Career in Nanotechnology
Nanotechnology is the science of ‘miniature’. Nanotechnology is the engineering of working systems at
the molecular level. Due to its advancement in technological area, Nanotechnology is the upcoming field
which interests many people. It is the science of the
future which includes innovations that can change
the world.
From the clothes and sunglasses we wear to
computer hard drives and even cleaning products,
nanotechnology – often inspired by the natural
world – plays a big part in the manufacture of many
familiar products. It boosts our sunscreen's ability
to reflect harmful ultraviolet radiation, armors our
designer shades against unwanted scratches. The
gadgets we use to store our photos and songs also
use nanotechnology on their respective hard-drives and flash memory. Nanotechnology is an inescapable
part of modern everyday life.
Nanotechnology as defined by size is naturally very broad, including fields of science as diverse as surface
science, organic chemistry, molecular biology, semiconductor physics, micro fabrication, etc. The
associated research and applications are equally diverse, ranging from extensions of conventional device
physics to completely new approaches based upon molecular self-assembly, from developing new
materials with dimensions on the Nanoscale to direct control of matter on the atomic scale.
Indian industries have started realizing the commercial viability of Nanotechnology quite recently. Thus it
is one of the hottest career options available to Indian Engineering graduates. Nanotechnology in India is
targeted towards the main streams like electronics,
healthcare markets, and other industrial products. Many
scientific institutions have been doing Research and
Development (R&D) in this field. It is a powerful
technology which aids the development of products with
futuristic performance.
The two major categories of Nanotechnology are
Nanoscale technology and Molecular manufacturing.
Nanoscale technology covers small structures and can be
used for introducing stronger materials, better medicines,
and faster computers and so on. Molecular manufacturing
is an attempt at building mechanical and chemical
manufacturing systems that join molecules together.
Scope
The scope and application of nanotechnology is tremendous and stupendous. Indian Engineering and
Science graduates are increasingly opting for nanotechnology. Right from medicine, pharmaceuticals,
information technology, electronic, optoelectronics, energy, chemicals, advanced materials to textiles,
nanotechnology has its applications. Nanotechnology provides job opportunities in health industry;
pharmaceutical industry; agriculture industry; environment industry; food and beverage industry as well
in government and private research institutes.
A lot of job opportunities and research career exists in the areas of Nano-device, Nano-packaging, Nanowires, Nano-tools, Nano- biotechnology, Nano crystalline materials, Nano photonics and Nano porous
materials to name a few. It is estimated that around two
million nanotechnology skilled workforce will be required
world wide by 2015. Many government institutes and Indian
industries have focused on nanomaterials. It is also estimated
nanotechnology will create another five million jobs
worldwide in support fields and industries. A professional in
the field of nanotechnology can easily find lucrative jobs in
most of fields.
Skills
One needs to have a diehard passion for research, especially to find out new structures in the field of
nanotechnology. It is important to have sound analytical skills, along with a scientific bent of mind.
Analyzing and interpreting skills are a necessity in this field and also to accept failures in experiments as
a challenge. Other necessary skills which are required are as follows:
 Good mathematical and computer programming skills
 Adequate laboratory training for expert handling of advanced equipments
 Ability to learn and adopt new techniques
 Have a systematic way of working
 A natural propensity for research work
 Keep a track of the latest scientific news, books and research magazines
 A good background of physics, chemistry, medicine, electronics and biotechnology.
Job Prospects:
Since nanotechnology is a special branch that essentially combines physics, chemistry, biology,
engineering and technology, it is opening up job prospects for students specializing in all the mentioned
subjects. The career opportunities in the fields of Nanoscale science and technology are expanding
rapidly, as these fields have increasing impact on many aspects of our daily lives.
A professional in the field of Nanotechnology can easily find viable career opportunities in various
sectors. They can work in the field of Nano-medicine, bio-informatics, stem cell development,
pharmaceutical companies, and Nano toxicology and Nano power generating sectors.
The major areas for the development of applications involving Nanotechnology are medical and
pharmaceuticals, information technology, electronics, magnetics and optoelectronics, energy chemicals,
advanced materials and textiles.
Nanotechnology has varied applications viz. drug delivery to treat cancer tumor (without using
radiotherapy & chemotherapy), solar energy, batteries, display technologies, opto-electronic devices,
semiconductor devices, biosensors, luminous paints, and many others. A major challenge in this emerging
field is the training for a new generation of skilled professionals.
An abundance of job opportunities is awaiting for candidates with M.Tech in Nanotechnology in India and
abroad. Indian industry has focused on nanomaterials and many scientific institutions have started
research and development activities in the field. The CSIR (Council of Scientific and Industrial Research)
has set up 38 laboratories, across the country, to carry out research and development work in this field.
Those with PhD in Nanotechnology will have vibrant opportunities in the Research & Development
sectors.
Eligibility
The eligibility criteria to pursue career in nanotechnology is post graduate degree in the subject. For the
post graduation in nanotechnology candidates must have a Bachelor’s degree with at least 50% marks
aggregate in Math, Physics, Chemistry and Life Sciences with PCS as subsidiary subjects.
It is a perfect career for those who have a scientific bent of mind and a passion for studying and
experimenting with the minutest molecules. Students with a science and engineering background and
even mathematics with physics background can pursue Nanotechnology as a career. Candidates with
M.Tech in Nanotechnology are in great demand both in India and abroad.
The opportunities in nanotechnology are enormous but it requires lots of dedication and hard work to
achieve the level of expertise in this field. The sectors which are developing are medical sciences,
electronics, information technology and other disciplines which are using this technology to understand
the growth and usability of this technology. People in this field can develop themselves in health industry,
agriculture, environment industry, food and beverages, space research, and other industries as it has a
very wide scope.
Remuneration
Generally, the starting salary for one with an M.Tech or PhD degree in nanotechnology under one’s belt, is
in between Rs. 3, 00,000 to Rs. 10, 00,000 per annum. Nanotechnology is a booming industry which is
expected to throw up a large number of job opportunities with handsome pay packages in the future.
Fresh PhD holders from IIT’s are absorbed by multinational nanotechnology companies with salaries
ranging between Rs. 9, 00,000 to Rs. 12, 00,000 per annum.
(Words: 1,110)
Dr. Pawan Whig
The author is the Dean of Rajasthan Institute of Engineering & Technology. He has got a rich and versatile experience in
the industry and academia. He is an M-Tech and PhD from Jamia Millia Islamia University. Dr. Whig is a permanent
member of international association of engineers Hong Kong. He is also an honorable member of ISTE Delhi Chapter
2008-2009 as well as a student member of IEEE at Jamia Millia Islamia (Central University). Significantly an
institutional membership of ISTE Jaipur section as well.
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