Employers
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, there are 76,990 biological technicians employed in the United States. Biotechnology companies, research laboratories, and scholars employ biotechnology research assistants. Companies and researchers in all branches of the field need help conducting experiments and research. Even government agencies, such as the Centers for Disease Control, Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, National Center for Biotechnology Information, and the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, employ biotechnology research assistants.
Starting Out
To enter the field, consider an assistantship with a professor while still in college. He or she can act as a mentor while you earn your degree and offer valuable advice and feedback on your research techniques. After receiving a bachelor’s degree, contact biotech/pharmaceutical companies you're interested in working for or utilize your college or university career services offices for help. Professional membership organizations for biotechnology may provide listings of job openings on their Web sites.
Biotechnology is a dynamic field, so chances are good for beginning researchers to find work if they are determined and stay abreast of new technology and industry trends.
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