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Biotechnology jobs in United Kingdom

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• Biotechnology 13
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Found 9 jobs

Bioinformatics/data engineer.

• Oxford, England
• GBP35000 - GBP45000 per year

Immunocore (NASDAQ: IMCR) is a pioneering, commercial-stage T cell receptor biotechnology company whose purpose is to develop and commercialize a new

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Research Scientist - Autoimmune Diseases

• GBP34000 - GBP40000 per year

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Principal Scientist, Antibody Platform

• GBP65000 - GBP80000 per year

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RNA Biologist

• Competitive

CK Group are recruiting for an RNA Biologist on behalf of a growing biotechnology company creating novel therapies for use in oncology and other di...

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CK Group are working in partnership with STORM Therapeutics, to recruit an RNA Biologist to join their Molecular and Cell Biology Team at the Babra...

Sample Technology Scientist (RNA/cDNA)

• Oxford Nanopore Technologies

We are looking for a Sample Technologies Scientist to join our RNA/cDNA Sample Technologies team.

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Sample Technologies Manager (RNA/cDNA)

We are looking for a Sample Technologies Manager to join our RNA/cDNA Sample Technologies team.

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Pathology Technician

• Cambridge, CB24 9NZ
• £23,088 + overtime
• National Institute of Agricultural Botany (NIAB)

Are you passionate about safeguarding Britain’s arable crops? Do you thrive in agile environments where science...

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• Expiring today
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Marketing Technology Manager

• Oxfordshire, England

Oxford Nanopore Technologies is headquartered at the Oxford Science Park outside Oxford, UK, with satellite offices and a commercial presence in many

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UK Biotech Jobs

Search and apply for jobs now or set up a  job alert  to hear about new roles as soon as they are posted.

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Found 35 jobs in this campaign

Analytical specialist team lead.

• Competitive
• RBW Consulting

Analytical Specialist Team Lead   Key Responsibilities: Management & Organization: Lead and manage the pharmaceutical materials sampling and testi...

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Scientific Manager (Scientific Director) - Publications

• United Kingdom, Homeworking

At ICON, it's our people that set us apart. Our diverse teams enable us to become a better partner to our customers and help us to fulfil our mission

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Weekend Cage Wash Technician

• Eye, United Kingdom

Labcorp are currently looking for a hard working, motivated individual to join our team as a Weekend Cage Wash Technician at our site in Eye, Suffolk.

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Senior Scientist, Immuno-Oncology

• Cambridge, Cambridgeshire (GB)
• Competitive based upon experience
• Barrington James

Seeking a highly motivated and experienced Senior Scientist to join the Immuno-Oncology team of an exciting early-stage Biotech.

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Production Chemist

Production Chemist Location: Preston, UK Work Schedule: Shift Work (12-hour shifts - midnight start, 11 days out of every 28) Unique Perk: Enjoy a ...

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Supervisor-Analytical (QCL Shift Supervisor)

• Cork (County), Munster (IE)
• Hobson Prior

Supervisor-Analytical (QCL Shift Supervisor) | Permanent | Pharmaceutical Industry | Ireland I'm seeking a dedicated professional to lead the QC Team.

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• Woking, Surrey

QC Manager   I am partnered exclusively with an international advanced pharmaceutical company that are growing key leadership and management positi...

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Bioinformatician - Mass Spectrometry, Proteomics

• North West England
• Umbilical Life

Working with this innovative biotech in the heart of the North West you will be responsible for:  Pipeline Development of proteomic (phospho-proteo...

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Assistant Animal Technician

• Tranent, United Kingdom
• Charles River Laboratories - Scotland

For 75 years, Charles River employees have worked together to assist in the discovery, development and safe manufacture of new drug therapies. When...

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Senior Project Leader - Biotech (Select EU countries)

• United Kingdom

Parexel is in the business of improving the world's health. We do this by providing a suite of biopharmaceutical services that help clients across...

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Research Scientist - Autoimmune Diseases

• Abingdon, England, Oxfordshire / Oxfordshire, England, Didcot / Oxfordshire, England, Oxford
• GBP34000 - GBP40000 per year

Immunocore (NASDAQ: IMCR) is a pioneering, commercial-stage T cell receptor biotechnology company whose purpose is to develop and commercialize a new

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Scientist II, ADQC

• Oxford BioMedica (UK) Limited

Job description: We use science to save lives, and so can you. We are currently recruiting for a Scientist II to join the Analytical Services Group t

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Global Translational Bioinformatics Lead

• Competitive + Benefits
• Astellas Europe

Global Translational Bioinformatics Lead About Astellas At Astellas we are a progressive health partner, delivering value and outcomes where needed...

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QC Compliance Officer IV

Job description: We are at the centre of the rapidly growing cell and gene therapy sector. We deliver life-changing therapies to patients, and so can

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Scientific Assistant II Process DevelopmentRD

Job description: We want you to feel inspired every day. We’re future-focused and our business is growing. We succeed together through passion, commi

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Scientific Assistant, Process Development

Job description: We want you to feel inspired every day. We're future-focused and our business is growing. We succeed together through passion, commi

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Technical Writer, Process Development

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Statistical Analyst (London, Entry Level)

• London, United Kingdom

Our European activities are growing rapidly, and we are currently seeking a full-time, office-based Statistical Analyst to join our Global Statisti...

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Biostatistician (PhD, Experienced)

Due to continuous business growth, we are expanding our Biostatistics team, and looking for a full-time Biostatistician to join our office-based te...

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Data Standard Analyst - Biostatistics Team

Our corporate activities are growing rapidly, and we are currently seeking a full-time, office-based Data Standard Analyst to join our Biostatistic...

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Research Jobs in Biotechnology

If you’re interested in an academic research career in biotechnology, you’ll find a diverse range of roles, spanning multiple research areas and disciplines.

From genetics to virology, biotechnology researchers have contributed to some of the world’s most pioneering technological advances.

You may be a sciences or engineering graduate embarking on a biotechnology-related PhD, or an early career researcher looking for your next project. Whatever the stage of your career, you will find biotechnology research positions available in higher education, research institutes, an almost limitless array of industrial and commercial settings and government/public sector organisations.

Here we look at the research jobs available in biotechnology, the typical career path into this varied field and what it’s like to work in the sector.

Career Path

Biotechnology research reaches across engineering, technology and medical, agricultural, biological, physical and environmental sciences. Therefore, the area of research you choose will depend on your first degree and/or Masters and biotechnology-related doctoral specialism.

Following completion of a PhD, you will need to look for postdoctoral research contracts which align with your chosen biotechnology specialism. Research projects and activities tend to be fixed-term contracts, so it’s likely that you’ll complete a few postdoc projects before being considered for promotion to senior research associate/fellow or lecturer/senior lecturer.

Alternatively, you may want to consider research posts in related institutes, government or public sector organisations and biotech/life sciences companies.

Working as a Biotechnology Researcher

What’s it like to work as a biotechnology researcher?

Your day-to-day duties will depend on the level of research role you’re applying for. However, in all biotechnology research roles, you’ll be spending a significant amount of time in a lab-based setting, analysing data and testing products and technology.

Working with the research lead and team, you would be expected to contribute and present your research according to your specialist knowledge. If you choose to work in a university, there may also be some ad hoc teaching and demonstration involved.

• Contributing to research and performing complex data tasks
• Conducting lab-based experiments and analysis of results
• Using highly specialised computational equipment
• Working with a multi-disciplinary team to publish research results
• Collaborating with project partners and biotech industries
• Delivery of workshops and demonstrations and PhD, MSc and BSc project supervision
• Presenting at conferences around the world

Where to find jobs

Biotechnology research and industries have grown exponentially in recent years, particularly in the UK. The success of the COVID-19 vaccine has also helped highlight the biotech industry’s impact on global healthcare technology and research.

As a result, demand for experts and researchers across all areas of biotechnology is high. Universities work closely with project partners and biotech, life sciences and biomedical engineering industries to collaborate on a huge range of research and development projects and initiatives.

Biotechnology research projects, groups and clusters are generally well-funded in the UK, through both public bodies and industry. To find out more about the types of biotechnology research projects currently receiving funding visit the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) .

If you choose to work as a researcher in a university, here are some of the roles you may come across during your search:

• Research assistant
• Postdoctoral researcher
• Research technician/workshop technician
• Research fellow or associate
• Senior research associate/fellow
• Biotechnology (or related discipline) lecturer/senior lecturer

Salaries in biotechnology and engineering research vary depending on the field and specific research activities of the university. However, postdoctoral researchers and research associates can expect to start on a salary of around £30,000 to £39,999 p.a.

PhD Studentships

Before embarking on an academic research career in biotechnology, you will generally need to have completed doctoral studies in a specialist field. For graduates who want to work in biotech industries, a PhD helps you to develop the data interpretation and research skills you need to progress your career at a faster pace.

There are a wide range of PhD studentships available in biotechnology, which is considered a priority industry and area of research. A PhD takes around 3-5 years to complete; most are fully funded and come with a stipend in the range of £15,000 and £17,000 p.a.

You can find current PhD studentships in fields related to biotechnology here .

Further Information:

• Academic Jobs in Biotechnology
• Lecturing Jobs in Biotechnology
• Senior Academic Jobs in Biotechnology

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Biotechnologist

Biotechnologists use their knowledge of biological science and technology to create and develop innovative products designed to improve the quality of human life

As a biotechnologist you'll study the chemical, genetic and physical attributes of cells, tissues and organisms in order to develop new technologies, processes and products that will address some of the biggest problems facing society.

The role involves manipulating living organisms or their components to design or enhance vaccines, medicines, energy efficiency or food productivity and safety.

You will usually specialise in one area of biotechnology, such as:

• biochemistry - microbiology, forensics, plant science and medicine
• cancer studies - detection and treatment
• genetics - detecting heredity, genetic variation and DNA repair
• molecular biology - DNA, RNA and protein synthesis function
• microbial sciences - antibiotic-resistant bacteria and improving fermentation
• pharmacology - drug action on biological systems
• stem cell research - modification and regenerative medicine
• virology - viruses and viral diseases.

You can find work at biotechnology and other commercial companies, research or higher education institutions, government laboratories and hospitals.

Job titles vary and won't always be advertised as biotechnologist. Other job titles include research assistant, genomic technologist, flow technologist and bioprocessing engineer. If the position involves using live organisms and biomolecular processes within a biotechnological discipline, it's likely to be a biotechnologist role.

Types of biotechnologist

Biotechnologists can be found in a range of industries including pharmaceuticals, healthcare, biofuels, agriculture, conservation, animal husbandry and food production.

Examples of activities you might undertake include:

• environmental - detecting and controlling pollution and contamination in the environment, industrial waste, and agricultural chemicals, creating renewable energy and designing biodegradable materials to reduce humanity's ecological footprint
• medical and health - using live organisms or biomolecular processes to develop and improve treatments and drugs, identify inherited diseases, cure certain disorders, and even lead to organ regeneration
• industrial - using cloning and enzyme production to preserve and enhance the taste in food and drink, and developing enzymes to remove stains from clothing at lower washing temperatures
• agricultural biotechnology - improving animal feed and genetically modifying crops to increase resistance to pests and improve productivity
• biofuels - using organic compounds to reduce the cost of bio-refining reagents and put biofuels on an equal footing with fossil fuels, and creating chemicals from renewable biomass to reduce greenhouse gas emissions
• marine and aquatic biotechnology - increasing the yields of farmed fish and designing disease-resistant strains of oysters and vaccines against certain viruses that can infect fish.

Responsibilities

Your day-to-day activities will depend on your area of specialism, the sector you work in and the type of employer you work for.

However, you'll typically need to:

• create, conduct and monitor experiments using live organisms or biomolecular processes in a laboratory setting to solve problems, improve processes and develop new products
• use scientific knowledge to follow different methodologies to achieve results
• perform data analysis on your experiments and interpret findings to support scientific investigations
• record and disseminate results accurately in reports and via presentations
• set up, maintain and operate standard laboratory equipment and computers
• work independently and collaboratively with other scientists
• work to health, safety and environmental regulations and meet quality standards
• keep up to date with new advances in biotechnology to develop new techniques, products or practices.
• The starting salary for graduates generally falls between £19,000 and £24,000.
• The salary for experienced (over five years' experience) biotechnologists can be between £25,000 and £50,000.
• Salaries in highly experienced roles (ten or more years) with additional responsibilities can rise to £60,000.

Your salary will vary depending on your area of focus and the industry you're working in. Salaries tend to be higher in large companies within the private commercial sector, particularly at senior level.

Income figures are intended as a guide only.

Working hours

A standard working week is usually between 35 and 40 hours. You may need to work shifts, nights and weekends if conducting experiments that need continuous monitoring.

What to expect

• Work is often carried out in modern laboratories at hospitals, industrial lab units, factories or universities. You'll typically be working in sterile conditions and will need to wear protective clothing, such as a lab coat and safety glasses.
• You'll usually conduct experiments individually but will sometimes work collaboratively to achieve a common goal. Sharing information with your supervisor and colleagues is typical, and you may also need to attend conference calls or international conferences and produce research papers.
• Expect to use a range of standard and highly-specialised laboratory equipment and computerised machines to produce results, at times to a short deadline.
• Biotechnologist opportunities are available across the UK, but particularly in the biotech golden triangle of London, Oxford, and Cambridge, as well as in Scotland. There are, however, new biotech hubs emerging elsewhere in the UK in places such as Bristol. Opportunities are also available overseas, particularly in the USA.
• You may need to travel to enhance your knowledge and understanding of a specific technique or procedure.

Qualifications

You'll typically need an organic science degree, usually a 2:1 or above, to get into biotechnology. The following subjects are particularly useful:

• biochemistry
• biological sciences
• biology (crop and plant science, environmental)
• biomedical engineering
• biomedical science
• biotechnology
• chemistry or chemical engineering
• microbiology
• molecular biology
• pharmacology.

It may also be possible to enter the career with a level 6 laboratory scientist degree apprenticeship. Search find an apprenticeship .

Some employers will also ask for a postgraduate qualification such as a Masters or PhD. A PhD is particularly important if you want to follow a career in research. Another option is to take an integrated Masters degree (usually four years or five in Scotland), followed by a PhD.

Search postgraduate courses in biotechnology .

Employers may expect you to have some knowledge of the specific area of biotechnology you want to go into, like the food and drink industry. You'll usually receive specific training on the job, but will need to have laboratory skills and some experience of working in a lab.

Some large pharmaceutical and medical companies offer structured graduate training programmes, and some employers may support you to complete a postgraduate qualification. Competition is strong for a place on a training scheme.

You'll need to have:

• an aptitude for bioscience
• an enquiring mind and the ability to work with abstract concepts
• organisational and planning skills with the ability to plan ahead while delivering to deadline
• problem-solving skills
• good hand-eye coordination and the ability to use technical equipment with accuracy
• excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
• the ability to analyse and interpret statistical and technical data
• patience, and the ability to work methodically and meticulously when following scientific techniques and company procedures
• the ability to work well as both part of a team and independently
• good computer skills to record data and write scientific reports
• a creative and innovative approach to work
• excellent attention to detail.

Work experience

Try to secure work experience in a laboratory or research setting as this will significantly improve your chances of finding full-time employment. Although large companies tend to advertise formal opportunities, you'll need to make targeted speculative applications to small and medium-sized companies or research units to find out about opportunities. You can also get some experience through work shadowing or insight days and internships.

An industrial placement year can be particularly useful and will help you develop your lab skills as well as a network of contacts.

While any lab experience will be a great help to your career prospects, try to gain experience relevant to your field of interest to enhance your application.

Experience that develops your commercial awareness is also looked on favourably as many employers are keen to employ biotechnologists with an understanding of business.

Find out more about the different kinds of  work experience and internships  that are available.

Large private biotech companies tend to advertise positions with a focus on medical, pharmaceutical and biochemical disciplines, while small and medium-sized enterprises often advertise positions using a different job title.

Jobs are available with:

• biotechnology and genetic engineering firms
• food and drink manufacturers
• environmental and conservation (sewage and waste treatment, fuel, pollutant degradation) companies
• government and charity research institutes
• horticulture and agriculture organisations (food and drink science)
• NHS and private hospitals
• pharmaceutical and chemical companies
• private clinical research companies (genetics, disease detection, therapy, etc.)
• universities and research institutions.

Look for job vacancies at:

• Chemistry World Jobs
• Foodman jobs
• New Scientist Jobs
• UK Bioindustry Association

Specialist recruitment agencies such as CK Group and SRG also advertise vacancies.

Professional development

You'll usually have a general induction, which includes health and safety training and, in some cases, control of substances hazardous to health (COSHH) regulations training. You're also likely to receive specific on-the-job training to develop essential biotechnological techniques.

You may join a structured graduate training programme, which can take one to three years to complete. Some employers might financially support part-time study for postgraduate qualifications.

You'll be encouraged to undertake continuing professional development (CPD) such as attending conferences and workshops to enhance your technical skills and understanding.

Membership of a professional organisation relevant to your area of specialism is also useful. Membership provides access to training, funding and research opportunities in various areas of biotechnology. Relevant bodies include:

• Biochemical Society
• Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS)
• Institute of Food Science and Technology (IFST)
• Institute of Science & Technology (IST)
• Royal Society of Biology (RSB)

You can also work towards chartership of a relevant professional body and professional registration with the Science Council .

Career prospects

It's possible with experience to progress to a senior scientist position and then into a supervisory or management position. Opportunities for career progression vary depending on the type and size of company you work for, your area of specialism, and your qualifications and skills. You may need to move company in order to move up the career ladder.

Taking additional professional or academic qualifications can increase your career prospects. If you're following a career in academia, it's important to get your research published in journals related to your area of expertise. Securing funding for research projects will also help your career prospects.

With experience, there are opportunities to take on freelance or advisory work. You could also choose to move into another area of an organisation, for example in business development, production, information and data technology, or into a regulatory role.

Alternatively, some biotechnologists move into related careers such as patent attorney, scientific writing and journalism, or into quality assurance management, sales and marketing.

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Quality Assurance Lead Auditor

• Salary negotiable
• Permanent, full-time

Company : Inizio Engage Position : Quality Assurance Lead Auditor Location : Wigston Vacancy Type : Permanent Salary : Competitive Inizio Engage have the pleasure of recruiting a Quality Assurance Lead Auditor for one of the fastest growing privately...

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Patent Attorney - Biotechnology - Cambridge

• Competitive salary

Please get in touch with us to find out more about this fantastic opportunity for a part or fully qualified patent attorney to join the life sciences team in the Cambridge offices of a well-respected and successful IP practice. You can expect exposur...

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Senior Associate - Biotechnology Patent Attorney

We are working on an excellent opportunity for a qualified patent attorney at a senior level in London, to work for a firm with a formidable reputation. Our client is considering attorneys with a minimum of 3 years’ post qualification experience, who...

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Biotechnology / Chemistry Patent Attorney - Cambridge

Our client are seeking a Part Qualified or a Fully-Qualified Patent Attorney with expertise in Biotechnology and / or Chemistry, to join their office in Cambridge. The work on offer is interesting and varied, both in terms of subject matter and the m...

Pharmacy Vaccine Account Executive

• Ashby-de-la-Zouch

Position Overview: Inizio Engage is partnering with our client - a global biotechnology company, to promote their Covid-19 vaccine to pharmacies across the UK, aiming to increase brand awareness and engagement, leading to order placements. As a Pharm...

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Senior Associate - Biotechnology Patent Attorney - Cambridge

We are working on an excellent opportunity for a qualified patent attorney at a senior level in Cambridge, to work for a firm with a formidable reputation. Our client is considering attorneys with a minimum of 3 years’ post qualification experience, ...

Qualified Patent Attorney - Biotechnology / Life Sciences

We are working with a renowned firm, who have an opening available for a Biotechnology / Life Sciences Patent Attorney. The successful candidate will have the chance to work with a highly reputable Partner, enjoy substantial responsibility as well as...

Part / Fully Qualified Biotechnology Patent Attorney - Birmingham

We are working with a high reputable firm who are recruiting for a Part Qualified / Fully Patent Attorney to join their renowned and thriving biotechnology / life sciences team. All candidates should have previous working experience with biotech / bi...

Strain Engineering Scientist

As a global leader in chemicals and biotechnology, this is an exciting opportunity to join their Biotechnology division to be a part of the growth towards sustainabilty. They currently have an exciting opportunity for a Research Scientist to join the...

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PQ Biotech Patent Attorney

• £85,000 - £100,000 per annum

A standout law firm, renowned for its distinguished clientele and innovative approach to intellectual property law, is actively seeking a talented and ambitious Patent Attorney to bolster their Biotechnology practice. With offices throughout the UK, ...

Biotech Patent Attorney

• £60,000 - £95,000 per annum

Are you a skilled Biotechnology Patent Attorney at finals standard or with up to 2 years of post-qualification experience? Our client, a leading IP firm based in London, is looking to expand its exceptional team with a dedicated and talented professi...

Chief Business Officer - Bioprocessing Technology

Chief Business Officer - Bioprocessing Technology Newton Colmore is working with an exciting biotechnology company based in Cambridge and we are actively looking to find a Chief Business Officer to lead on strategy and commercialisation. This role wo...

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Senior Mechanical Engineer - Robotics Design

• £50,000 - £60,000 per annum, OTE, inc benefits, negotiable

Senior Mechanical Engineer - Robotics Design Newton Colmore is partnered with a start-up biotechnology company in Cambridge, and we are helping them find an experienced mechanical engineer to join their team and help them prove their concept. The com...

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Scientist II - Electrochemistry

• £26,000 - £34,000 per annum
• Bedfordshire

Scientist II – Electrochemist An exciting opportunity has arisen a Scientist II at a leading biotechnology company based in Bedfordshire. As the Scientist II you will be responsible for conducting electrochemistry and developing polymer modified sens...

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Quality Assurance Officer

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Quality Assurance Officer Location: Cambridge Contract: Full-time and permanent Sector: Biotechnology Salary: c 30,000 35,000 depending on experience. Our client is an innovative biotechnology company based outside of the centre of Cambridge. They ha...

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• Home: Explore careers

Biotechnologist

Alternative titles for this job include.

Biotechnologists study plants, animals, microbes, biochemistry and genetics to develop new products and improve existing ones.

Average salary (a year)

£23,000 Starter

£44,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

37 to 40 a week

You could work

evenings / weekends / bank holidays on shifts

Meet Dr Marin Sawa

You could work on a wide range of research projects as a biotechnologist. Find out how Dr Marin uses biotechnology to create a green energy solution.

2 minute 30 second watch

I'm developing a bio energy wallpaper that can capture light energy and convert it into electrical energy. It could be an alternative to solar panels and it could be generating electricity simply from growing algae on your walls.

I really enjoy working with algae and seeing the bacteria not only because they produce oxygen, so I get a lot of oxygen out of them, but because they're green. And as a human being, I naturally react to the colour green or green organisms. I think it's just something in our DNA that remember that our ancestral root actually comes from photosynthetic organisms.

And by tapping into algae’s photosynthetic power, you could be charging everything from your phones to sitting room lights, to little sensors. It is incredibly green, clean energy solution.

I use inkjet methods to interface these photosynthetic microorganisms onto paper, and I use paper for biodegradability and also paper being quite common element in architecture, mostly in material. And these patterning plays an important role in designing not just functional but aesthetic.

I then construct the bio electrons into bio photovoltaic devices. I will measure the output and also analyse the longevity of the living bio photovoltaic system. Who knows? We may have photosynthetic organisms as our charging points across the world.

It makes so much more sense to surround our living environment with green surfaces that harvest light and enrich our environment.

How to become

How to become biotechnologist.

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• an apprenticeship
• working towards this role

You can do a degree qualification in a relevant scientific subject, like:

• biotechnology
• microbiology
• biochemistry
• food science
• chemistry or chemical engineering

As well as a degree, some employers may want you to have a postgraduate qualification, especially for research posts.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science
• 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including biology or chemistry
• a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements
• student finance for fees and living costs
• university courses and entry requirements

Apprenticeship

You may be able to get into this job by doing an apprenticeship, such as:

• Science Manufacturing Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
• Technician Scientist Level 5 Higher Apprenticeship
• Laboratory Science Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship

These apprenticeships take between 3 and 5 years to complete.

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship
• higher and degree apprenticeships
• guide to apprenticeships

You could start as a lab technician and work your way up by training on the job. For example, on a part-time degree or a degree apprenticeship.

Professional and industry bodies

You can join an organisation like the Science Council , which can help you:

• get professional recognition
• find training opportunities
• make industry contacts

Further information

You can find out more about working in biotechnology from the Science Council.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge.

You'll need:

• knowledge of biology
• knowledge of chemistry including the safe use and disposal of chemicals
• maths knowledge
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• analytical thinking skills
• excellent verbal communication skills
• the ability to work well with others
• to be flexible and open to change
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

What you’ll do

What you'll do, day-to-day tasks.

As a biotechnologist, your day to day duties will depend on your specialism.

In environmental biotechnology, you could:

• clean polluted land or water using micro-organisms and plants
• develop alternative sources of energy, like biodiesel
• make environmentally friendly raw materials, like biodegradable plastics

In industrial biotechnology, you could:

• clone and create enzymes for use in manufacturing food and drink
• improve animal feed
• modify crops to increase productivity and resistance to pests

In medical biotechnology and biotherapeutics, you could:

• study human genetics, antibodies, viruses, plants, fungi and bacteria
• develop therapies and vaccines to tackle the causes of disease
• produce medicines using techniques like cell culture and genetic modification

Working environment

You could work at a research facility, at a university or in a laboratory.

You may need to wear protective clothing.

Career path and progression

With experience, you could move into areas like:

• project or departmental management
• science communications
• quality assurance
• bioinformatics and data analysis
• freelance consultancy or scientific advisory work
• biotechnology policy and ethics

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships in england, degree apprentice development chemist.

• Wage: £19,000 a year Annually
• Location: Wakefield Road, Swillington, Leeds

Environmental Monitoring Scientist Apprenticeship

• Wage: £21,000 a year Annually
• Location: Silk Road Business Park, Macclesfield, Cheshire

Courses In England

Gce chemistry.

• Provider: NORTHAMPTON SCHOOL FOR BOYS
• Start date: 01 September 2024
• Location: NORTHAMPTON

GCE A Level in Chemistry

• Provider: BRENTWOOD COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL
• Start date: 02 September 2024
• Location: Brentwood

Jobs In the United Kingdom

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Research Jobs in Biotechnology

If you’re interested in an academic research career in biotechnology, you’ll find a diverse range of roles, spanning multiple research areas and disciplines.

From genetics to virology, biotechnology researchers have contributed to some of the world’s most pioneering technological advances.

You may be a sciences or engineering graduate embarking on a biotechnology-related PhD, or an early career researcher looking for your next project. Whatever the stage of your career, you will find biotechnology research positions available in higher education, research institutes, an almost limitless array of industrial and commercial settings and government/public sector organisations.

Here we look at the research jobs available in biotechnology, the typical career path into this varied field and what it’s like to work in the sector.

Career Path

Biotechnology research reaches across engineering, technology and medical, agricultural, biological, physical and environmental sciences. Therefore, the area of research you choose will depend on your first degree and/or Masters and biotechnology-related doctoral specialism.

Following completion of a PhD, you will need to look for postdoctoral research contracts which align with your chosen biotechnology specialism. Research projects and activities tend to be fixed-term contracts, so it’s likely that you’ll complete a few postdoc projects before being considered for promotion to senior research associate/fellow or lecturer/senior lecturer.

Alternatively, you may want to consider research posts in related institutes, government or public sector organisations and biotech/life sciences companies.

Working as a Biotechnology Researcher

What’s it like to work as a biotechnology researcher?

Your day-to-day duties will depend on the level of research role you’re applying for. However, in all biotechnology research roles, you’ll be spending a significant amount of time in a lab-based setting, analysing data and testing products and technology.

Working with the research lead and team, you would be expected to contribute and present your research according to your specialist knowledge. If you choose to work in a university, there may also be some ad hoc teaching and demonstration involved.

• Contributing to research and performing complex data tasks
• Conducting lab-based experiments and analysis of results
• Using highly specialised computational equipment
• Working with a multi-disciplinary team to publish research results
• Collaborating with project partners and biotech industries
• Delivery of workshops and demonstrations and PhD, MSc and BSc project supervision
• Presenting at conferences around the world

Where to find jobs

Biotechnology research and industries have grown exponentially in recent years, particularly in the UK. The success of the COVID-19 vaccine has also helped highlight the biotech industry’s impact on global healthcare technology and research.

As a result, demand for experts and researchers across all areas of biotechnology is high. Universities work closely with project partners and biotech, life sciences and biomedical engineering industries to collaborate on a huge range of research and development projects and initiatives.

Biotechnology research projects, groups and clusters are generally well-funded in the UK, through both public bodies and industry. To find out more about the types of biotechnology research projects currently receiving funding visit the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) .

If you choose to work as a researcher in a university, here are some of the roles you may come across during your search:

• Research assistant
• Postdoctoral researcher
• Research technician/workshop technician
• Research fellow or associate
• Senior research associate/fellow
• Biotechnology (or related discipline) lecturer/senior lecturer

Salaries in biotechnology and engineering research vary depending on the field and specific research activities of the university. However, postdoctoral researchers and research associates can expect to start on a salary of around £30,000 to £39,999 p.a.

PhD Studentships

Before embarking on an academic research career in biotechnology, you will generally need to have completed doctoral studies in a specialist field. For graduates who want to work in biotech industries, a PhD helps you to develop the data interpretation and research skills you need to progress your career at a faster pace.

There are a wide range of PhD studentships available in biotechnology, which is considered a priority industry and area of research. A PhD takes around 3-5 years to complete; most are fully funded and come with a stipend in the range of £15,000 and £17,000 p.a.

You can find current PhD studentships in fields related to biotechnology here .

Further Information:

• Academic Jobs in Biotechnology
• Lecturing Jobs in Biotechnology
• Senior Academic Jobs in Biotechnology

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