• IITs in Delhi, Mumbai and Kharagpur
• Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi
• AIIMS, Ansari Nagar, New Delhi
• Indian Agricultural Research Institute, Pusa, New Delhi
• Delhi University, New Delhi
• Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, Delhi
• Roorkee University, Roorkee
• Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh

• 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.

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

• Bioinformatics
• Genetics
• Microbiology
• Biostatistics
• Pharmacogenomics
• Phylogenetics
• Bio-engineering
• Nano-Biotechnology

Recent scientific developments have enlarged the scope of Biology to a great extent. The genomics, particularly the study of human genome, application of basic principles of Bio-technology in diagnosis and treatment of diseases and also the improvement of crops and animal breeds would influence our lives to a great extent. Biology is one of the most diverse and rapidly changing of all the scientific fields.

Training in biology prepares an individual for a very large number of occupations; agronomy, biophysics, developmental biology, environmental law, forensic entomology, forestry, genetic counseling, immunology, medical practice, molecular biology, neurobiology, secondary school teaching and veterinary medicine.

Bioinformatics: Leading the way

The use of information technology in the field of molecular biology has grown steadily, opening avenues for career prospects in the field. Bioinformatics is an emerging interdisciplinary research area, which can be defined as the interface between biological and computational sciences. As a consequence of the large amount of data produced in the field of molecular biology, computers are used to gather, store, analyse and integrate biological and genetic information.

Some of the specific career areas that fall within the scope of bioinformatics include: Sequence assembly; Database design and maintenance; Sequence analysis; Proteomics; Pharmacogenomics; Pharmacology; Clinical pharmacologist; Informatics developer; Computational chemist; Bio-analytics; and Analytics.

Organisations that recruit people having bioinformatics skills include research institutions and companies like Satyam, Wipro, TCS and Reliance.

Biotechnology

This sector has the potential of generating revenues of US$ 5 billion and creating one million jobs by 2010 through products and services.

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

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.

A search through websites of leading companies

Variety of job prospects came to the fore when this scribe went through the websites of some leading companies.

Nicholas Piramal India Ltd., which is engaged in major R&D initiatives in New Drug Discovery, Herbal Drugs, Chemical Process Development, Novel Drug Delivery System, Formulation Development and Clinical Research, had given an advertisement for following posts:

Group Leader – Research/Sr. Research Scientist:A senior scientist in the area of Inflammation drug discovery. The candidate should be a Ph.D. in Cell Biology/ Immunology/Biochemistry with 3-4 years postdoctoral experience in the area of inflammation biology and a strong publication record.

Group Leader - Research/Sr. Research Scientist: A senior scientist with cancer-related drug discovery experience. The candidate should be a Ph.D. in Cell Biology/Biochemistry/Cancer Biology with 3-4 years of postdoctoral experience in the area of oncology and a significant scientific accomplishment proven by strong publication record or by filed or issued patents.

Similarly Biocon Ltd., India’s leading biotechnology enterprise, had following jobs to offer:

Vacancies in research and development field – 4 positions:

Position 1: Candidates who have MSc/PhD. in any branch of Biology and 4-5 years experience in animal virology, viral immunology with experience in immuno assays.

Position 2: Candidates who have a thorough knowledge of molecular biology techniques for genetic manipulation of streptomyces. Qualification requirement is MSc/PhD. in any branch of Biology and 1-2 years industrial experience in genetics of streptomyces.

Position 3: Candidates with experience in cell banking in a biopharmaceutical industry. MSc/PhD. in any branch of Biology and 2-3 years experience in handling animal cell cultures.

Position 4: Candidates with experience in industrial microbiology/fermentation. Qualification requirement is MSc. Microbiology/Biochemistry/Applied Biotechnology and 1-2 years industrial experience.

Other Areas

Many outdoor jobs await people well trained in the life sciences. Horticulturalists develop new crop varieties, care for plants in greenhouses and fields, and design landscape plans. Fisheries biologists might work with an aquaculture company, overseeing the reproduction of farm-raised trout that eventually end up in your local supermarket. Zookeepers make food, medicate animals, and may help with captive breeding programs for endangered species. Employers include private companies and federal and state governments. The not-for-profit conservation sector is providing an increasing number of jobs.

Some other exciting careers involve combining biology with non-science skills. Put together biology and English to become a technical writer or even a science fiction novelist. Combine biology and art to go into medical and scientific illustration. You can link biology and history to become a historian of science or medicine. You can work in both biology and religion/philosophy as a medical ethicist or bioethicist. Combine biology and psychology as a neuroscientist . Join biology and political science to carry out science policy studies or work as a patent lawyer in biotechnology. Try mixing biology with business to get into hospital administration and biotechnology administration.

What Education do you need?

For some biology jobs, a two-year college degree is sufficient. Examples include medical assistant, dental hygienist, or veterinary technician. But most life sciences careers require at least an undergraduate degree (Bachelor of Science, B.S.) and often an advanced degree, such as a Master of Science (M.S.). Research jobs typically require the Doctor of Philosophy degree (Ph.D.) which may take five or six years of intense and demanding training. There are some specialized degrees in the life sciences, the most prominent being the Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) which usually takes four years to earn. Physicians must then do additional training before they can practice medicine.

What lies ahead

According to the Mckinsey study, Indian Pharma industry is poised to grow to US$ 25 billion (Rs.112.5 thousand crores) by 2010. It is bound to generate large opportunities for the students of life sciences. Companies will be particularly interested in those who can work with antimicrobial agents, as we experience the increasing ability of bacteria and other parasites to resist currently available antibiotics.

Similarly Biotechnology labs will continue to grow, branching out into areas such as large-scale genetic screening, immunology, and developmental biology. They will seek people who can work with microbes and plants that reclaim polluted land (bioremediation). Farm animals will be genetically altered for greater productivity.

On the medical front, it seems inevitable that more people will be needed in the field of gerontology as our population ages. In medical research gene therapy, transplanting animal tissues, inducing regeneration of damaged organs, and repairing ineffective immune systems are among many hot areas. Cancer research should yield cures and preventions during the next several decades.

To make available the huge volume of information coming from all of these fields, experts in bioinformatics (using computers to analyze complex biological data) may become highly prized. In biochemistry, a hot topic is structural biology, predicting what protein or nucleic acid structure would be necessary to accomplish a task, then producing that structure. Agricultural research above the gene level will become more important as the world faces food shortages. The neurosciences are already experiencing spectacular growth in knowledge and will attract many researchers in the future.

Bioinformatics is the combination of molecular biology with computer science. It's an exciting, relatively young and emerging information science. In this field computers help to integrate, manage, analyze, and visualize genetic and biological information. Scientists apply this technology to study biological processes in organisms and to determine how these processes go wrong in diseases. Originally confined to the early stages of drug discovery, Bioinformatics is lending its power to all aspects of clinical development, a trend that will only continue . They also discover and develop gene-based drugs to treat, cure and prevent human diseases.

The global Bioinformatics industry is expected to grow to $60 billion by 2005. India aims to achieve a global share of $3 billion by 2005.

Bioinformatics has proved to be a powerful tool for advanced research and development in the field of biotechnology. The growth of this biotechnology field is fueled in part by the Human Genome Project. Its objective is to identify all of the estimated 80,000 genes in human DNA, and determine the sequences of its 3 billion chemical bases, by the year 2005. In light of this project, major players such as universities, govt. institutions and pharmaceutical companies around the world have formed Bioinformatics groups, creating a boom in job opportunities. The popular areas of work in Bioinformatics include Sequence Assembly, Genomic Sequence Analysis, Functional Genomics, Genotyping and Pharmacogenomics.

All major biotech and companies like Biocon Ltd. IDPL, India Hindustan Antibiotics, National Botanical Institute, National Chemical Laboratories and Tata Engineering Research Institute are diversifying into Bioinformatics.

To work in the core of this science career one must have the right mix of skills in biology, biochemistry and computer science. Strongest demand today exists for individuals with degrees in the life sciences and computer sciences, and multiple years of programming and database development experience. The most preferred combinations include a Ph.D. in molecular biology, cell biology, or biochemistry and a B.Sc. in computer sciences. Applicants who have applied computational biology skills in a practical way have an edge over others.

Key computational skills are extremely essential in this field. These skills include database administration and programming skills (e.g. SQL Server, Oracle, Sybase, PERL, Java, C, C++, web scripting). UNIX tends to be the operating system used for many biological programs and SQL is used, to query databases. Expert knowledge of sequence-analysis programs like BLAST and FASTA is critical.

In India various institutes have started courses which cater to the needs of Bioinformatics aspirants. The major names among them are Bioinformatics Institute of India, Institute of Bioinformatics and Applied Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Information Technology, Bioinformatics Centre (JNU), CBT (Center for Biochemical Technology) and Amity Institute

This field is quite diverse and employment opportunities are varied, such as:

Biomedical Computer Scientist :The job would involve the design and development of programs and/or databases to be used in biological field. Strong programming skills are usually a requirement for this area.

Geneticist :These usually fall into three categories – Research Geneticist, Laboratory Geneticist and Genetic Counselors. The first two require Bioinformatics degrees at Graduate level. All require a strong understanding of genetics.

Computational Biologist: Computational Biologists develop computational tools and methods to solve complex theoretical and mathematical problems as they relate to interpreting genomic information. A Bioinformatics biologist would have to collaborate with other researchers and departments and some of his or her duties would include development of tools that would support research objectives and compilation and analysis of data. They also write and edit reports for journal publications.

Biostatistician: A Biostatistician’s responsibilities include reviewing potential Bioinformatics publications for statistical accuracy, and writing reports for in-house team members and collaborators, as well as information gathering on various studies. At a higher level they would ensure the consistent application of statistical analysis across different studies. Experience with a wide range of statistical methods, such as ANOVA, logistic regression analysis, survival analysis, linkage analysis, and multivariate analysis would be necessary. Proficiency in SPlus or SAS  (computer based statistical analysis tools) also might be necessary in some positions.

Biomedical Chemist: Biomedical Chemists analyze pharmaceutical materials for quality, purity and strength. They produce sample batches of a drug for trouble-shooting and help design the scaling-up process that takes drug manufacture up to factory proportions. Advanced positions require extensive record keeping and the supervision and integration of a lab team.

Clinical Data Manager: The Clinical Data Manager uses complex computer systems within Bioinformatics environments. They need to possess analytical skill to detect and resolve data problems in clinical research studies. A good understanding of the data generated in a clinical research study, methodologies for data storage, reviewing data, database design and testing, and the ability to extract information are the required skills.

Molecular Microbiologist: The Microbiologist characterizes pathogenic bacteria.  A Bachelor of Science in Microbiology with experience in general microbiology is required.

Software/Database Programmer: The Bioinformatics programmer is responsible for performing analysis on data from genomic and other biological databases. Ability to assess quality of analysis data, perform cross study analysis and be able to create and use/write SAS macros to automate all of the above functions is essential. Additionally, the person in this role will design and create analysis databases. A thorough knowledge of study design and protocol requirements is fundamental.

Medical Writer/Technical Writer: The duties of the medical writer comprises assisting  departments in the preparation and writing of documents required for regulatory submissions and writing study protocol and other documents needed for clinical studies. Other tasks include Drafting and coordinating the preparation of manuscripts for publication. A Master’s or PhD Degree is usually required for this position.

Research Associates and Research Scientists: An advanced degree needed for this position. Research Associates participate in and contribute to a scientific objective. They must also be conversant with laboratory equipment and software use as well as safety and protocols. A high level of interaction is required with physicians, pharmaceutical companies. Reviewing study documentation and ensuring compliance with clinical objectives and procedures is also a requirement for this role.

The pharmaceutical industry is one of the major employers of Bioinformaticians. Biotech companies, especially those involved personal care products, industrial organisms and agriculture have also seen Bioinformatics play an important role in their industry. 

Biocon is India's leading biotechnology enterprise headquartered in Bangalore. It is the brainchild of its Chairperson, Dr. Kiran Mazumdar Shaw. Since its inception in 1978, it has evolved from an enzyme manufacturing company to a fully integrated biopharmaceutical enterprise, focussing on healthcare. With successful initiatives in drug discovery and development, bioprocessing and global marketing, they deliver products and solutions to partners and customers in over 50 countries.

Biocon has been the pioneer of biotech revolution in India. It has many firsts to its credit. It is India's first biotechnology company. It's also the country's first biotechnology company to export microbial enzymes to USA and Europe and to receive ISO 9001 certification in India. Biocon is the first Indian company to be approved by US FDA (Food and Drug Administration) for the manufacture of lovastatin, a cholesterol-lowering molecule and it is also the first company, globally to manufacture human insulin.

Dr. Kiran Mazumdar Shaw, the Chairperson and Managing Director of Biocon India Ltd. runs the company with the help of:

Syngene, a Biocon subsidiary, established in 1994, is the country's first biotech custom research company in drug discovery. It provides customized R&D services to the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors.

Clinigene, another Biocon subsidiary, established in 2000, has India's first CAP (College of American Pathologists) accredited clinical research laboratory, setting a standard for laboratories in India. It is a Clinical Research Organization that offers global biotechnology and pharmaceutical majors strong clinical trial, regulatory and laboratory capabilities for drug development.

Biocon, Syngene and Clinigene together constitute The Biocon India Group, which is recognized as India's leading biotechnology conglomerate.

Biocon's track record of commercialization has been outstanding. It has commercialized more than 25 enzymes in over two decades. Biocon's biopharmaceutical foray began with statins and immunosuppressants. Their commercial success is evident in the rapid market share they have gained in US and Europe.

Biocon is committed to finding biotechnology solutions for customers across the world. It offers specialized outsourcing services. It also provides high quality technical research services.

In recognition of its contribution to spearheading the biotech revolution in India, Biocon has been awarded the Biotech Product and Process Development Commercialization Award 2001 by the Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India. Syngene International has also been awarded the Certificate of Excellence for Export Achievement by the Government of India, for two consecutive years 2002-2003.

Building its intellectual capital and driving its growth are its employees. Biocon, Syngene and Clinigene together employ approximately 1500 qualified personnel from biologists, chemists, computer scientists, medical practitioners, pharmacologists, engineers, finance / legal / marketing analysts to general administrators. 10% of the employees hold a PhD degree, 30% have a Masters degree in Science and the remaining are graduates with a Bachelors degree in Science, Commerce or Arts.

Intellectual Profile of 1500 Personnel (2004-2005)
(source: www.biocon.com)

Biocon is continuously building up its employee strength to keep pace with its growth. A lot of people would be eager to have a career in India's top biotech company. A visit to the careers site of Biocon revealed that Biocon requires doctorates, postgraduates and graduates with backgrounds in biotechnology, chemistry, molecular biology, bio chemical/ medical engineering and genetics. It also needs MBAs (marketing and sales, finance, legal and human resources) and MCAs (visual Basic and Oracle). The positions advertised for ranged from Scientists, Project Managers to Executives. (For more details you can visit the website www.biocon.com)

Biocon is committed to community-support initiatives and corporate citizenship programmes with particular focus on child welfare. As a company that is knowledge-driven, Biocon is also committed to nurturing education at all levels. It offers scholarships, awards and assistance to economically disadvantaged children.

Biocon aims to be the first Indian company to set up production of monoclonal antibodies. Presently it is focusing on Diabetes and Oncology which are emerging as two important areas for disease research. Biocon's mission is to be "an integrated biotechnology enterprise of global distinction."

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