What career opportunities does biotechnology offer today?
Key points about biotechnology jobs
- High demand in the US and Europe, with competitive salaries in bioprocessing, regulatory and data roles.
- You can enter the sector via university degrees, vocational training or professional certifications.
- Emerging areas such as mRNA, AI and synthetic biology are creating new biotech careers.
Biotechnology jobs are rooted in a discipline that uses living organisms (such as cells, bacteria, and enzymes) to develop products and solutions for sectors like healthcare, food production, environmental sustainability, and industrial manufacturing.
Today, the biotechnology field is expanding rapidly. Global estimates indicate that the biotech market reached approximately $1.4 trillion in 2023, and it is expected to grow significantly over the next decade. At the same time, the demand for skilled professionals continues to rise. Since 2024, it is estimated that more than one million scientific and technical jobs exist worldwide, driven by the growing need to innovate in medicines, diagnostics, food technologies, renewable energy, and other key areas.
In short, due to its technological and social importance, biotechnology offers strong and long-term career prospects.
Where can you work in the biotechnology sector?
The biotechnology sector offers job opportunities across a wide range of professional environments. Some of the most common include:
- Pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical companies: Large organizations focused on developing and manufacturing biotech-based medicines such as antibodies, vaccines, and cell therapies.
- Startups and spin-offs: Smaller or highly innovative companies working on new therapies (for example, immunotherapy or gene editing) or emerging technologies (bioinformatics, biomanufacturing, synthetic biology).
- Clinical diagnostics laboratories: Hospitals, clinics, and molecular diagnostics companies that work with genetic testing, PCR analysis, sequencing technologies, and related tools.
- Public research centers and universities: Institutions such as national research agencies or academic laboratories that hire researchers, lab technicians, and support staff for scientific projects.
- Regulatory and health agencies: Organizations like the EMA in Europe, national health authorities, or the FDA in the United States, employing specialists in regulation, pharmacovigilance, and quality systems.
- Biomanufacturing companies and contract organizations (CROs/CMOs): Firms dedicated to contract development, contract manufacturing, or contract research, providing development and production services to the industry.
- Agrifood and environmental sectors: Companies focused on seeds, agrochemicals, functional foods, biofuels, or bioremediation, where biotechnologists contribute to innovation in crops, food processing, and sustainability.
- NGOs and consulting firms: Organizations working in sustainable development, technical advisory services, or specialized consulting in innovation and bioethics that require biotechnology expertise for social and environmental projects.
What types of professional profiles are most common in this sector?
Biotechnology careers are typically grouped into several functional areas. Each area includes roles that share similar training paths, skills and responsibilities:
- Research and Development (R&D): Scientists and researchers who design and perform experiments (e.g., in microbiology, genetics or chemistry). Their goal is to discover new drugs, develop vaccines or improve biological processes.
- Process development and biopharma production: Process engineers, bioprocess engineers and manufacturing specialists who scale laboratory experiments to industrial production. They manage the manufacturing of biological products (cell cultures, fermentations, etc.) while optimizing costs, productivity and process robustness.
- Quality Control (QC) and Quality Assurance (QA): Professionals who analyze raw materials and final products (QC) and ensure that all processes comply with regulations (QA). They perform chemical and biological testing, validate analytical methods and oversee GMP/GLP quality systems.
- Regulatory affairs and pharmacovigilance: Specialists who prepare documentation for regulatory approvals (clinical trials, product registrations) and monitor product safety once a therapy is on the market.
- Bioinformatics and data science: Experts in analyzing biological data (genomics, proteomics, computational models). They work with Python/R and manage large datasets to research diseases, develop diagnostics or design AI-assisted therapeutics.
- Commercial and business roles: Includes market development, product marketing, project management and technical sales. These roles require solid technical understanding to explain products, combined with strong communication skills to interact with clients, collaborators and investors.
- Technical support and equipment maintenance: Laboratory technicians and instrumentation/automation engineers who assemble, maintain and troubleshoot equipment such as bioreactors, sequencers or robotic platforms. Also includes IT and software support for bioinformatics tools.
- Administration and general support: Although not technical roles, biotech companies also employ administrative staff, finance professionals or HR teams who need to understand the industry to manage contracts, projects and personnel efficiently.
In summary, biotechnology companies look for a wide range of profiles, from biologists and engineers to business and marketing professionals, always with a strong interest in science, technology and innovation.
What are the most common jobs in biotechnology?
Below is a list of 25 of the most common jobs in the biotechnology sector. Each role includes a brief description to serve as a reference or starting point for exploring career options:
| Job title | Description |
|---|---|
| Research Scientist | Designs and conducts laboratory experiments in microbiology, molecular biology or related fields to develop new medicines, treatments or industrial processes. |
| Laboratory Technician | Supports R&D teams with routine analyses, PCR, cell culture, equipment maintenance and data recording. Common entry-level role. |
| Process / Bioprocess Engineer | Optimizes and scales bioproduction from lab to pilot or industrial scale, improving fermentation yields and automating production lines. |
| Quality Control (QC) Specialist | Performs laboratory tests such as chromatography or biochemical assays to verify quality of raw materials and finished products. |
| Quality Assurance (QA) Specialist | Ensures compliance with GMP/GLP regulations through documentation, audits and continuous improvement activities. |
| Regulatory Affairs Manager | Prepares and manages regulatory submissions for the approval of biotech products and translates legislation into operational actions. |
| Pharmacovigilance Specialist | Monitors the safety of pharmaceuticals post-launch, evaluates adverse event reports and ensures compliance with safety regulations. |
| Clinical Research Associate (CRA) | Coordinates or supports clinical trials, supervises data collection and ensures adherence to scientific and ethical protocols. |
| Bioinformatician ⇀ | Analyzes genetic and molecular data using algorithms and programming to interpret DNA sequences, model proteins and identify therapeutic targets. |
| Biological Data Scientist | Manages and analyzes large biological datasets using statistical and machine learning methods to derive meaningful insights. |
| Industrial Microbiologist | Develops microbial processes to produce antibiotics, enzymes or probiotics, optimizing strains and culture conditions. |
| Formulation Scientist | Develops formulations for vaccines, injectables or tablets by combining active ingredients with excipients and assessing stability. |
| Validation Engineer | Designs and executes tests to certify that equipment and processes operate reliably, including bioreactors and sterilization systems. |
| Biotechnology Project Manager | Coordinates R&D and production teams, managing resources, timelines and budgets for scientific or product development projects. |
| Business Development Manager | Identifies partnerships, licensing opportunities and commercial expansion strategies to support biotech growth. |
| Biopharmaceutical Product Manager | Oversees the commercial lifecycle of biopharma products and aligns marketing, training and positioning strategies. |
| Pharmaceutical Sales Representative | Promotes biotech or pharmaceutical products to healthcare professionals and explains their scientific benefits. |
| Biotechnology Patent Consultant | Drafts patent applications for biotech inventions and supports intellectual property strategies. |
| Medical Affairs Professional | Acts as a scientific liaison with healthcare providers and gathers insights to support clinical research and education. |
| Biotechnology Production Technician | Operates manufacturing equipment, prepares culture media, runs bioreactors and maintains aseptic conditions. |
| Environmental Biotechnology Specialist | Develops biological solutions for bioremediation, bioenergy and sustainable agriculture. |
| Bioprocess Automation Engineer | Designs automated systems for labs and production facilities, integrating robotics, sensors and control software. |
| Biofabrication Researcher | Develops 3D bioprinting and tissue engineering methods using living cells to build complex biological structures. |
| Clinical Microbiology Technician | Performs microbial identification and supports infection diagnosis in clinical laboratories using advanced methods. |
| Industrial Biotechnology Specialist | Combines biology and industrial engineering to scale fermentations and maximize production of biological materials. |
Each of these positions requires specific training and will be covered in more detail in dedicated articles. This list serves as an initial map to explore professional areas within the field.
What do you need to study to work in biotechnology?
Working in the biotechnology sector requires different levels of education depending on the role.
- University degrees: The most common qualification is a Bachelor’s Degree in Biotechnology. Other related degrees, such as Biology, Biochemistry, Biomedical Engineering, Pharmacy or Chemistry, also provide access to the sector.
- Master’s degrees and postgraduate studies: Many R&D positions, especially the more advanced ones, require a Master’s in Biotechnology or a specialized program (Bioinformatics, Advanced Therapies, Genetic Engineering, etc.). High-level research and academic careers often require a PhD.
- Vocational training programs: There are intermediate and advanced vocational programs in laboratory techniques, manufacturing or quality control that prepare students for operational technical roles (lab technicians, quality technicians, production technicians). These profiles typically enter the industry in junior positions in laboratories or manufacturing plants.
- Professional certifications and specialized courses: In addition to formal education, professional certificates can be extremely valuable, for example, in GMP/GLP regulations, clinical trial management or bioinformatics. Platforms such as Coursera, EMBO or industry-specific training programs offer courses in cutting-edge techniques (AI applied to biosciences, gene editing, etc.).
Leading universities and training centers worldwide: Some of the institutions most frequently highlighted in global rankings for biological sciences, biotechnology and bioengineering include Harvard University, MIT, Stanford University and the University of California, San Diego in the United States; University of Oxford and University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom; ETH Zurich and the University of Zurich in Switzerland; Technical University of Munich in Germany; Karolinska Institute in Sweden; University of Copenhagen in Denmark; University of Amsterdam in the Netherlands; as well as National University of Singapore (NUS) and KAIST / Seoul National University in Asia.
These universities consistently appear at the top of subject rankings in life sciences and biotechnology and maintain strong links with research institutes, hospitals and the biopharmaceutical industry, although many national universities and technical schools around the world also offer excellent biotechnology training.
In summary, it is possible to enter the biotechnology sector with a wide range of academic backgrounds, from university graduates and vocational technicians to PhDs. Continuous learning and specialization are key differentiators for the highest-paying positions or advanced research roles.
Key skills needed to find a job in biotechnology
The skills required to work in the biotechnology sector combine scientific expertise, technological proficiency and essential personal competencies:
- Technical skills: Some of the most valued skills include hands-on experience with laboratory techniques such as PCR, cell culture, chromatographic analysis and DNA sequencing, as well as knowledge of bioinformatics and data analysis (biostatistics, Python/R programming). As the industry becomes increasingly digital, many roles now require digital literacy, the use of cloud-based data platforms and AI-driven analytics. For example, experience with machine learning tools (TensorFlow, PyTorch) is often requested in drug discovery, while understanding GMP/GLP standards is essential for regulatory and quality roles.
- Transferable competencies: In such an innovation-driven sector, adaptability (to learn new technologies quickly), teamwork (projects are highly multidisciplinary) and problem-solving skills are essential.
Effective communication, being able to explain complex scientific concepts clearly, along with strong organizational skills and professional ethics, are also highly valued.
How much do biotechnology jobs pay in the United States and Europe?
Income levels and job demand vary significantly depending on the region:
- United States: The U.S. is the market with the highest salaries in biotechnology. Recent reports estimate an average annual salary of around $143,000 in the life sciences sector for 2023. Regional differences are considerable: in major biotech hubs such as the San Francisco Bay Area or Boston, averages exceed $190,000, while in the Midwest or the East Coast they typically range between $140,000 and $170,000. Employment growth is strong, with projections of 7–9% job growth between 2018 and 2028, higher than the average for all occupations.
- European Union: Salaries are generally lower than in the U.S., although differences between countries are substantial. Switzerland leads with averages around $139,000 per year, followed by Denmark (~$123k) and Luxembourg (~$110k). In the United Kingdom, median salaries are around $73k. Southern and Eastern European countries have much lower ranges: Spain and Italy average only $60–67k. According to AseBio, the European biotechnology industry directly employed 238,170 people in 2022, reaching around 913,000 jobs when including indirect employment.
Although the sector represents a small share of the total labor market (~0.11%), biotechnology is expanding. Between 2018 and 2022, the industry recovered previous job losses and created 53,700 additional jobs. At the same time, the EU is investing billions in biomedical R&D (for example, the €7.3 billion Horizon research program for 2025), which is expected to generate even more opportunities.
Overall, in both the U.S. and Europe, demand for biotechnology professionals exceeds supply, driving growth in salaries and hiring across all areas.
Biotechnology trends that are creating new jobs
Biotechnology is undergoing a major technological transformation that is opening new career opportunities. Some of the key trends include:
- Advanced therapies (mRNA, gene therapy, CAR-T): The success of mRNA vaccines has accelerated research into this technology for cancer, rare diseases and autoimmune disorders. Companies such as BioNTech and CureVac are leading mRNA programs for both vaccines and personalized treatments. This is driving demand for mRNA researchers and technicians skilled in handling genetic material.
- Artificial intelligence and big data: AI and machine learning are speeding up drug discovery, predicting molecular behavior and analyzing large genomic or clinical datasets. This creates a strong need for data scientists, bioinformaticians and software engineers who can integrate algorithms into biological research. The biological data industry continues to grow, driven by startups focused on genetic analysis and medical imaging.
- Synthetic biology and sustainability: Through genetic engineering, microorganisms are being designed to produce biofuels, bioplastics or more resilient crops. Circular bioeconomy initiatives aim to replace petrochemical processes with cleaner bioprocesses. This is boosting demand for specialists in synthetic biology and sustainable bioprocess engineering.
- Automation and laboratory robotics: Automated experimentation with robots, digital platforms and 3D bioprinting is reshaping production workflows. As a result, companies are hiring automation technicians and instrumentation engineers capable of integrating hardware and software within biotech facilities.
- Clinical bioinformatics and genomics: The falling cost of DNA sequencing is creating new jobs in genome and microbiome analysis. At the same time, precision medicine, treatments based on a patient’s genetic profile, is increasing the need for experts who can interpret genetic data for clinical use.
The European Union is actively supporting these trends. In 2025, it launched a strategy to position Europe as a global leader in life sciences by 2030, with more than €10 billion per year allocated to scientific research. This means more investment in AI-driven biomedical startups, research infrastructure and regulatory development for new therapies.
All of these areas are generating fast-growing job opportunities in biotechnology innovation.
How to take the first steps toward getting your first biotechnology job
Starting a career in biotechnology usually requires a mix of education, practical experience and networking. Some useful steps and resources include:
- Job boards and employment platforms: In addition to general job portals (Indeed, Glassdoor, LinkedIn), there are biotech-focused platforms. In Spain, the Spanish Bioindustry Association (AseBio) offers a sector-specific job board, along with sites like FEBiotec and Academia Biotech. In the United States and internationally, platforms such as BioSpace or the Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO) job board are key references. Using strong keywords and activating job alerts makes the search more effective.
- Certifications and additional courses: Beyond formal degrees, taking advantage of specialized online courses can set you apart. Programs on Coursera, edX or EMBO offer certificates in bioinformatics, AI in biology or regulatory affairs. Workshops in applied biotechnology, seminars and MOOCs help build skills that biotech companies actively value.
- Professional networks and events: Building connections is essential. Attending international conferences and trade fairs such as BIO-Europe, BIO International Convention or BioTechX helps you meet companies, recruiters and innovation leaders. Joining sector-focused groups on LinkedIn or ResearchGate and following key opinion leaders also strengthens your visibility.
- Practical experience: Look for internships or research projects in university labs or biotech companies. Contributing to open-source biology projects or participating in digital-health hackathons can also add valuable experience. Even operational roles in production plants or public research centers provide a strong entry point.
- CV and interview preparation: When applying, tailor your CV to the scientific role by highlighting relevant internships, lab work and technical projects. Include any hands-on experience with lab techniques, data analysis or collaborative research. A personalized cover letter (referencing specific projects of the company) helps demonstrate genuine interest.
In short, getting started in biotechnology means building a strong foundation in life sciences, expanding your skills in growing areas such as bioinformatics and AI, and actively seeking opportunities through specialized job platforms and professional networks. With persistence, you can enter a fast-growing industry with many long-term career paths.
Do you want to be part of the sector? Get to know TECNIC
At TECNIC, we develop bioprocess solutions that cover the full path from laboratory scale to industrial production. We design and manufacture bioreactors, filtration systems, perfusion platforms, single-use consumables and advanced software to control biotechnological processes with precision.
We work every day with companies, research centers and biopharmaceutical manufacturing plants around the world, which allows us to take part directly in the development of medicines, advanced therapies, recombinant proteins and other essential products for health and industry.
We are growing and expanding our team. If you are passionate about this field and want to be part of a technical, international and innovation-driven environment, we would be happy to meet you. You can send us your CV at: [email protected]
Frequently asked questions about biotechnology jobs
Biotechnology jobs are roles that use living cells, microorganisms or biological molecules to develop products and solutions for health, food, the environment and industry. They range from research and development in the lab to production, quality, data analysis, regulatory affairs, business and technical support in biopharma and related sectors.
Yes. The biotechnology market has grown strongly in recent years and is expected to keep expanding due to demand for new medicines, diagnostics, sustainable processes and advanced therapies. This creates stable, long-term job opportunities with good prospects for specialization and career progression in many countries.
The most common route is a Bachelor’s degree in Biotechnology, Biology, Biochemistry, Biomedical Engineering, Pharmacy or Chemistry. Many research roles require a Master’s degree or PhD, while technical positions in production or quality can often be accessed through vocational training in laboratory techniques, manufacturing or quality control plus relevant certifications.
Employers value practical lab skills (PCR, cell culture, chromatography, DNA sequencing), understanding of GMP/GLP and basic regulatory concepts, as well as data analysis and programming in tools such as Python or R. Soft skills like teamwork, adaptability, problem solving, clear communication and professional ethics are also essential in multidisciplinary projects.
Salaries vary widely by country, role and experience. In the United States, average annual pay in life sciences can exceed $140,000 in major hubs such as Boston or the San Francisco Bay Area, while in Europe ranges are generally lower and depend strongly on the country. Specialized roles in bioprocessing, regulation, bioinformatics and advanced therapies tend to be among the best paid.
With a biotechnology background you can work in pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical companies, CDMOs, clinical diagnostics labs, public research centers and universities, regulatory agencies, agrifood and environmental companies, startups, NGOs and consulting firms. Roles span research, production, quality, regulatory affairs, data science, medical affairs, business development and more.
A common strategy is to combine formal studies with internships, laboratory projects and short specialized courses. Using sector-specific job boards, attending biotech conferences and career events and networking on platforms like LinkedIn also helps. Tailoring your CV to each role, highlighting practical lab or data experience and showing genuine interest in the company increases your chances of getting an entry-level position.
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This article was reviewed and published by TECNIC Bioprocess Solutions, specialists in bioprocess equipment and innovation for environmental and industrial biotechnology.
