10 Best Career Options After Graduating in Biotechnology

10 Best Career Options After Graduating in Biotechnology

Generally, we dream a lot during our college years. We’re often taken far by our idealism and we tend to expect many things about our course. This is very true, especially for students who have taken up Biotechnology and Life sciences in India.

We all know that Biotech is one of the most in-demand and money-generating courses abroad. But while most graduates proceed with their Master’s Degree or Doctoral Degree in the pursuit of authoring the next major scientific breakthrough, some people are caught up in a crossroad.

Sometimes the hard-hitting facts like financial troubles, family issues, and India’s dwindling Biotech industry can leave many students cussing about it. In fact, some people just simply lose their interest through the process. There is Scope in Biotech if you don’t agree read this article – There is Future in Biotech / Life Sciences Industry, Here is the Proof!

Well if you have a deep interest in Biotechnology, you’ll indeed have a promising career. Every field has competition whether it is IT, Biotech, MBA or Bank Jobs. But if you’re experiencing some quarter-life crises and you’re still too confused to decide, here are the top career options after completing Biotech courses.

Option #1: Pursue higher studies in Biotech and Life Sciences

If you’re interested in furthering your studies and becoming a noble person in the academe someday, this is where you should go. Clear the CSIR NET / GATE Exam, and immerse yourself in various opportunities in line with Biotech such as a PhD in Biotech or Master’s Degree (MS) in Technology.  Clearing the CSIR NET / GATE exam will also enable you to pursue an MS Degree in leading institutes in India as well as foreign universities, especially in Singapore where Biotech is a thriving career option.

There are top-notch research institutes in Bangalore, Chennai and New Delhi where you can pursue your doctoral studies in Biotech. The following are the top five universities that you can check.

1. National Center for Biological Sciences (NCBS), Bangalore
2. Indian Institute of Technology, Madras (IIT, Madras)
3. International Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New Delhi (Home – ICGEB)
4. Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore
5. Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR), Bangalore
6. Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, New Delhi + Many more

Option #2: Study Ph.D. in Biotech in India or Abroad

Truth be told, the scope of Biotechnology in India is developing rapidly. Ph.D. in Biotech in India can be challenging but it will definitely open up a lot of career options for you.

You can pursue Ph.D. Degree in India at top-notch institutions with scholarships after clearing some entrance exams. Click to know more about the Top 26 National Level Ph.D. Entrance Exams for Life Science.

Another option is to do your Ph.D. abroad. You can apply for a scholarship and finish your Ph.D. abroad. Big universities in the U.S. like Harvard University, Stanford University, and Yale University can offer you infinite research possibilities.

The QS World University Rankings in Biological Science will basically give you the top foreign universities that provide high-end research facilities for Biotechnology and Life Sciences Researches.

Option #3: Get a job in Research and Development (R&D)

If you’ve decided to take a year off before proceeding to some postgraduate studies, you can apply for a job in the Research and Development in India.

R&D is one of the best career options for Biotech students in India who wants to get a job while looking for some inspiration to proceed with their MS or Ph.D. Sometimes, you just need to work on a piece of something before you discover what you’re truly passionate about.

Despite the fact that R&D is an interesting job, the bitter truth behind it is that it’s not as high-paying as you think. Fresh graduates basically start with a minimum pay and will probably get their first salary hike after four to five years of working in the industry.

Promotions are also tough in this specific field but if you’re a hard worker, this wouldn’t be an issue.

Look out for Top R&D Jobs Here

Option #4: Teach in your favorite Organization/university

If you have the passion for mentoring students, you can settle for a teaching job. People enter this profession because of good vacations, job security, and low pressures at work. The salary structure for fresh graduates are ultimately low but you can do further studies as you work, and get your promotions later.

In order to get a post as a lecturer in college universities, you must first clear the NET-LS (National Eligibility Test – Lectureship). In most cases, students who have outstanding NET Exam scores are eventually absorbed by prominent universities and offered high-paying positions.

Again, teaching is a profession by choice. If this isn’t your first choice, then don’t waste time thinking about it and go for what you’re passionate about.

Option #5: Get a job in Intellectual Property Research and Patenting

Surprisingly, only a few people in Biotech knew that this domain is even existing. Walking down the memory lane, I’m sure you have one subject in Patents and Intellectual Property Rights during your college years.

Yes, a lot of people are saying that it’s boring. However, it’s one of the best career options you can try after graduating from Biotech. There are really great patent firms in India that you can start with. For example, you can apply for a job as a KPO (Knowledge Process Outsourcing) then move slowly to more technical aspects of IP like a Patent Agent.

As you continue to work in Biotech IP, you’ll be exposed to legal matters in the firm in which you can also help. Who knows, you might want to divert your attention into getting a law degree? If that’s the case, this option could be a great stepping stone in becoming a Biotech Patent Lawyer.

Option #6: Apply in the government sector

Health, technology, and life sciences are still part of Biotechnology. So if you look at the government sector, there are actually a lot of job opportunities that you can grab.

The Biotech development in India is regulated under the Department of Biotechnology and under the control of the Ministry of Science and Technology. These industries usually post job offers either in their premises or online for fresh graduates who are looking for both full-time and part-time job.

You just can’t expect to sit in high-level positions but working in the government is interesting because it gives a lifetime security. Furthermore, you can also work in other government organizations and in different autonomous institutions, or in public health centers.

Top Biotech Govt Job List

Option #7: Apply for a job in the private sector

The rapid advancement in Biotechnology has generated some of the best careers in science and pharmacology. Consequently, many people are attracted to the private sector because of the higher pay structure that most pharmaceutical industries offer.

If you are a Biotech fresh graduate, you can work in the manufacturing department or the research department. You can also apply as an intern in clinical research or partner with a researcher who’s developing a new medicinal product. Higher and highly technical positions are available for those who have Master’s Degree and Ph.D.

Option #8: Apply for a Sales Job in Biopharma Industry

There are also some non-scientific jobs that you can work on like becoming a sales agent or medical representative. Some companies require a background in Biotech and other science just for the purpose of having a good understanding of what they’re selling.

When you’re a sales agent, you will deal with people like students, techs, doctors, or pharmaceutical scientists.

Option #9: Become an entrepreneur

Believe or not, but there’s a high chance that you can become an entrepreneur even if you’ve graduated in Biotech. In fact, entrepreneurship is one of the highly praised Biotech career options for students who come from business-minded families.

If you do not want to work under the pressure of a fixed schedule, you can be your own boss by starting up your own business. In fact, Biotech startups is a thriving economy in India.

Take inspiration from various startups. So if you’re inventive and creative, search for available funding from the Indian Government and present your own Biotech innovation.

Option #10: Work as a Laboratory Technician/Assistant

This is by far, the easiest job you can land to right after a Bachelor’s Degree in Biotech.

Private and government universities offer a variety of jobs for lab managers and technical assistant. Most of these fields would require applicants to at least have a Bachelor’s Degree in Biotech. That means you don’t even have to get a Ph.D. in Biotech to get hired.

When you land a career in a laboratory, you can expect to do some lab chores, assist in collecting data from the various specimen, do some minor investigations, and work with lab equipment.

There you go… These are the best career options after completing Biotech that you can choose from. You still have a bright future ahead of you. Do your best in your chosen carrier and you’ll soon reap the benefits of your hardships. Good luck!