Biotechnologist
Turn living cells into powerful tools for health, food and the environment.
Also known as: fermentation scientist, manufacturing technician, research scientist, research technician
About the job
A day in the life – Biotechnologist
What it's like
In this role, you'll use biology to solve real-world problems! As a biotechnologist, you’ll work with living organisms and biological systems to develop products and processes that improve lives.
You could be creating new medicines, designing sustainable food production methods or developing biofuels to reduce carbon emissions.
Biotechnologists work across industries such as healthcare, pharmaceuticals, agriculture and environmental science. From researching genetic engineering techniques to scaling up production in a lab or factory – your work combines science, technology and innovation.
Your tasks might include:
designing and conducting experiments to develop new biological products
analysing data and interpreting results to improve processes
using advanced lab equipment and techniques, such as fermentation and cell culture
collaborating with scientists and engineers on research projects
following health, safety and ethical standards
preparing technical reports and presenting findings
There are three specific fields you could work in.
In medical biotechnology and biotherapeutics, you might:
research genetics, proteins, antibodies, viruses, plants, fungi, bacteria and diseases
develop treatments for the genetic causes of disease
produce medicines using techniques such as cell culture and genetic modification
In environmental biotechnology, you might:
develop micro-organisms and plants to clean polluted land or water
create renewable sources of energy
produce environmentally-friendly materials for industry
In industrial biotechnology, you might:
produce enzymes for use in food and drink
create biological detergents and dyes
improve animal feed
genetically modify crops
Green jobÂ
In this role, you'll do work that helps the environment. Find out more about green jobs.
Explore more information about this job
Here are some useful links to learn more about this career:
Not Just Lab Coats — helps you explore different career options in science, manufacturing and technology
Royal Society of Biology — supports those interested in biology through professional development, networking, grants, educational outreach and advocating for the biosciences in policy
Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council — developing research careers
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Browse courses in Scotland related to 'Biotechnologist'
Select qualification level(s)
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Related industries
Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.
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Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- understanding
- analysing
- taking initiative
- sorting
- attention to detail
- researching
- observation
- problem solving
- working with technology
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
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Biology
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Chemistry
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Engineering Science
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Maths (Mathematics)
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Physics
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Skills for Work: Laboratory Science
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Foundation Apprenticeship: Scientific Technologies (Laboratory Skills)
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Applications of Mathematics
You can get a head start in this career by doing a Foundation Apprenticeship in S5 and S6.
You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification which is the same level as a Higher. You'll also learn new skills and gain valuable experience in a work environment.
Discover what's on offer at your school on Apprenticeships.scot.
There are a few different routes you can take to get into this career.
University
You’ll need a degree or postgraduate qualification in a relevant subject, such as:
Biotechnology
Biology
Biochemistry
Genetics
Microbiology
Molecular Biology
Use the My World of Work course search to find degrees.
College
Getting qualifications at college, such as an HNC or HND, could help you progress to more advanced study. Useful subjects include:
Applied Science
Laboratory Science
Biology
Chemistry
Apprenticeship
Modern Apprenticeships (MAs) mean you learn on the job. You get paid and work towards a qualification at the same time. You might want to consider an MA in Life Science and Related Science Industries.
Work
You could start as a lab technician and work your way up by training on the job. For example, you could do a part-time degree alongside your day job.
Many people who do this job also have postgraduate qualifications such as a Master of Science (MSc) or a doctoral degree in a relevant subject.
Biotechnologists need to have good attention to detail when carrying out experiments and data analysis.
You'll need good problem-solving skills.
As a biotechnologist, you must have the ability to work safely in a laboratory environment.
Find the right course for you
Browse courses in Scotland related to 'Biotechnologist'
