Biotech Background
Biotech is technology based on biology. Biotech harnesses cellular and bimolecular processes to
develop technology and products that help improve our lives and the health of our planet. The focus
and mission of biotech is to…
Heal the World: Part of the industry focuses on decreasing the likelihood of individuals contracting
infectious diseases by creating new treatments. This sector also focuses on cures for diseases like
cancer, diabetes, MS, Parkinson’s, and others.
Fuel the World: Another part of the industry hopes to streamline manufacturing processes,
decrease reliance on petrochemicals, create new biofuels, and decrease overall water usage.
Feed the World: A third component of biotech focuses on increasing crop yields, decreasing
chemical usage on farms, creating foods free of allergens, and improving the nutrition within our food
and crops.
Employment in Biotech
AGRICULTURE & FOODS
This area focuses on researching biofuels,
managing crop production & nutrition, and
conducting pesticide studies.
BIOINFORMATICS
A more technical sector, bioinformatics focuses
on using systems to understand biological
data. Areas include computer science, the
storing and processing of data, gene
sequencing, and use of gene expression
databases.
BIOREMEDIATION & THE ENVIRONMENT
If you have a passion for helping to preserve
the environment, this is the area for you. Some
work includes the management of hazardous
spills and wastes.
FORENSICS & LAW
An up-and-coming sector, forensic scientists in
biotech focus on DNA fingerprinting and use of
DNA databases to identify criminals. There is a
great focus on laboratory analysis in these
positions.
GOVERNMENT WORK
Individuals have the opportunity to work with
large (and small) governmental agencies
focused on improving the quality of life on our
planet. Organizations include the National
Institutes of Health (NIH), the Department of
Education (DoE), the Food & Drug
Administration (FDA), Department of
Agriculture, and the Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA).
PHARMACEUTICALS
This is an area focusing a great deal on
research, development, and production of
drugs and medications. Additionally, there is an
emphasis on diagnostic and therapeutic work.
TEACHING
By obtaining a terminal degree, you have the
opportunity to teach and research at colleges
and universities.
Education & Next Steps
There are a range of degree types for individuals interested in biotech.
Associate’s Degree (AA) to Doctorate (Ph.D.)
Most individuals end up going on to earn their Master’s Degree in some
sort of biological or physical science. Many individuals also consider medical
school.
Finding internships and research experience is crucial in biotech. During your time as a student,
consider working for a professor within a biological, chemical, or physical science. Understanding lab
techniques is beneficial when looking for a job.
Recommendations
If you have the chance, join professional organizations. Networking through these organizations and
with alumni is one of the most important tactics in searching for employment opportunities. Before
reaching out and joining an organization, make sure to conduct some research on current topics and
trends in biotech. Due to the ever-changing nature of the industry, it is important to remain current
and in knowledgeable about issues and trends in the field.
Resources in Biotech
Top Pharmaceutical Companies & Alumni
GILEAD
Will McCaa, Finance Manager - R&D Finance
Jessica Pence, Financial Analyst at Gilead
Anna Wagner, Research Scientist I at Gilead
Aaron Arvey, Research Scientist at Gilead
ILLUMINA
Gwen Gordon, Senior Public Relations
Specialist
Traci Kitaoka, Associate Scientist at Illumina
AMGEN
Travis Hull, Finance Manager at Amgen
Laura Jileta, Oncology Pipeline Forecasting
Justin Claeys, Executive Director - Finance
Melinda (Boyd) McCants, Project Manager
Conner Childers, Healthcare Compliance Policy
Director
Information about the companies was obtained through
a report Forbes published in early 2015.
Alumni can be found via LinkedIn.
Professional Associations
Bio Industry Organization (bio.com)
American Chemical Society (Chemistry.org)
Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO)
So Cal/No Cal Biomedical Council
Job Boards
Newscientistjobs.com
Thelabrat.com
Medzilla.com
Nature Jobs (nature.com/naturejobs/science/)
Science Jobs.org
Biospace.com
Career Sites
Biotech-Careers.org
http://pathwaystoscience.org/