Biotechnology is the past, future and present of humanity. Her competence includes not only the identification of new forms of medicinal plants and the discovery of new abilities of living organisms, but also genetic engineering - one of the most complex and controversial areas of science. If you want to become a biotechnologist, then perhaps you will be the one to clone a person one day. Because there are no scientific barriers to this, and ethical issues will certainly be resolved in the near future. Next, we will talk about the advantages and disadvantages of the profession, we will tell you how to get it, how to build a career and achieve success.
Biotechnologist - who is he?
Biotechnologist is a specialist who studies biotechnology in general or in one of its varieties. Biotechnology is a science that studies the possibility of using biomaterials to solve certain technological problems, as well as to implement projects in the field of hybridization and genetic engineering. The basis of the specialization is genetics, as well as key areas of biology and embryology. Biotechnology is also based on some applied disciplines, in particular robotics.
The profession is respectable, well paid and quite ancient. One of the first biotechnologies, by the way, was brewing. Today, the work of scientists and practitioners is concentrated on solving problems in medicine, genetics, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, industry and other industries that use their developments. Many discoveries are global in nature and change not only the specifics and effectiveness of a particular direction, but also the life of humanity as a whole. A striking example is selection and genetic modification of plants and cloning.
Types of biotechnology and specialist’s responsibilities
The work instructions of a biotechnological engineer depend not only on specialization, but also on the specific place of work. A university teacher focuses on pedagogy, a breeder on improving the qualities of plants, a genetic engineer on the study of, say, mutations or, for example, cloning. The scope of responsibilities also depends on the type of biotechnology the specialist is engaged in. Key areas:
- Bioengineering– aimed, in particular, at solving medical problems and improving human health.
- Biomedicine is one of the theoretical branches of medicine that studies the human body, pathologies and methods of their treatment.
- Biopharmacology– works in the interests of pharmacology, studying the characteristics and properties of substances of biological origin.
- Bioinformatics– de facto, this is the use of mathematical technologies and computer analysis in biology.
- Bionics– applied science based on the application of the features of living organisms and the principles of living nature in technology.
- Cloning– implementation of asexual reproduction, obtaining organisms identical in genome (remember the female sheep Dolly).
- Hybridization– creation of hybrids by combining genes from different cells into one.
- Genetic Engineering– is aimed at studying, copying and changing the genome, in particular at DNA transformation.
The tasks of a biotechnologist include studying an object, conducting research and implementing projects. The object usually depends on the field of biotechnology in which the specialist works. Accordingly, the range of tasks changes depending on the place of work and the project on which the engineer or scientist is working.
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Where to study to become a biotechnologist
Required at a university and preferably at a state university. The authority of the educational institution does not play a special role; the level of the department and the opportunities that the educational institution provides to students in the learning process are important.
You must have the opportunity to practice, contact the scientific community, you must have the necessary resources (laboratories, internship sites, etc.).
Try to find out as much as possible about the department of your chosen university. Separately evaluate the level of the teaching staff, in particular the practical achievements of the professorship.
The TOP 5 best universities in Russia where biotechnologists study include:
- Moscow State University named after Lomonosov.
- Research University named after Pirogov.
- RUDN University
- St. Petersburg State University.
- Agrarian University named after. Timiryazev.
You can also obtain a profession through an accelerated program as part of your first or second higher education. To do this, you must have a graduate diploma from a secondary specialized educational institution in a specialized specialty, or a higher education in any specialty. Several distance learning programs are also being implemented, but their effectiveness raises reasonable doubts among experts.
What personal qualities should you have?
First of all, it is perseverance. Behind the most important discoveries are years of hard, complex and not the most dynamic work in the laboratory or in the office. A scientist can spend a lot of time and effort on a project that ultimately turns out to be a failure. You must have nerves of steel and determination; it is important to believe in your strength even when everything turns against you.
At the same time, you need to have developed intelligence and logical thinking, and be open to constant learning and advanced training. Another important personal quality of a potential biotechnologist is communication skills. It is important to maintain contact with the scientific community and be able to work in a team, find a common language with project managers and sponsors, and competently build communication with subordinates.
Where do biotechnologists work?
Research centers. Here the work of a biotechnologist is aimed at implementing projects of global importance. These are serious research and practical developments that are carried out at the request of companies or in the name of science. Here, new abilities and properties of living organisms are identified, the genome is studied, DNA transformation is carried out, and so on.
Medicine. Biotechnology is inseparable from medicine. As part of the research of specialists, methods of treating many diseases were found, features of genetics and human anatomy were studied, and rehabilitation methods were created. Developments of biotechnologists are used in almost all areas of medicine – from plastic surgery to bone marrow transplantation.
Production. Pharmaceuticals, agricultural production, food industry - biotechnology is inseparable from the activities of companies that work with living organisms. Hybridization, genetic engineering, bionics and biopharmacology play special roles here.
Educational institutions. Often specialists remain to work in the same universities where they received their education. They receive additional pedagogical education and become teachers, or develop their scientific potential. According to statistics, at least 30% of university graduates remain to work in universities, institutes and academies.
It is important to note that this is not a complete list of areas in which biotechnologists work. This is a sought-after, relevant profession - vacancies are open for specialists in hundreds of enterprises, research companies and industries. It is simply impossible to cover all possible places for employment at a glance.
Pros and cons of the profession
The key advantage of the biotechnologist specialty is its relevance - this direction not only does not become obsolete, but also takes on new forms.
In particular, it is integrated into robotics and the rapidly changing food production. Therefore, you don’t have to worry about the profession becoming obsolete.
Other pros biotechnologist professions:
- Respectability and possible recognition.
- Decent wages for qualified specialists.
- Unlimited career prospects.
- A huge variety of areas of work and areas for employment.
- The opportunity to make discoveries that will change the life of mankind.
At the same time, it is important to note flaws specialties. Thus, university graduates should not count on high salaries in the first 2-3 years of building a career. In addition, this is a complex, extremely responsible job. Too much depends on the place of work and even on simple luck. If your manager is biased and the sponsor is frankly incompetent, problems with the implementation of the project cannot be avoided.
Salary of a biotechnologist in Russia and abroad
On average, biotechnologists with three years of work experience in Russia receive 33-34 thousand rubles. Salary largely depends on qualifications and place of work. According to unofficial statistics, employees of educational institutions receive the least, and the most are heads of research centers and employees of private industries and pharmaceutical companies.
Overseas salaries also vary greatly. There are no official statistics, but according to experts, the income of an ordinary biotechnologist in the USA exceeds 2.5 thousand dollars a month, in Canada – 2 thousand dollars. In France, specialists earn on average 1.8 thousand euros per month, in Germany – 2.2 thousand euros.
Summary
Biotechnologist is a sought-after and respectable profession that has no tendency to lose relevance. The specialty has many directions. It is in demand in medicine, pharmacology, manufacturing, agriculture, the food industry and dozens of other industries. No less relevant is biotechnology as a theoretical and applied science focused on research and development.
The most common entrance exams:
- Russian language
- Mathematics (profile) - specialized subject, at the choice of the university
- Biology - optional at university
- Physics - optional at university
Modern medicine has come a long way from the times when only knowledge and experience in combination with a narrow range of medicinal drugs were used in treatment. Today it is a real world in which discoveries are constantly being made. The latest equipment helps in this, which can be produced and even invented, having mastered the specialty 12.03.04 Biotechnical systems and technologies.
However, the prospects for such a professional are broader than working in the medical industry. The knowledge and skills that students acquire in the learning process are relevant for the environmental sector, veterinary medicine, and research institutes. In practice, the achievements of science are applicable in many areas, including the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries.
Admission conditions
The main goal of the course is to obtain a wide-profile specialist who will be able to bring his own skills to science and production, use knowledge to improve existing technologies and invent new ones. In this matter, exact sciences and knowledge about all life on the planet are inextricably linked. This predetermines the list of which subjects future professionals take when entering Moscow universities:
- mathematics (profile);
- Russian language;
- biology/physics (optional).
Future profession
The specialties that are obtained in this direction require a synthesis of knowledge from different fields, the ability to apply it to reality and break away from reality, taking a step into the future. It is these specialists who invent popular medical and various measuring instruments. They also stand up for the protection of the environment and help train a new generation of professionals. You can devote your life to scientific research.
Where to apply
To obtain a bachelor's degree, you can choose the following educational institutions:
- National Research University "MIET";
- Moscow Aviation Institute;
- Moscow State Technical University named after Bauman;
- Moscow State University of Information Technologies, Radio Engineering and Electronics;
- National Research University "MPEI".
Training period
The full course for mastering the bachelor's degree program lasts four years when choosing a full-time course of study. You can also enroll in the evening, correspondence department, or choose a mixed form. Then the study will last five years.
Disciplines included in the course of study
To master the basic program, the student will have to study the following subjects:
- electronics;
- biophysical foundations of living systems;
- electrical engineering;
- elements and units of biotechnical systems;
- structural and biomaterials;
- technical methods of therapeutic effects and diagnostics;
- biotechnical medical systems.
Acquired skills
An accomplished bachelor will be competent in the following matters:
- working on projects and performing design tasks;
- creation of economic and technical justification;
- organizational and management activities;
- reviewing documentation, including projects, for compliance with regulations and laws;
- carrying out tests and implementing their results;
- prevention in the field of industrial injuries;
- measures to prevent environmental imbalance;
- prevention of occupational diseases.
Job prospects
A newly minted specialist will be able to work in organizations and enterprises of various forms of ownership, one way or another related to the development, implementation, operation or production of biomedical equipment. This could be a sanatorium-resort institution, a biological station, a medical center, a sports and fitness complex, or a research laboratory. The profession is in demand in numerous government agencies: the Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of Internal Affairs, investigative and banking institutions, the customs service, and the tax inspectorate.
What does this specialist do:
The level of remuneration for a professional at the initial stage can be 20-30 thousand. But it all depends on the chosen field of activity: income can differ significantly.
Advantages of Master's Degree Studies
Bachelor's degree graduates can significantly deepen their knowledge and improve practical skills by enrolling in a master's program. Here they not only teach all specialized subjects, but also offer internships in medical institutions, expert and research centers, production and agricultural fields.
Having mastered the master's program, a specialist will be able to work at the intersection of two global spheres: the living world and technology. All this presupposes the ability to use modern computer technologies to help. The graduate will be able to engage in research and teaching activities.
- 12.03.01 Instrumentation
- 12.03.02 Optotechnics
- 12.03.03 Photonics and optoinformatics
- 12.03.04 Biotechnical systems and technologies
- 12.03.05 Laser equipment and laser technologies
The future of the industry
In recent years, there has been a revolution in materials science associated with the spread of new materials - composites or complex heterogeneous materials consisting of a reinforcing component and a matrix, which, compared to traditional materials (such as wood, metal and stone), have increased strength, lightness, and ductility. In addition to the already familiar plastic and metallized composites, glass-based composites are widely used. Thanks to the use of composite materials, the quality of products in the aerospace industry, mechanical engineering, construction, etc. is significantly improved, and the possibilities for their application are expanded. In the future, “smart components” (chips and controllers) will also be integrated into composite structures, which will allow users to control the properties of rooms and equipment. This will lead to the emergence of “active environments” - work, living and learning spaces controlled by intelligent systems and/or the user, depending on the required tasks or mood (for example, color-changing walls, floor coverings, etc.).
Another important invention is 3D printing - the ability to print any objects using special compounds: be it a computer board, a musical instrument, a weapon or a medical prosthesis. Discoveries in this industry make it possible to improve the properties and stability limits of materials, mechanisms and structures.
Due to the need to implement the Federal Program for the Development of the Medical Industry, it is necessary to equip all medical institutions with the latest equipment, the number of companies developing the necessary equipment and the number of medical centers where this equipment must be installed is growing. In the future, medicine and engineering will complement each other so much that new biotechnical professions will appear, answers will be found in the cultivation of human cells and tissues, microbiological technologies will develop, so that medical and biological engineers will be in great demand.
Fiber optic technology and other nanotechnologies are developing rapidly and will be in great demand in the near future.
According to RUSNANO experts, by 2015 the need for nanotechnologists in Russia will be about 1 million people.
Word BIOTECHNOLOGIST comes from a combination of Greek words "bios"- life, "techne"- craftsmanship, art and "logos"- teaching. This fully reflects the activities of a biotechnologist. The profession is suitable for those who are interested in physics, mathematics, chemistry and biology (see choosing a profession based on interest in school subjects).
Biotechnology specialists skillfully use living biological organisms, their systems and processes, using scientific methods of genetic engineering, in order to create new varieties of products, plants, vitamins, medicines, as well as improve the properties of existing species in plant and animal environments that are resistant to unfavorable climatic conditions conditions, pests and diseases. In medicine, biotechnologists play an invaluable role in the creation of new drugs for early diagnosis and successful treatment of the most complex diseases.
Like any science, biotechnology is constantly evolving, reaching unprecedented heights. Thus, in recent decades, it has naturally reached the level of cloning and achieved certain successes in this area. Cloning vital human organs (liver, kidneys) gives a chance for treatment, full recovery and improving the quality of life of people all over the world.
Biotechnology as a science is at the intersection of cellular and molecular biology, molecular genetics, biochemistry and bioorganic chemistry.
A distinctive feature of the development of biotechnology in the 21st century, in addition to its rapid growth as an applied science, is that it penetrates into all spheres of human life, contributing to the effective development of all sectors of the economy. Ultimately, all this contributes to the economic and social growth of the country. Rational planning and management of biotechnology achievements can solve such important problems for Russia as the development of empty territories and employment of the population. This will become possible if we use the achievements of science as a tool of industrialization to create small industries in rural areas.
The overall progress of mankind owes much to the development of biotechnology. But on the other hand, it is rightly believed that if we allow the uncontrolled spread of genetically modified products, this can contribute to the disruption of the biological balance in nature and ultimately create a threat to human health.
Features of the profession
The functional responsibilities of a biotechnologist depend on the industry in which he works.
Working in the pharmaceutical industry involves:
- participation in the development of the composition and production technology of drugs or food additives;
- participation in the implementation of new technological equipment;
- testing new technologies in production;
- work to improve developed technologies;
- participation in the selection of equipment, materials and raw materials for new technology;
- monitoring the correct execution of auxiliary technological operations;
- participation in the development of technical and economic indicators (TEI) for medicines;
- revision of them due to replacement of individual components or changes in technology;
- timely maintenance of necessary documentation and reporting.
Work in the research field consists of research, methodological developments and discoveries in the field of genetic and cellular engineering.
The work of a biotechnologist in such an important area as environmental protection involves the following responsibilities:
- biological treatment of wastewater and contaminated areas;
- recycling of household and industrial waste.
Work in educational institutions involves teaching biological and related disciplines.
In any field, the work of a biotechnologist is creative, scientific and research, and, of course, interesting and necessary for society.
Pros and cons of the profession
pros
Biotechnology specialists are extremely in demand at the present time, and in the future they will be in demand even more, since biotechnology is the profession of the future and it will undergo rapid development. In the future, the profession of a biotechnologist will be in demand in other sectors of human activity that do not even exist yet or are just in their infancy.
The advantages include the prestige of the profession and its ambiguity, that is, the possibility of employment in related professions in a variety of organizations (see places of work) as a genetic bioengineer, bioprocess engineer, lipid biotechnologist, protein biotechnologist, pharmaceutical biotechnologist, cell and tissue bioengineer.
Biotechnologists work closely with foreign research institutes. Russian scientists are in high demand, so it is possible to make a good career abroad.
Minuses
The negative attitude of the public and part of the scientific world towards genetic engineering products is not always justified.
Place of work
- pharmaceutical companies;
- perfume production;
- food production firms and companies;
- enterprises of the agro-industrial complex;
- research institutes and laboratories;
- biotechnology enterprises;
- companies in the field of astronautics and robotics.
Important qualities
- analytical mind;
- broad erudition;
- curiosity;
- out-of-the-box thinking;
- observation;
- patience;
- responsibility;
- call of Duty;
- determination.
Biotechnologist training
In this course you can obtain the profession of a microbiologist in 3 months and 15,000 rubles:
— One of the most affordable prices in Russia;
— Diploma of professional retraining of the established form;
— Training in a completely distance format;
— The largest educational institution of additional professional education. education in Russia.
Salary
Salary as of September 16, 2019
Russia 23000—88200 ₽
Moscow 35000—200000 ₽
Career steps and prospects
Biotechnologists can work as a biochemist, biologist, virologist, or microbiologist. Novice specialists, as a rule, find jobs as chemical analysis laboratory assistants in pharmaceutical companies or food industry enterprises. You can work as a production supervisor in drug and nutritional supplement factories. A career can be made vertically, increasing the professional level and, accordingly, the rank of position, up to the production manager. Working at a research institute and striving for scientific discoveries, you can make a career in the scientific world.
Famous biotechnologists
Yu.A. Ovchinnikov is one of the most famous scientists in biotechnology, a leading scientist in the field of membrane biology. Author of many scientific works (more than 500), including “Bioorganic chemistry”, “Membrane-active complexons”. The Society of Biotechnologists of Russia named after him is named after him. Yu.A. Ovchinnikova.
Transgenic engineering news. Scientists crossed a parrot and sugar cane. Now sugar itself tells you how much to put in your tea.
History of the emergence of biotechnology as a science:
In the most ancient times, people, without realizing it, used biotechnology in baking bread, in the production of wine and dairy products.
The scientific basis for all such processes was provided by L. Pasteur in the 19th century, proving that the fermentation process is caused by microorganisms. But in its modern form, biotechnology as a science did not arise immediately, but went through several stages:
- In the 40-50s of the twentieth century, as a result of the biosynthesis of penicillin, the microbiological industry was created.
- In the 60-70s, cell engineering developed.
- In 1972, the creation of the first hybrid DNA molecule “in vitro” in the United States led to the emergence of genetic engineering. After this, it became possible to deliberately change the genetic structure of living organisms. In the 70s, the term “biotechnology” itself arose.
The gradual appearance of biotechnology determined its inextricable connection with cellular and molecular biology, biochemistry, molecular genetics and bioorganic chemistry.
Gnevashev Pavel - graduate of 2003
Since 2003, he has been working at the Velsk Central District Hospital as an engineer in the dialysis department, an engineer in the administrative and economic part of the Central District Hospital, and is responsible for organizing metrological support for the hospital.
Popov Nikolay - graduate of 2004, General Director of Severmedservice LLC.
After graduating from the University, the question of finding a job arose. For a former student without work experience to hope for a job in a serious service organization and big salaries is a utopia. I decided to go to work in an institution where there is a lot of medical equipment and there is an opportunity to gain diverse experience. Therefore, as soon as an offer was received from the chief physician of the Arkhangelsk Regional Children's Clinical Hospital named after. P.G. Vyzhletsov Markov Nikolai Vladimirovich, did not hesitate for a minute. Due to the uniqueness of his knowledge and the lack of specialists in this area, a year later he headed a group of engineers, technicians and programmers, which was later allocated to the department of “Medical equipment and information technology”. Currently, I head a dynamically developing medical and technical company, the main backbone of which is graduates of our specialty.
Tupin Pavel Alekseevich - graduate of 2005
In 2005-2008 continued his postgraduate studies in the specialty “Technology and equipment for chemical processing of wood biomass; chemistry of wood" and worked part-time as an assistant at the Department of Biotechnology and the Department of Biomedical Engineering. 2008-2009 This is the time of my work as an electronics engineer at Ophthalmological Laser Clinic LLC. And since 2009, I became an engineer in the hemodialysis department of the Federal State Health Institution of the Central Medical Unit No. 58 of the FMBA of the Russian Federation in Severodvinsk. I am completely satisfied with my work. The hemodialysis department where I work is still in its infancy, so plans for the future are to properly organize the work of the engineering service. By the way, the knowledge gained at the university was very useful in my work.
In our budgetary organization, the crisis is almost unnoticeable; funding for the purchase of new medical equipment under the national project “Health” has hardly changed. Student life...First of all, during the learning process, do not limit yourself to the information that your teachers will give you. Independently study more deeply subjects and areas that may be useful in your future job. From my own experience, I will say that an engineer has to deal not only with the repair and operation of equipment, but also draw up contracts for the purchase of equipment and its maintenance.
Kochegarova Maria - graduate of 2008
When applying for training in the specialty "Engineering in Biomedical Practice", I was interested in the fact that it is at the intersection of medical and technical sciences, but I could not even imagine that I would find a job that would combine all the most interesting things from these areas. I have currently been working as a telemedicine engineer for almost two years. The work is interesting, it involves organizing and conducting sessions of providing remote medical care to patients from the Arkhangelsk region using modern communication technologies. My task is not only to organize a consultation, but also to provide technical support during its implementation, namely timely and high-quality transfer of data, which is important, because the fate of the patient, and sometimes his life, depends on it!
Of course, I received the bulk of the knowledge directly in my professional field of activity when I graduated from the university, but despite this, I have more than once taken advantage of the knowledge acquired at the university, and in addition, the ability to present myself and my work, analyze, work in team, and also, importantly, the ability to be creative in what you do, always find some new solutions, and be able to adapt in any situation. Wide open spaces are open to current graduates; the Department of Biomedical Engineering provides basic knowledge in various fields; all that remains is to choose what you want to do next. I hope each of them, like me, finds something they like.
Valevina Irina - graduate of 2008
When, after graduating from school, I was faced with the question of choosing a future profession, without hesitation, I applied to ASTU for the specialty “Engineering in Biomedical Practice.” And from the very first lecture on introduction to the specialty, I realized that I was not mistaken. Studying was very exciting. In addition to studying at the university, we visited the leading medical institutions of the city and did internships there. Naturally, nothing can replace acquired experience, but it is easier to accumulate it when there is a good knowledge base. Our department provides fundamental knowledge that allows its graduates to work in a variety of fields. The main thing is that each student has a clear idea of what exactly he wants to do.
After graduating from university, I got a job at the Arkhangelsk Oncology Center as a software engineer. My responsibilities include maintaining medical monitoring, databases, training medical personnel to work with various software products, information exchange with other medical organizations, and computer maintenance. I really like what I do. I would like to once again say a huge thank you to all our teachers and wish success to the students and graduates of the department!
Tupina Vera - graduate of 2009
In 2004, when I entered the university, I did not have a proper idea of what the words “Engineering in biomedical practice” meant. But then I quickly realized that the specialty I had chosen had great prospects. Medicine is developing, the fleet of medical and biological equipment is rapidly increasing and, accordingly, the demand for medical and technical specialists will also increase. But in fact, you only understand the importance and responsibility of the profession when you start working.
After graduating from the Faculty of Chemical Technology with a degree in Engineering in Biomedical Practice, I was hired at the hemodialysis department of the Federal State Health Institution of the Central Medical Unit No. 58 of the FMBA of the Russian Federation in Severodvinsk. The work is very interesting, but also quite difficult. More than once I had to resort to the knowledge and skills acquired at the university. But, of course, during study it is not possible to obtain all the information on such a broad topic as medical equipment; only basic knowledge is given that forms the basis of the future profession, and therefore it is very important to pay attention to independent study of those areas that may be useful in the future. Graduates of our specialty can work in a variety of organizations - from research organizations related to the production of biomedical equipment to medical institutions of various profiles. And accordingly, their responsibilities can be very different. You need to be prepared for the fact that working in the field of medical equipment will require constant updating and improvement of your knowledge and skills.