A career in biotechnology can be both fascinating and rewarding.
It is the marriage of biological systems to technology across various disciplines where advances have the possibility of improving our lives and the world around us.
A career in biotech requires a methodical but creative mind, so read on as I break down several career opportunities for you.
1. Biomedical Engineer
Why Become a Biomedical Engineer?
If you think that technology is the answer to our health problems, you might want to consider a career in biomedical engineering.
An engineer finds a solution to problems.
A biomedical engineer is no different, using the quantitative sciences to improve and solve problems in biology and medicine, from artificial organs to understanding disease processes.
Resultingly, this will improve patient wellness and treatment in the long term.
Not all superheroes wear capes; some wear a lab coat and know how to hotwire medical tech.
| Biomedical Engineer Key Stats | |
|---|---|
| Education | 4+ Years |
| Outlook | 4% |
Read the full career guide: How to Become a Biomedical Engineer
2. Biochemist
Why Become a Biochemist?
Do you think you’ll like the lab environment?
And, more importantly, do you have an analytical and investigative mind?
Biochemists study the chemical processes of living beings – human, animal, plant, or microorganism.
They aim to optimize biological systems by understanding and improving chemical processes, particularly in the food and vaccine industries.
If you identify with Sherlock Holmes, this might be your career.
| Biochemist Key Stats | |
|---|---|
| Education | 4+ Years |
| Outlook | 11.4% |
Read the full career guide: How to Become a Biochemist
3. Medical Researcher
Why Become a Medical Researcher?
If you love data and have a strong sense of social responsibility, then becoming a medical researcher might be a good fit for you.
A medical researcher may conduct clinical trials to study diseases, contribute to the body of scientific knowledge, and, ultimately, attempt to improve treatments in a clinical setting and identify illnesses that may be linked.
Some medical researchers also work with samples for analysis and identification, yet others create or help create medical devices.
Accurate record maintenance is a key element of being a medical researcher.
| Medical Researcher Key Stats | |
|---|---|
| Education | 4+ Years |
| Outlook | 8% |
Read the full career guide: How to Become a Medical Researcher
4. Clinical Laboratory Technician
Why Become a Clinical Laboratory Technician?
Suppose you are okay with needles and want to make information seemingly appear out of thin air using almost unpronounceable and very expensive machines.
In that case, you should consider becoming a clinical laboratory technician.
Clinical lab techs study, or help to study, and test different biological samples like blood, urine, and other bodily fluid samples.
Lab techs work closely with doctors by providing timely and accurate results to treat their patients correctly and successfully.
If you want to work in the medical field, preferably in a hospital, but you prefer to work behind the scenes, then this is the job for you.
| Clinical Laboratory Technician Key Stats | |
|---|---|
| Education | 1-2 Years |
| Outlook | 11% |
Read the full career guide: How to Become a Clinical Laboratory Technician
5. Microbiologist
Why Become a Microbiologist?
Does the thought of studying the invisible excite you?
Microbiologists study viruses, bacteria, and other microorganisms.
They work with other scientists to understand these organisms, and in the case of viruses and bacteria, how they cause disease, how best to test for these microorganisms, and how to treat and prevent the diseases they cause.
A career as a microbiologist also offers a certain amount of flexibility when it comes to a career allowing you to move to academics, the food industry, or collaborate with environmentalists.
| Microbiologist Key Stats | |
|---|---|
| Education | 4+ Years |
| Outlook | 8.2% |
Read the full career guide: How to Become a Microbiologist
6. Blood Spatter Analyst
Why Become a Blood Spatter Analyst?
True crime buffs with a strong stomach, this one is for you.
The job of a blood splatter analyst is almost exactly what it sounds like.
They analyze blood splatter and work closely with law enforcement and other forensic professionals to catch bad guys by reconstructing crime scenes using the blood and spatter you, often personally, collect from crime scenes.
If you are good at reports and confident when asked to give your professional opinion in make-or-break situations, you may succeed in this extremely interesting profession.
| Blood Spatter Analyst Key Stats | |
|---|---|
| Education | 4+ Years |
| Outlook | 14% |
Read the full career guide: How to Become a Blood Spatter Analyst
7. Forensic Scientist
Why Become a Forensic Scientist?
A forensic scientist is like a blood splatter analyst in the sense that you analyze crime scenes and search for clues and materials to assist law enforcement.
The main difference is that you are not limited to blood and bodily fluids but also look at fibers, paint samples, and drugs found at the crime scenes, and even tire marks.
A forensic scientist is an investigator and may specialize in chemical, biological, or even toxicology.
A forensic scientist needs to be able to set aside the difficulties of the day. It is rewarding, but it is not for the fainthearted.
| Forensic Scientist Key Stats | |
|---|---|
| Education | 4+ Years |
| Outlook | 14% |
Read the full career guide: How to Become a Forensic Scientist
