The life sciences industry is growing creating a rise in venture capital for biotech companies that use the biological sciences to produce, design and develop commercial products.
Genetic engineering has seen the most explosive growth in discoveries for DNA, genes, proteins and cells. Applied biology uses living organisms in engineering, technology and medicines to produce bioproducts.
As you can see the knowledge and methods used draw from genetics, microbiology, animal cell culture, molecular biology, biochemistry, embryology, and cell biology.
The future looks bright for individuals who are interested in working in occupations that combines molecular ecology with chemical engineering, bioprocess engineering, information technology and biorobotics.
Popular Biotech Companies
According to Fastcompany.com the top 10 companies in biotech are:
Novartis - Basel, Switzerland, produces pharmaceuticals, generic drugs, over-the-counter drugs, vaccines, diagnostics, contact lenses and animal health.
Synthetic Genomics - La Jolla, California, uses modified or synthetically produced microorganisms to produce the alternative fuels ethanol and hydrogen.
Cytori Therapeutics - San Diego, California, regenerative medicine company that develops and manufactures medical devices for therapeutic use of adult stem regenerative cells in cosmetic reconstructive surgery and cell banking.
Roche Genentech - San Francisco, California research facility for molecular biology, protein chemistry, bioinformatics and physiology to specialize in neuroscience and infectious disease in areas ofoncology, immunology, tissue growth and repair.
Osiris Therapeutics - Columbus Maryland, stem cell company that develops products to promote tissue regeneration and prevent pathological scar formation in the inflammatory, autoimmune, orthopedic and cardiovascular areas.
Amyris Biotechnologies - Emeryville, California, provides petroleum alternatives with the use of sugarcane converting plant sugars into a variety of hydrocarbon molecules and sustainable renewable ingredients for cosmetics, flavors, fragrances, polymers, lubricants and consumer products.
Biogen Idec, Inc - Weston, Massachusetts, specializes in drugs for neurological disorders, multiple sclerosis treatment, autoimmune disorders and cancer.
Novavax - Montgomery County, Maryland, biopharmaceutical company develops highly potent recombinant vaccines with cell culture, biological therapeutics and diagnostics to prevent infectious diseases, such as pandemic and seasonal influenza of respiratory syncytial viruses.
Regeneron Pharmaceuticals - Tarrytown,New York, discovers, develops, medical treatment of oncology medical conditions such as cancer, autoimmune diseases, and ophthalmology.
If you have been wondering what the next big thing will be or shall I say has already arrived then it will be career opportunities in biotechnology and drug development. Biomedical drug discovery research is used in gene therapy, pharmacogenomics and agriculture. Jobseekers can can look at start-up companies hiring for jobs.
Types of Biotechnology jobs:
- Biochemist
- Biostatistician
- Cell Biologist
- Genetic Engineer
- Microbiologist
- Bioinformatics Scientist
- Analytical Chemist
- Molecular Biologist
- Research Biologist
- Biomedical Engineer
Reference: Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology News - genengnews.com
Resource: newscientistjobs.com - research science jobs database by location, sector and hours
