Chiron Corp. announces the first cloning and sequencing of the entire human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) genome. Alec Jeffreys introduces technique for DNA fingerprinting to identify individuals. The first genetically engineered vaccine is developed.
1985:
Cetus Corporation's develops GeneAmp polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technology, which could generate billions of copies of a targeted gene sequence in only hours. Scientists find a gene marker for cystic fibrosis on chromosome number 7.
1986:
The first genetically engineered human vaccine - Chiron's Recombivax HB - is approved for the prevention of hepatitis B. A regiment of scientists and technicians at Caltech and Applied Biosystems, Inc. invented the automated DNA fluorescence sequencer.
1987:
The first outdoor tests on a genetically engineered bacterium are allowed. It inhibits frost formation on plants. Genentech's tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), sold as Activase, is approved as a treatment for heart attacks.
1988:
Harvard molecular geneticists Philip Leder and Timothy Stewart awarded the first patent for a genetically altered animal, a mouse that is highly susceptible to breast cancer
1989:
UC Davis scientists develop a recombinant vaccine against the deadly rinderpest virus. The human genome project is set up, a collaboration between scientists from countries around the world to work out the whole of the human genetic code.
1990:
The first gene therapy takes place, on a four-year-old girl with an immune-system disorder called ADA deficiency. The human genome project is formally launched.
1991:
Mary-Claire King, of the University of California, Berkeley, finds evidence that a gene on chromosome 17 causes the inherited form of breast cancer and also increases the risk of ovarian cancer. Tracey the first transgenic sheep is born.
1992:
The first liver xenotransplant from one type of animal to another is carried out successfully. Chiron's Proleukin is approved for the treatment of renal cell cancer.
1993:
The FDA declares that genetically engineered foods are "not inherently dangerous" and do not require special regulation. Chiron's Betaseron is approved as the first treatment for multiple sclerosis in 20 years.
1994:
The first genetically engineered food product, the Flavr Savr tomato, gained FDA approval. The first breast cancer gene is discovered. Genentech's Nutropin is approved for the treatment of growth hormone deficiency.
1995:
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center transplanted hearts from genetically altered pigs into baboons, proving that cross-species operations are possible. The bacterium Haemophilus influenzae is the first living organism in the world to have its entire genome sequenced.
1996:
Biogen's Avonex is approved for the treatment of multiple sclerosis. The discovery of a gene associated with Parkinson's disease provides an important new avenue of research into the cause and potential treatment of the debilitating neurological ailment.
1997:
Researchers at Scotland's Roslin Institute report that they have cloned a sheep--named Dolly--from the cell of an adult ewe. The FDA approves Rituxan, the first antibody-based therapy for cancer.
1998:
The first complete animal genome the C.elegans worm is sequenced. James Thomson at Wisconsin and John Gearhart in Baltimore each develop a technique for culturing embryonic stem cells.
1999:
A new medical diagnostic test will for the first time allow quick identification of BSE/CJD a rare but devastating form of neurologic disease transmitted from cattle to humans.
2000:
"Golden Rice," modified to make vitamin A. Cloned pigs are born for the first time in work done by Alan Coleman and his team at PPL, the Edinburgh-based company responsible for Dolly the sheep.
2001:
The sequence of the human genome is published in Science and Nature, making it possible for researchers all over the world to begin developing genetically based treatments for disease.
2002:
Researchers sequence the DNA of rice, and is the first crop to have its genome decoded.
2003:
The sequencing of the human genome is completed.
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