Biotechnologist
Career outlook for biotechnologist
Figures and forecasts for roles at the same level, which require similar skills and qualifications.
Average UK salary
£40,560
Currently employed in Scotland
7,500
Average UK salary
£40,560
Currently employed in Scotland
7,500
"LMI for All" supplies our salary and employment status information. "Oxford Economics" supplies job forecasts and employment figures.
Due to COVID-19 the jobs market is constantly changing. Some of the information may not reflect the current situation.
What's it like?
You would use your biology knowledge to come up with products and processes that improve our health, our food and our world.
Your work would depend on your specific field.
In medical biotechnology and biotherapeutics you might:
- Research genetics, proteins, antibodies, viruses, plants, fungi, bacteria and diseases
- Develop treatments for the genetic causes of disease
- Produce medicines using techniques such as cell culture and genetic modification
In environmental biotechnology you might:
- Develop micro-organisms and plants to clean polluted land or water
- Create renewable sources of energy
- Produce environmentally-friendly materials for industry
In industrial biotechnology, you might:
- Produce enzymes for use in food and drink
- Create biological detergents and dyes
- Improve animal feed
- Genetically modify crops
In all three areas, you would:
- Do practical work in a laboratory
- Use computers and technical equipment
- Write reports
- Present your research
- Keep records
Working conditions
Hours
Environment
UK employment status
Full-time
81%
Part-time
8%
Self employed
11%
Create a qualification route
We’ve found some examples of the qualifications that could help you get this job.
Discover my routeTop skills
Here are some of the skills needed for this job. Sign in to see how your skills match up.
- Working with technology
- Problem solving
- Observation
- Researching
- Attention to detail
- Sorting
- Taking initiative
- Analysing
- Understanding
Skills Explorer
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To understand more, have a look at What are my skills?
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Use the Skills Explorer toolGetting in
Entry requirements for courses can change. Always contact the college, university or training provider to check exactly what you’ll need.
Foundation Apprenticeships
Choosing a Foundation Apprenticeship as one of your subjects in S5 and S6 can help you get a head start with this type of job.
You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification (the same level as a Higher) plus valuable work placement experience and skills you can't learn in a classroom.
Interested? Find out what's on offer at your school on Apprenticeships.scot.
Qualifications
A degree (SCQF level 9/10) in a subject such as biotechnologies, biological science, microbiology, or chemistry.
Most undergraduate courses ask for at least four Highers at B or above (SCQF level 6). Some universities may require AABB (first sitting) for entry.
The University of Dundee offers a BSc Life Sciences course with only requires two Highers at B including Biology or Chemistry and one other subject; this course has been developed for those with high academic potential who experienced disadvantage.
Useful subjects
- Biology (required by most courses)
- Maths (required by most courses)
- Chemistry (required by most courses)
- English
- Science subjects
- Techologies subjects
Helpful to have
Many people who do this job also have postgraduate qualifications such as a Master of Science (MSc) (SCQF level 11) or a doctoral degree (SCQF level 12) in a relevant subject.
Although some technician level jobs, mainly based in laboratories, don't require a degree, competition in this industry is very fierce.
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