The result of tech meeting biology has birthed biotechnology—a specialized area that utilizes cellular and biomolecular systems, biological processes, living organisms, and their components to produce technologies.

This combination has succeeded in improving the quality of life and creating lucrative opportunities in medical and technological research and development. This article discusses what biotechnology roles involve, the best biotechnology careers you can pursue today, and the tools you'll need to excel in them.

1. Biomanufacturing Specialists

These specialists use biological systems outside their natural context to produce products. They employ CGMP manufacturing operations, approved standard operating procedures, and product validation for FDA-regulated to produce and develop biotherapeutics. With this process, they ensure that the products match up to the mark of potency, safety, and purity.

This role requires a minimum of a bachelor's degree in biochemical or bioprocess engineering, biology, or other biological disciplines such as biochemistry, genetics, microbiology, and molecular biology.

Professionals in this niche should also be familiar with a cGMP environment, biomaterials, cell culture, and manufacturing clinical-grade human cells. According to Glassdoor, these specialists can earn up to $51,785 annually.

2. Process Development Scientists

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A process development scientist converts the chemist's discovery into a commercially viable product to bring the cost of manufacture within a reasonable scope. The role includes designing, developing the research result, and evaluating efficiency and cost. Although most process development scientists spend their time in labs, they can also work in retail, food and beverage industries, and biopharmaceuticals.

You need a bachelor's degree in biotechnology, biology, or engineering to thrive in this niche. A master's or doctorate will also be a great advantage. In addition, you need soft skills such as investigative, analytical, communication, and teamwork. These skills are indispensable since these scientists work with researchers, quality control coordinators, and process engineers. Glassdoor predicts their salaries to be around $90,756 a year.

3. Product Strategists

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These professionals are the masterminds behind product innovation and development. With the cooperation of market research analysts (here's how to become one) and their deep understanding of the market, they create product concepts, oversee product development, and protect the process. Product strategists conduct user testing to validate product hypotheses, manage various stakeholders with divergent objectives, and review products in response to customer feedback.

In addition to the experience from a bachelor's degree and entry-level positions, product strategists can also consult some essential tools to ease the rigor of their trade. Some tools are Hotjar and UserTesting for customer feedback, Google Analytics, and Apache Spark for data analysis. According to Glassdoor, product strategists earn $161,031 annually.

4. Business Development Managers

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Business development managers are mainly responsible for formulating and executing companies' growth and investment strategies. Their goal is usually to aid the company's expansion, assessment, acquisition, and collaborative research with other biotechnology companies to foster business growth. These professionals may work remotely or in offices, but will often travel for conventions, client meetings, and conferences.

A biotechnology diploma or bachelor's degree is sufficient to secure this role. Although Glassdoor stipulates the annual salary of a business development manager at $124,253, factors such as geographical location, industry, and an individual's level of experience may impact earnings. Employees with higher-level qualifications such as master's degrees and Ph.D. may also receive higher compensation.

5. Product Managers

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Product managers specialize in identifying customer needs and business objectives, features, or products that will fulfill that need. A product manager sets up a team to turn this vision into reality and is in charge of the whole lifecycle of that product, from ideation to launching.

The typical requirement for this role is a bachelor's degree in business, computer science, or engineering. A background in statistics, marketing, management, and public relations is also advantageous. With an impressive portfolio outlining your skills, you can also enjoy the $127,490 salary Glassdoor predicts for product managers.

6. Biostatisticians

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Biostatisticians apply statistical and mathematical knowledge to collect, analyze, and summarize data on living things. They use this research to explain, identify risk factors, recommend solutions, and forecast health outcomes. Biostatisticians collaborate with other experts such as surgeons, geneticists, biologists, statisticians, and health specialists for better output.

To become a biostatistician, you need a bachelor's degree from a school accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH). You should also be proficient in SAS programming to easily convert your research reports to HTML, PDF, or RTF documents. People in this field play a crucial role in developing some of the best medical technologies that are shaping the future. According to Glassdoor, the average salary for this role is $132,343.

7. Biotech Consultants

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These professionals advise biotechnology managers, firms, and companies on how to develop new products and services to improve efficiency. A biotech consultant must be adept at emerging therapies, novel equipment, and products in the biotech industry to provide up-to-date plans and strategies. These experts are also responsible for collaborating with internal teams to develop an improvement plan and assessing budgets and finances to secure funding.

A bachelor's degree in business analysis, data science, life science, or computer science typically suffices for this role. A master's degree or extra certifications in biotechnology applications will further attest to your expertise in this niche. According to Glassdoor, you can earn up to $76,970 as a biotech consultant.

8. Facilities Managers

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These employees are also known as facilities administrators. Their responsibilities include maintaining facilities, managing projects, integrating technology, and ensuring that their team supports the physical needs of a property. They often report to the operations director or building owner and require soft skills such as communication, customer service, administration, the ability to accept criticism, and accounting knowledge to excel at their tasks.

According to Glassdoor, working in this role can earn you an annual salary of $81,887. You can delve into this field even if you have no specific degree. However, you may require a background in office management, administration, building services, or engineering.

9. Clinical Research Managers

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Clinical research managers oversee all aspects of clinical trials under strict guidelines because these trials evaluate new medical devices and medications. They train and manage a team of clinical research members, evaluating their performance and operations to ensure that emerging products meet all government regulations and standards.

With a minimum of a bachelor's degree in biology, bioengineering, or life sciences, a clinical research manager must have a plethora of skills, including but not limited to leadership, communication, and technical skills. They should also be familiar with the best team assessment tools for better team management. Glassdoor estimates the annual income of a clinical research manager to be $96,719.

10. Assay Analysts

These professionals are responsible for performing tests and assays on tissues and cell cultures while adhering to standard protocols. They prepare, perform, and maintain tissues and cell cultures, including the records that good manufacturing procedures require. They also prepare media for cell culture use and modify assay procedures for routine implementation.

This position hinges on their requirement being more on experience than academic qualifications. A high school diploma or its equivalent suffices for the role, but you should generally have a minimum of 0-2 years of experience as a beginner. According to Glassdoor, assay analysts earn $92,730 annually.

Enjoy a Biotechnology Career

Biotechnology is a vast field that consists of in-demand career opportunities. With the right skills and minimum qualifications, you can begin your journey in any of these lucrative niches and scale up the corporate ladder.

You should also be open to improving your knowledge through certifications and up-to-date innovations to remain relevant while enjoying a biotechnology career and all its perks.