Careers in Biology
Emphasis on Biotechnology
and Bioinformatics
Adapted from the American Institute of Biological Sciences website
http://www.aibs.org/careers/
Marine Biotechnology and Bioinformatics
Teacher Enhancement Program at Moss Landing Marine Labs
Biotechnology and Bioinformatics
 Biotechnology is the
use of living organisms
or their products to
make or modify a
substance or process
 Bioinformatics is the
use of computers to
store, retrieve and
analyze biological data
Careers in the Biology
 Biologists learn how living
things work, how they
interact with one another,
and how they evolve.
 Their work increases our
understanding about the
natural world in which we
live and helps us address
issues of personal well
being and worldwide
concern.
Career Paths
 Research:
 Study the natural world,
using scientific tools and
techniques.
 Health care:
 Work to cure or prevent
illnesses.
 Environmental
management and
conservation:
 Solve environmental
problems and preserve the
natural world for future.
Career Paths
 Education:
 Life science educators enjoy
working with people and
encouraging them to learn
new things. They works at:

Colleges and universities
 Primary and secondary
schools
 Science museums, zoos,
aquariums, parks, and
nature centers
Additional career paths
 Biotechnology
 Forensic science
 Politics and policy
 Business and industry
 Economics
 Bioinformatics and
computational biology
 Science writing and
communication
 Art and illustration
To prepare for a biology career
 In high school
 Take courses in math and
science.
 Talk to biologists.
 Explore your college options.
 Have fun! Find what
interests you.
 In college
 Talk to your advisor.
 Consider how long you want
to be in school.
 Ask your professors about
part-time jobs.
 Find summer internships.
Colleges and Universities
 There is no "best" college to study biology.
 Find a school that fits your needs, budget, and lifestyle.
One with:
 Faculty diversity and experience
 A commitment to undergraduate education
 Research opportunities for undergraduates
Job outlook
 Job growth is expected in a number of areas,
biotechnology and molecular biology in particular.
 Business leaders are trying to create more science
and technology jobs in the US to prevent them
from being exported.
Salaries
 Starting salary around $33,000
per year.
 Mean annual salary of $55,000.
 With more experience and
education:
 $80,000 in private industry
 $65,000 in government,
academia, and nonprofit sector
 After 30 years of experience
median salary is $103,000.
 Salaries may vary greatly
depending on
 geographic location, job type,
experience and education.
Biotech & Environmental Issues
 Genetically engineered
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foods
Bioremediation
Assessment of
biodiversity
Species identification
Biomonitoring
Biotech Careers in
Environmental Fields
 Aquaculture Technology
 Medicinal Drug
 Chemical Ecology
 Ecotoxicology
 Endangered Species
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Management
Entomology
Environmental Engineering
Environmental Risk
Assessment
Forestry
Global Change Ecology
Habitat Degradation
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Development
Natural Resource
Management
Oceanography
Plant Science
Pollution Stress
Seed Banks
Sustainable Agriculture
Taxonomy
Tropical Ecology
Wildlife Management
More information
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Careers in Biological Sciences: http://www.aibs.org/careers/
Environmental Jobs and Careers: http://www.ecoemploy.com/
Environmental Career Opportunities: http://www.ecojobs.com/
Minority Environmental Leadership Development Initiative:
http://www.umich.edu/~meldi/
National Academy of Sciences career planning guide:
http://nationalacademies.org/careerguides.html
National Institutes of Health--Career Exploration:
http://science.education.nih.gov/home2.nsf/Careers/Career+Exploration
Virtual Hospital--Careers in Biomedical Research:
http://www.vh.org/welcome/tour/discovery/
AccessExcellence--Biotechnology Careers:
http://www.accessexcellence.org/RC/CC/