Biotechnology Production Workers

The U.S. Department of Labor reports that "swift advances in basic medical knowledge related to genetics and organic molecules have spurred growth in the field of biotechnology. Discovery of important drugs, including human insulin and growth hormone, is the result of research using biotechnology techniques, such as recombining DNA. Many other substances not previously available in large quantities are now produced by biotechnological means." In addition to medical applications, biotechnology is increasingly being used to manufacture biofuels, food products, and environmentally friendly detergents and a wide range of other products. This suggests that there will be steady demand for biotechnology production workers, although improvements in manufacturing technology will limit growth in the number of new workers needed in the industry. Production workers with advanced education and experience operating complicated machinery will have the best job prospects.