Q.Why should you choose Biotechnology as a Career Option?
It is a good time to understand that Indian Life science space is open and dynamic. It encompasses vibrant biotech industry, innovation entrepreneurial ecosystem, increased industry academia interface, which is expected to make the biotech industry a 100 billion dollar industry by 2025.
Q.How did Biotechnology develop as a branch of science and technology?
Biotechnology has its roots in pre-historic times in the form of basic life sciences for e.g fermentation of fruit juices into wine, milk to cheese or yogurt, or that beer from malt and thus began the study of biotechnology. Today better integration within biology and closer collaboration with physical, computational and earth scientists, mathematicians and engineers can be used to find solutions to societal needs i.e.: sustainable food production, ecosystem restoration, optimized biofuels production and improvement in human health.
Q.What kinds of jobs are available in the field of Biotechnology?
Broadly jobs can be looked in both public and private sector. One can opt for higher studies, join national and international research institutes at varied positions such as scientist, research assistant, research associates, technical assistant or technical officer, pool officers etc., get into production and quality management divisions of food & pharmaceutical industry, drug & vaccine industry, diary etc. university and college teaching, Patent officer for specific and novel activities. Relevant specialised higher degree in IPR can lead to job opportunities and association with legal firms.
Q.What is the range of industry where Biotechnology graduate can be employed?
Be it manufacturing of and enhancing production of effective and safer drugs, diagnostic kits, affordable vaccines, neutraceuticals or designer foods, probiotics, biosensors, biochips, agro bio-chemicals, biofuels, industrial enzymes, transgenic crops aimed at obtaining food security, biosimilars etc or introduction of cleaner bioprocess to prevent pollution or bio remediate our spoilt natural resources or lead to use novel technologies as gene therapy or stem cell and regenerative medicine, all clearly spells the potential of biotechnology whose demand is increasing day by day in local as well as international platforms.
Q.What is the global-scope of the subject?
Collaborations in terms of sharing of knowledge and technologies amongst different nations are growing fast in this field and provide opportunities for global exposure. Bio-services is another sector requiring manpower with base in biotechnology.
Q.What are the areas in which research is carried out in the centre?
The Key areas where research is undertaken are:
- Medical Biotechnology
- Plant Biotechnology
- Environmental Biotechnology
- Applied Microbiology
- Bioinformatics