When thinking about biotechnology, many people picture a scientist in a lab coat developing a lifesaving drug or medical device. While this image represents one common biotechnology career path, lab work is not the only option. With many exciting discoveries to make and new problems to solve, the biotechnology field provides professionals many opportunities to make a difference in the lives of others.
There’s more good news for job seekers. The biotechnology industry is a major economic driver, generating approximately $183 billion in revenue in 2024. Currently, U.S. biotechnology firms employ over 431,600 people, but with the need for rapid innovation, the demand for skilled professionals will continue to rise.
So what types of jobs are available in the biotechnology industry? And what kind of skills will give you a competitive advantage in the job market? Kevin Broadbelt, former associate teaching professor for Northeastern’s MS in Biotechnology program, discusses today’s top biotechnology careers and how you can prepare to break into the industry.
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What can you do with a biotechnology degree?
“What most people don’t realize about biotechnology is that there are many different career paths for students to pursue,” Broadbelt says. “They do not strictly need to pursue a career ‘at the bench’ as an associate scientist or technician at a medical device or pharmaceutical company.”
Broadbelt describes biotech as complex and interdisciplinary, noting that the industry goes beyond biology and chemistry. Professionals can find exciting, meaningful work in areas outside of initial drug development and other typical biotech fields.
The industry—and its careers—span other functional areas that are just as integral in getting a meaningful biotechnology product to market.
Job opportunities in biotechnology
Is biotechnology a good career?
Because of its various applications in many industries, biotechnology allows professionals to work for a variety of organizations, including government agencies, private companies, regulatory bodies, or clinical laboratories. Biotechnology employers range in size and type from small startups to global pharmaceutical leaders to federal agencies such as the Department of Agriculture and National Institutes of Health.
Broadbelt emphasizes the extraordinary developments happening in the field, including personalized medicine, gene therapy, industrial disease treatment, and even hazardous waste control. But what’s most exciting about the industry, he says, is that no matter what part of the field you’re in, you can truly have an impact on the world around you.
For professionals looking to pursue a career in biotechnology, here are some of the most in-demand biotechnology careers that are shaping our future.
In-demand biotechnology careers
Biomedical engineer
Median pay: $100,730
Projected growth by 2032: 5%
Biomedical engineers combine engineering and biological expertise to design solutions to problems in biology and medicine. With the goal to improve the quality and effectiveness of patient healthcare, they design biomedical equipment, devices, and medical software, such as artificial organs, prostheses, and diagnostic machines.
Biochemist
Median pay: $107,460
Projected growth by 2032: 7%
Biochemists study the chemical properties of living things and biological processes, such as cell development, cell growth, heredity, and disease. They conduct complex research projects and frequently isolate, analyze, and synthesize proteins, lipids (fats), DNA, carbohydrates (sugars), and other molecules. They also research the effects of drugs, hormones, and nutrients on tissues and biological processes to develop products and processes that may improve human health.
Medical scientist
Median pay: $100,890
Projected growth by 2032: 10%
Medical scientists conduct clinical research to improve patient health by investigating diseases and prevention methods. They may also develop and test medical devices. They frequently prepare and analyze medical samples to investigate the causes and treatments of toxicity, pathogens, and chronic diseases. These scientists also help standardize drug potency, doses, and methods for the mass manufacturing and distribution of drugs and medicinal compounds.
Biological/clinical technician
Median pay: $60,780
Projected growth by 2032: 5%
Also known as medical laboratory scientists, biological technicians collect samples, perform tests, and analyze results of body fluids, tissue, bacteria cultures, and other substances. These technicians use lab instruments, advanced robotics, specialized computer software, and automated equipment to collect, analyze, and model experimental data.
Microbiologist
Median pay: $85,470
Projected growth by 2032: 5%
Microbiologists study viruses, bacteria, and the immune system to produce biomedical and industrial products. These professionals conduct complex research projects and lab experiments to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of infectious illnesses.
Process development scientist
Median pay: $101,098
Process development scientists oversee the manufacturing process in an organization’s lab, looking for ways to increase quality and efficiency. Once a new product has been developed and approved for manufacturing, these scientists develop methods to scale production while adhering to standardized protocols.
Biomanufacturing specialists
Median pay: $64,198
Biomanufacturing specialists use tools and methods to guarantee products meet stringent requirements of purity, safety, potency, and quality throughout the manufacturing process. Biomanufacturing often involves the large-scale production of proteins used to treat or cure human diseases, so specialists must possess a thorough knowledge of federal, state, and industry regulatory standards.
Business development manager
Median Pay: $130,233
Business development managers provide detailed market analysis and competitive intelligence to help biotechnology companies formulate and execute growth and investment strategies. They assist in assessing and pursuing expansion, acquisition, and collaborative research and partnering opportunities with other biotechnology institutions to achieve business growth in line with corporate strategic goals.
Director of product strategy/commercialization
Median pay: $289,245
Biotechnology professionals in these business-related roles are responsible for developing and executing the commercialization strategy (including launch, market development, marketing, sales, and logistics) for new biotechnology products, while ensuring compliance with regulatory and quality requirements.
How to prepare for a career in the biotech industry
Broadbelt says there are five key strategies aspiring professionals can employ to advance their biotechnology careers.
1. Build an educational foundation.
Broadbelt says the first key to a successful biotech career is a solid educational foundation rooted in science-related coursework. Advanced programs, such as a Master of Science in Biotechnology, can give you a chance to explore the many avenues you can take in your career—something he considers critical. There are also fast-track alternatives for professionals looking to obtain an advanced education, such as the Master of Science in Biotechnology Experiential program. This unique offering from Northeastern provides students the opportunity to earn a full master’s in just one year, embedded with experiential learning opportunities like signature labs, residencies, co-ops, and capstone projects.
“Look for a degree program that will give you the opportunity to get hands-on experience,” Broadbelt adds. “It will help mimic the accountability and responsibility of a real-world company, where the work is not only about learning, but about owning projects and achieving results.”
2. Stay open-minded.
In a field like biotechnology, Broadbelt says, “Keep the blinders off.” When choosing your path, he says it’s important to look at the wealth of potential roles you can play in the industry, and not limit your options based on your first few experiences in the field.
Since there are so many options, it can be tough to find a good fit right away. While many prefer working for a pharmaceutical giant—“the Pfizers and Mercks of the world”— others prefer startup cultures where they’ll be expected to wear many hats.
He suggests asking yourself: “Money aside, do I really see myself working here?”—noting that it’s likely you’ll make a good living no matter which path you choose.
3. Hone your soft skills.
While it’s important to be detail-oriented at the bench, Broadbelt says it’s equally important to hone your soft skills. In today’s biotechnology market, scientific expertise is only one part of the hiring equation.
“While technical skill and scientific knowledge are a required baseline, that’s now not enough for companies looking to hire biotech professionals. How efficient are you in your communications? How do you engage with others? Defend your hypotheses? Troubleshoot issues? Handle conflict?”
When you get to the interview, the hiring manager is going to want to talk about your soft skills, he says. They want to know they are hiring the whole package. It’s not just about “how well you can pipette,” but how you can communicate and articulate your ideas to others within the business.
4. Build your professional network.
Establishing a robust professional network is crucial to career success. In fact, studies show that 85% of all jobs are filled through networking. So while it may seem difficult to find the time, make it a priority to build meaningful connections with those around you, including colleagues, supervisors, advisors, professors, and industry professionals. Join professional organizations, attend local industry meetups, or simply ask a co-worker to have a conversation over lunch. Having a strong set of professional contacts can open doors to new opportunities, give you access to industry experts, and even help you land your next promotion.
5. Keep learning and adapting.
One of the biggest challenges biotechnology professionals face, Broadbelt says, is being prepared for the constant change that occurs in the industry.
“Students need to be prepared: As much as you want to generate a meaningful product, there is a large financial component to the work. We still work within a business model. Jobs can be terminated; departments can be liquidated quickly.”
The good news is, however, because the only constant is change, there’s likely to be a new product or team that will quickly appear in its place, he says. One way to be prepared for this dynamic industry is to never stop learning. Broadbelt suggests upskilling by earning additional certificates in the discipline, attending conferences, and utilizing your network.
Taking the next step in your biotechnology career
There are several options available for professionals who are looking for additional education and professional experience to further their career. Pursuing an advanced degree in a timely manner is a recurring concern for many professionals, but students at Northeastern are able to gain the necessary industry skills with a two-year program.
Based on the continuous job growth in biotechnology, it is clear that it’s an opportune time to earn an advanced degree in the field. There’s a growing need for skilled professionals who are interested in being at the forefront of emerging advances in biotechnology, and are able to innovate and bring new technologies to market.
If you’re interested in earning your Master of Science in Biotechnology, visit Northeastern’s program page to learn more about how the degree can advance your career.
Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in July 2018. It has since been updated for relevance and accuracy.
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