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BIOTECHNOLOGY

Interested in a career in biotechnology? Welcome to this innovative field that merges biology and technology to develop solutions that improve health, agriculture, and the environment. As a biotechnologist, you'll harness the power of living organisms and biological systems to create groundbreaking products and processes. 

TIMELINE

College             Career

Pathway to Postgraduate Employment

 

Sophomore through Junior Year 

​Begin exploring potential employment and internship opportunities, researching both the biotechnology field itself and the endless array of potential niches within it that you may be interested in. Given the enormous range of job opportunities — from working directly in scientific research to software development, project management, consulting, law, and more — make sure to take coursework and join student organizations that help you hone your skills and interests that you may then apply in the job market. Apply for internships at companies you may wish to work at after graduation, and get a sense of the jobs you may be interested in. 

 

Senior Year

Begin searching for a job. If desired, explore opportunities for graduate school that may allow you to obtain more specialized jobs in scientific research, pharmaceutical development, or applicable law — to name a few opportunities — within biotechnology companies, such as a law degree, a Master’s, or a doctorate. Recruitment timelines may vary widely by specialty, company, and position. Spend much of the prior summer continuing to make connections with, and researching, promising employers and enter the school year ready to apply.

GRADUATE SCHOOL

Industry Introduction​​

 

Beginning with Graduate School​

​Biotechnology is an enormous and ever-burgeoning field containing a number of opportunities for graduate degrees to be applied. For positions in pharmaceutical development or scientific research, advanced or terminal degrees in life sciences may be necessary. Similarly, opportunities in regulatory or legal affairs may require a law degree, while employment in life sciences consulting may be bolstered by a Master’s of Business Administration. Application timelines and processes for each of these degrees vary widely, with information available online or by request from academic institutions across the United States. Still, with the enormous range of employment opportunities that the biotechnology industry offers, virtually any advanced degree may be applicable.
 

CAREER

Employment Opportunities 

 

Nuances & Lifestyle​

Employment opportunities in biotechnology vary widely. The industry is rapidly growing, and comprises individuals with increasingly diverse backgrounds. While many get jobs in biotechnology — whether at established employers or smaller startup companies — immediately after graduation, it is equally common to see individuals either transition into the field from a separate industry, or enter it after completion of a graduate degree or a stint in academia. Careers in biotechnology often blend technology, science, and innovation to develop technology such as pharmaceuticals, gene therapies, or medical devices — and much, much more — to promote healthcare and global sustainability.

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Biotechnology roles span across research and development, clinical trials, regulatory affairs, manufacturing, and quality control. Research scientists, for example, conduct experiments to develop new applications of biological processes and produce cutting-edge therapies, medicines, or pharmaceuticals . Bioinformaticians analyze biological data using computational tools, and may include wide-ranging applications of statistics and computer science. Those working in regulatory affairs or as general counsels ensure that biotechnology products comply with governmental regulations and steer their approval and market release.

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The biotechnology industry encompasses positions in academic institutions, government agencies, and private sector companies ranging from startups to large multinational corporations. Adjacently are ever-expanding career opportunities in fields of consulting, finance, and technology that deal consistently with companies working in biotechnology. Interdisciplinary collaboration is common, requiring professionals to work alongside experts in fields like chemistry, engineering, and computer science. With rapid technological advancements and a growing emphasis on sustainability, the sector is expanding rapidly — offering promising career prospects for those interested in science and its real-world applications.

Featured Employers​

McMaster-Carr

Williams Companies

Industry Guides​

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Career Guide

by The Crimson Brand Studio

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A Harvard Crimson site

University Daily since 1873

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