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Biotechnology Research Assistants

Outlook

The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) predicts faster than average employment growth for biological technicians (5 percent), average growth for agricultural technicians (6 percent), and average growth for chemical technicians (3 percent), through 2032. Employment in the biotech industry is expected to be particularly good in the coming years. "Synthetic biology, a relatively new area of biotechnology, will employ biological technicians to redesign biological systems or living organisms for medical, manufacturing, and agriculture applications," the DOL explains. Although there has been some industry consolidation, there is still a strong need for research assistants to help scientists locate and organize information and often also assist in clinical laboratory work. Research assistants with bachelor’s or master’s degrees in biotechnology, genetics, biology, biochemistry, bioinformatics, and related fields will have the best job prospects.

Since many people take research assistant positions as stepping-stones to positions with more responsibility or stability, positions are often available to beginning researchers as more experienced ones move on. Biotechnology research assistants with good experience, excellent work ethics, and the drive to succeed will rarely find themselves out of work. Jobs will be available, but it may take some creative fact-finding for research assistants to locate positions that best meet their needs and interests.

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