Biotechnologist

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

• biotechnology
• bioscience
• 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|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
• university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/

You may be able to apply to do an apprenticeship, such as:

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

These apprenticeships take between 3 and 5 years to complete.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 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

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• apprenticeship levels|https://www.apprenticeships.gov.uk/apprentices/about-apprenticeships#UnderstandingApprenticeshiplevelsandqualifications
• guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide

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

Professional and Industry Bodies

You can join an organisation like the Science Council . This 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.

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

In environmental biotechnology, you could:

• clean polluted land and waterways using micro-organisms and plants
• develop alternative sources of energy, such as 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 help treat and guard against disease
• produce medicines using techniques like cell culture and genetic modification

We've identified this as a potential green job

For a biotechnologist to be a green job, you could:

• work on ways to clear contaminants and toxins from old industrial sites
• develop drought resistant crops to improve food production in drier regions
• investigate more sustainable methods of research and production, for example in pharmaceuticals

Find out more about green careers

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

You may need to wear protective clothing.