Careers in biotechnology

Biotechnology is a global industry, and has been in a rapid growth phase over the past decade. Biotechnology encompasses many disciplines including human therapeutics, industrial applications, the agriculture sector, food technology, medical devices and diagnostics, and cleantech.

Biotech jobs are highly-skilled and highly-paid. There are many employment options including patent law, manufacturing, science, policy and business development. People with an understanding of both biosciences and business are in high demand.

Potential biotechnology occupations might include the following:

Bioanalytical Chemist	Patent Examiner
Biodiscovery Research Scientist	Pharmaceutical Representative
Biotechnologist	Plant Breeder
Business Development Manager	Policy Officer/Manager
Clinical Researcher	Production Technician/Manager
Graduate Administrative Assistant	Quality Assurance Officer/Manager
Laboratory Scientist	R & D Scientist
Medical Sales Representative	Research Development Officer
Patent Attorney (not lawyer)	Technical Sales Representative
Assistant Plant Breeder	Trainee Patent Attorney Biotechnology

Australia is already a leading location for biotechnology companies with over 900 biotechnology companies (400 therapeutics and diagnostics and 500 – 900 medical technology companies (Innovation Dynamics, 2008 & IBIS World, 2005)). Over 100 are ASX-listed life science companies which have a combined market capitalisation of more than $30 billion.

The career opportunities within the Australian biotechnology are promising, both now and into the future.

From time to time, AusBiotech industry members advertise employment and work experience opportunities on this website. Click here to view current advertised jobs.

Students are also advised to speak to their university career counsellor for guidance on career pathways.