Job Opportunities after B.Tech in Biotech

 Article by @Harmanjot Kaur, Content Writer, Chandigarh University 

Biotechnology is one of the most dynamic and beneficial scientific developments of the last quarter-century. The field has been getting a lot of attraction from students and parents since the late 1990s in India. But the career path after B.Tech in Biotech is still largely esoteric. Employment opportunities after studying B.Tech in Biotechnology college is still a mystery for most people. This post will give a clear idea of B.Tech in Biotechnology and job opportunities after this study.

What is Biotechnology?

Biotechnology is a versatile field that includes maths, physics, chemistry and other subjects. It is a branch of Applied Biology that handles the use of living organisms and bioprocesses in the engineering, medicine, and technology field. B.Tech in Biotech is one of the most sought-after courses. Biotech being a newly developing field at an expeditious pace, one can easily find jobs in India and abroad. 

Eligibility Criteria to pursue B.Tech in Biotechnology College?

12th passed out students with science streams can choose B.Tech in Biotechnology. One can also select the integrated M.Tech programs with Biotechnology. If one has done Bachelors in Engineering or Medicine, still they are eligible to pursue M.Tech ( Biotechnology). 

Chandigarh University, one of the leading NAAC A+ accredited universities in North India, provides Bachelors, Masters, and International programs in Biotechnology. The renowned academicians deliver a global curriculum that is a perfect combination of animal, plant, and microbial sciences. 

Every year, the university conducts an entrance exam to reward talented and brilliant minds with unique scholarships. CUCET 2021 is launched to take admission into different programs. Based on the merit list, one can avail of 100% scholarship options up to Rs 33 crores. Any candidate with a minimum of 55% marks in the 10+2 standard is allowed to appear for the entrance test. Bachelor's programs are available which includes B.Sc in Biotechnology and B.Sc in Microbiology that helps students to develop expertise in the exciting areas of the field. 

Job Prospects after pursuing B.Tech in Biotechnology College

Drug/Pharmaceutical Companies

After completing B.Tech in Biotechnology, students can join pharmaceutical companies. These chemical industries are always in need of graduates skilled in the biotech field. One can work as a Marketing Manager, Quality Control Officer, Research Analyst, Production-in-charge in different pharmaceutical companies like Dabur, Hindustan Antibiotics, and Cipla. 

There is an interconnection between pharmaceutical and biotech companies. It is easier for biotechnology students to join pharma companies as they can easily understand various health-related diseases and their effects on organs or cells. It is easy for them to understand the effects of different drugs on humans. 

Pharma companies like Jubilant and Reliance Ltd have a separate biotechnology division where job opportunities are available. Other companies include Invitrogen, Cadila, Torrent Pharma, Novozymes, Dr Reddy’s Labs, and more.

Required skills:

• B.Tech Biotech freshers can join these companies as an Intern or Trainee
• Having hands-on experience in techniques like protein purification and characterization work via chromatography techniques.

Business Developer

After completing B.Tech in Biotechnology college,  candidates can get employed as a Business Developer in the marketing departments of various companies. Candidates can work for companies like Cipla, Glenmark, GSK, and Indian Drugs and Pharmaceuticals Ltd. (IDPL). Business developers are hired to boost business for the company in sectors where their products are needed.

Required skills:

• Good analytical and technical skills
• Excellent communication skills
• Flexible working
• Deep knowledge of Biotechnology

Research Scientist

Biotechnology is not just the integration of theoretical scientific attitudes such as cell biology, molecular biology, genetics, and biochemistry but also the practical scientific attitudes such as robotics, information technology, and chemical knowledge. If you have an interest in biological sciences and possess an analytical mind as well as problem-solving skills, then you have a successful career in biotechnology. Some of the top research institutes include the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), National Brain Research Institute (NBRI), National Environmental Engineering Research Institute, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, and many more.

Required Skills

• GATE exam with valid scores after completing B.Tech from Biotechnology college can easily get you a job in the research institutes. 
• Non-Net candidates can also apply at research labs & institutes after gaining some experience.

Bioprocessing ( Agriculture/Food)

There is ample scope for B.Tech Biotech students in the bioprocessing field. Bioprocessing is an indispensable part of the agriculture and food industry for the production of products. Biotechnology students with expertise in biocatalysts can design or produce improved or new products related to agriculture like chemicals for plant and animal disease control. 

Waste Management/Environmental Control Specialist

There are immense career opportunities in different private sector companies that use various environmental products. B.Tech Biotech graduates can work as environment engineers in water treatment or disposal industries and fertilizer plants. Apart from the private sector, there is a great scope in government sectors like the Central Pollution Control Board etc. Apart from this, one also has the unique opportunity to work in environmental research institutes like the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute which provides effective solutions to various environmental problems. The biotech graduates can work for posts like technical or project assistant and scientist. 

Masters Degree

Higher studies are significant for career advancement. In today’s competitive world with cut-throat competition, just a graduation degree is not enough. It is better to go for a Masters program for your personal and career growth. After completing B.Tech in Biotechnology college, you can do your Masters program for reputed colleges like Chandigarh University. The programs available include M.Sc in Biotechnology, M.Sc Industrial Microbiology, and M.Sc in Bioinformatics. 

International Opportunities

Studying in foreign universities is beneficial as it provides the necessary global exposure. You can look for colleges providing scholarships that can support you for abroad studies. CU has a special program B.Sc in Biotechnology( International) helps students study in a diverse environment and boost career opportunities. 

Salary Package After B.TECH in Biotechnology College

• The average annual salary for leading biotech companies ranges from Rs 2,29238 to Rs 8,28,746 LPA
• As a fresher in biotechnology, one can expect a starting salary of Rs 20,000.
• In government research laboratories, one can expect an initial salary of Rs 12000 per month with other perks and allowances. As a junior researcher in research labs, one can receive a fellowship with a starting salary of Rs 30,000.

There are immense opportunities available in Biotechnology. The students need to analyze the area of interest and the field in which they want to make their career.