7 key skills required to thrive in the biotechnology field

According to the Invest India report,  the Indian biotechnology industry is targeted to reach US$ 150 billion by 2025 and US$ 300 billion by 2030.  Further, India is also poised as one of the leading destinations for bioinnovation and biomanufacturing. 

Therefore, biotechnology is a dynamic and rapidly evolving field that combines biology, chemistry, and technology to drive groundbreaking advancements in medicine, agriculture, environmental science, and more. And as biotechnology continues to reshape industries and impact lives, professionals entering this field must possess a unique set of skills to succeed and contribute meaningfully to its progress.

So, let’s explore some crucial skills required to thrive in the biotechnology field:

Strong Scientific Foundation: A solid understanding of biology, genetics, microbiology, and chemistry serves as the bedrock for a successful biotechnologist. Knowledge of fundamental scientific principles enables professionals to comprehend complex biological processes and design innovative solutions.

Laboratory Techniques: Proficiency in various laboratory techniques is essential for conducting research, experiments, and analyses. Skills like DNA sequencing, PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction), cell culture, and protein purification are instrumental in biotechnological research and development. Apeejay alumnus Mahadevan Iyer, who is currently a Doctoral Research Fellow at Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra, is passionate about the biotechnology field. He mentions, “To be in this dynamic field, I would say  the knowledge of buffer making and pH balancing is a must, along with exposure to techniques such as Gel Electrophoresis, PCR & RT-PCR, HPLC, HPTLC, Spectrometry and Colorimetry. Plus, a keen eye to recognise a specific language, keywords and search results is super handy.”

Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills: Biotechnologists face intricate challenges that demand sharp analytical and problem-solving abilities. They must be adept at critically analyzing data, identifying patterns, and devising creative solutions to complex biological problems.

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Computational and Bioinformatics Skills: As the field becomes increasingly data-driven, competence in computational biology and bioinformatics is highly valuable. Biotechnologists must be capable of handling large datasets, using bioinformatics tools, and applying computational methods to analyze biological data effectively.

Research and Development (R&D) Acumen: Working in biotechnology often involves conducting research and contributing to the development of new products or processes. Professionals in this field must be adept at designing experiments, conducting trials, and interpreting results to drive progress and innovation.

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Regulatory Knowledge: Navigating the regulatory landscape is crucial in the biotechnology industry, especially for professionals involved in drug development and medical devices. Understanding FDA regulations and compliance requirements ensures adherence to ethical and legal standards.

Ethical Awareness: Biotechnologists deal with sensitive ethical issues, such as genetic engineering and human trials. Ethical awareness and the ability to make responsible decisions are vital to ensure the ethical use of biotechnology for the greater good.

Agreeing to the above-mentioned skills, Gunjit Setia, who is currently interning with Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, emphasises, “Succeeding in the field of biotechnology requires combination of abilities such as biology and laboratory procedures, analytical thinking, and problem-solving along with proficiency in bioinformatics, and ethical awareness. Continuous learning is essential due to the rapid advancements in biotechnology day by day.”

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The student with Apeejay Stya University also shares that to develop these skills, practical hands-on experience and learning approach is needed. “Pursue a biology-related degree such as biotechnology, gain lab experience, and practice analytical skills in data analysis and bioinformatics. Attend workshops on ethics and lab safety, and improve communication through presentations and writing courses. Stay updated on biotech advancements via conferences, workshops, and scientific publications.”