Biotechnology is a combination of biology, chemistry, engineering, and computer science. A biotechnician works with scientists and biologists on solving problems dealing with living organisms.
They help scientists do a variety of things, such as find cures for diseases, help develop the next wonder drug, improve the food we grow, and change the way we use DNA.
Biotechnicians work in laboratories helping scientists and researchers study various things, such as living organisms, new drugs and cures, improving quality and productivity in agriculture, developing new chemicals, and developing new technologies and processes. They set-up, prepare and operate equipment while researching a project, as well as gather and process data and provide thorough and meticulous work.
This job requires a significant amount of documentation and reporting on experimental findings. Biotechnicians also need to be knowledgeable on state regulations that relate to a particular subject, study or experiment.
Biotechnicians employed in environmental science usually monitor various environmental resources, performing various types of field and laboratory tests to help determine possible sources of pollution in the environment. Environmental technicians are also used in the control and management of hazardous materials.
Biotechnicians who work in the biological science field typically help scientists conduct various types of medical research so as to find cures for certain diseases or work in the pharmaceutical industry helping to develop new vaccines and medicines.
A biotechnician working in the area of agricultural and food science will typically conduct experiments and tests in order to improve the quality and yield of a variety of crops. They may also help in increasing resistance to insects and diseases in certain kinds of plants and animals.
A biotechnician working in the chemical industry will help a chemist or chemical engineer in developing new types of chemicals, or may assist in collecting and analyzing water or air samples to determine pollution levels.
Biotechnicians working in forensic science will collect and analyze physical evidence obtained from crime scenes, and often specialize in areas such as firearms or DNA analysis. They also prepare reports for investigators and may testify in court as an expert witness in certain types of criminal cases.
Biotechnicians work in a wide variety of industries, including horticulture, healthcare, and technology. Biotechnicians are primarily scientific researchers and assistants, and provide support to biologists and other scientists in the lab and the field. They work in laboratory settings and often perform tests on blood or other biological substances.
Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology salaries in Kenya range from KSH98,300 per month (minimum average salary) to KSH350,000 per month (maximum average salary, actual maximum is higher).
Biotechnology research plays a key role in scientific advancements that improve people’s quality of life. One new area of biotechnology, synthetic biology, will employ biological technicians in attempts to redesign biological systems or living organisms to produce useful things, such as chemicals, in more efficient ways than are currently used. New applications of biotechnology may be the subject of research topics ranging from new ways to produce biofuels to providing new treatments for diseases, such as cancer and Alzheimer’s disease.
An associate degree in biotechnology can prepare individuals for entry-level work in the field.
Biotechnicians typically need at least a Bachelor’s Degree in Biotechnology or Biology to enter the field. Master’s degree programs in biotechnology provide education and training for individuals who want to focus on research and offers specialization in specific areas.
