Jobs in Biotechnology

After a product has been fully tested and approved, it must be produced in a factory. This may require changes in how the product is made. For example, in the laboratory, researchers might keep bacteria that were producing an antibiotic in a small container. However, it doesn't make sense to have lots of small containers in a factory. Large vats are more appropriate. But the bacteria may act differently when in a large vat instead of a small container. Development engineers would have to find a way to store the bacteria in large vats without affecting the bacteria's performance or behavior. Development engineers devise new methods and technologies tailored to the conditions of factory storage and manufacture. These engineers also help design and start up new factories to make sure that things run smoothly from the start.

Many other jobs are available in biotechnology manufacturing. Engineers make sure that a wide variety of processes are as efficient as possible. Schedulers make sure that raw materials are ordered and products are produced on schedule. Other workers may create and put on product labels, operate production equipment, or test the quality of products.

Manufacturing technicians may not need more than a high school diploma. Other positions generally require at least a bachelor's degree, often in engineering. Engineering jobs are good for students who like to solve problems and work with their hands.