Biotechnology as a subject has grown rapidly. There are plenty of job opportunities available in the field of Biotechnology. This sector has the potential of generating revenues of US$ 5 billion and creating one million jobs by 2010 through products and services.

Fields where biotechnology studies are applicable are:

• Medicine and Healthcare : Biotechnology's application in this area has helped in the development of various medicines, vaccines and diagnostics. R&D work carried out in this field has led to remarkable improvement in medical and healthcare practices.
• Industrial Research and Development : This area requires conducting research and development work, for increasing productivity, improving energy production and conservation, minimizing pollution and industrial waste.
• Agriculture and Animal Husbandry: Indian economy is very much dependent on agriculture.  Biotechnologists have made major advancements in this area. Over the years, the agricultural output has been improving, owing to the improvements in the quality of seeds, insecticides and fertilizers. Biotechnology's intervention in the area of animal husbandry has improved animal breeding. Numerous kinds of genetically engineered, high yielding animal breeds have come up which has increased the output of dairy and meat products.
• Environment : Environmental biotechnology has become another area of extensive work due to the dangers brought about by increasing levels of environmental pollution.

Bio-technologists in India can find careers in specialized Biotechnology companies or Biotech-related companies such as:

• Pharmaceutical companies.
• Agriculture
• Chemical and allied industries,
• Food product manufacturers.
• Aquaculture.
• Government and private universities,
• Research institutes and Research labs.
• Biotechnology Parks.
• Trade organizations

Apart from these areas Biotechnologists can be employed in the areas of planning, production and management of Bioprocess Industries. Banks, Venture Capitalists, and Fund management companies investing in Life Sciences employ analysts who have a background in Biotechnology. Preference is for Biotechnology Graduates with an MBA degree. Law firms are starting to show interest in Biotechnology to provide advisory consultations for Intellectual Property Rights / Patent protection for life sciences. A combination of Biotechnology with Law would be ideal for this area.

The demand for Biotech professionals is clear from the fact that there are over a 100 National Research Laboratories employing thousands of scientists. Currently 60 Biotech companies engaged in Modern Biology employ 5000 scientists & qualified personnel. There are several small companies moving up the value chain.

Some major organizations employing bio-technologists in  India include Hindustan Lever Ltd, Thapar Group, Indo-American Hybrid seeds, Biocon Ltd. IDPL, India Vaccines Corporation, Hindustan Antibiotics, National Botanical Institute, and National Chemical Laboratories & Tata Engineering Research Institute.

For Comments: psjamwal@amity.edu