What Jobs Can You Get with a Master’s Degree in Biotechnology?
Most biotech jobs may not require more than a Bachelor of Biotechnology in order to gain employment.
However, a Master’s in Biotechnology is one way to stand out from the crowd, as is gaining expertise in a sub-discipline of the industry.
A master’s program in biotechnology offers electives, specializations and concentrations that can turn a generalist into an expert in the field.
The advantages of an advanced degree in biotechnology are numerous, including greater job opportunities, higher salaries and higher professional responsibilities.
Here are some of the jobs you can get with a Master’s in Biotechnology.
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Biomedical Scientist
With a Master’s in Biotechnology, you can choose to work as a biomedical engineer. Biomedical engineers utilize science, biology and the medical field to develop new tools and products that aim to better patients’ lives.
Biomedical engineers usually work closely with scientists from other fields, such as engineers or business professionals, to develop different products and services.
Some of the products include prostheses (artificial limbs), artificial organs, information systems and imaging systems.
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Biotechnology Research Associates
With your Master’s in Biotechnology, you can secure a job as a clinical research associate. As a research associate, you would be responsible for planning, implementation and the overall control of clinical research projects.
Part of your job description would be to analyze clinical data and coordinate associates’ activities to ensure compliance with standards. In some cases, you would be required to travel to field sites to supervise clinical studies.
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Quality Control Analysts
A Master’s degree holder in Biotechnology could be employed as a quality control analyst or engineer. As a quality control analyst, your job is to manage the quality systems that go into the product development process.
You would also be required to design inspection and testing procedures that ensure that the products are developed according to specifications.
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Senior Research Scientists
In a corporate organization, the Senior Research Scientist is responsible for directing the research process, the quality of the experiments, the management of assistants and associates, and the final product’s feasibility.
Senior research scientists are also responsible for the development of patent applications and may be required to manage the development of a research group.
Senior Research Scientists also work in colleges and universities, but more research scientists are now holding top positions in the Research and Development departments of large biotech firms.
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Biochemists
Biochemists are responsible for studying the chemical properties of living things and biological processes, like cell development, cell growth, heredity and disease.
As a biochemist, you would be required to carry out complex research projects and frequently isolate, analyze and synthesize proteins, lipids, DNA, carbohydrates (sugar) and other molecules.
Part of the job description would be to research the effect of drugs, hormones and nutrients on tissues and biological processes to develop products that improve the lives of humans.
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Product Development Managers
These are business-related jobs that require a Bachelor of Biotechnology or a Master’s in Biotechnology to develop and execute the commercialization strategy for a new biotech product, including launch, market development, marketing, sales and logistics.
The goal of this position is to drive growth and profitability for the company’s products or services while ensuring compliance with regulatory and quality requirements.
In a Nutshell
Typically, Master’s degree holders in biotechnology are often found in university labs and hospital clinics.
However, they can sometimes be found using their knowledge teaching university undergraduates or fields where they can put their knowledge to work, like marketing, product development and public policy.
Biotech professionals may also be found in some other positions, such as intellectual property law or management consulting.
