Biotechnologists are the frontliners of the future of technology and this innovation is likely to be the way of the future.

As a biotechnologist, you could provide the solution to diseases, climate change, fuel alternatives and food security. Before we look at where a Biotechnologist can work, let us first establish who a Biotechnologist is.

Biotechnologists are paving the way by enhancing our quality of life and creating tools for identifying, preventing, and treating disease In a new era of health care. Biotechnologists use biological organisms to develop and enhance goods and procedures for agriculture, medicine, and conservation.

They research the genetic, chemical, and physical characteristics of cells, tissues, and organisms in order to find applications for them in the workplace.

Biotechnologists create novel products and processes by altering elements of biological systems or living organisms.

They look into how the chemical, genetic, and physical characteristics of cells and tissues can be used in real-world situations. Biotechnologists work in fields such as agriculture, medicine, waste management, and food production.

What do biotechnologists do?

Biotechnologists responsibility includes:

1. Biotechnologists are responsible for developing and improving products and processes for use in agriculture, medicine, and conservation using biological organisms,

• They research the genetic, chemical, and physical characteristics of cells, tissues, and organisms to find applications in industry. The use of biotechnology is very common, and it can be used for things like:
• creating new medications and vaccines
• breeding plants and animals together to increase desired traits
• utilizing microorganisms in processes like waste treatment and food production.

Some biotechnologists might also engage in cutting-edge, potentially divisive research in fields like genetic engineering and stem cell development.

A variety of common and highly specialized laboratory tools are used by biotechnologists. A typical equipment Including Microscopes, filters, pumps, evaporators, and centrifuges.

Biotechnologists use computerized devices in many of their research because they can quickly and efficiently complete tests that are extremely sophisticated and specialized. They frequently work with potentially harmful chemicals and biological material, and they can conduct research in fume cabinets.

Where can a biotechnologist work in Nigeria?

Many biotechnologists support researchers by working in laboratories with scientists and medical professionals.

They perform experiment support, chemical synthesis, lab equipment upkeep, and report-writing duties. Some biotechnologists venture out into the field to gather information and assess how goods or procedures perform outside of a clinical setting.

Biotechnologists must make suggestions based only on unbiased findings and follow where the data and test results point.

In Nigeria, biotechnologists can work in different areas ranging from but not limited to the places below;

1. Biological companies
2. Genetic testing laboratories
3. Microbiology research companies
4. Biotechnology research companies
5. Medical laboratories
6. Research institutes
7. Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN)
8. Federal and state ministries
9. Institute of Human Virology
10. Nigerian Institute for Oil Palm Research (NIFOR)
11. Nigerian Institute of Food Science and Technology
12. Red cross socierties
13. hospitals
14. Laboratories

Skill Requirements for biotechnologists

Biotechnologists need excellent problem-solving and analytical skills. They also need to be a team player and have communication skills to share and explain their findings to colleagues and clients. They need to be very attentive, detailed and an innovative thinker .

How to become a biotechnologist

While there are numerous ways for students to accomplish the same goal, the following steps describe a more conventional route to a career as a biotechnologist.

1. Obtain a bachelor’s degree

If you want to work as a biotechnologist, you must have a college degree. A postgraduate degree, like a master’s or PhD, may be necessary.

A bachelor’s degree in biotechnology is the optimum starting point for a career in the field, but a related science degree, such as one in physics or chemistry, can frequently be substituted.

Pick a course that offers both classroom instruction and some opportunity for hands-on learning.  To succeed as a biotechnologist, you need both types of learning experiences.

2. Complete an Internship

You become more acquainted with the type of work that biotechnologists often do during an internship.

Internships are a common feature of undergraduate biotechnology or applied science programs. In particular, if you lack prior professional experience in the industry, completing an internship might strengthen your application to a graduate program.

3. Attend graduate school

You can specialize in a particular area of biotechnology with a master’s degree, such as process sciences, pharmaceutical technologies, or manufacturing and quality operations.

A master’s degree needs a considerable time and financial commitment. Numerous colleges manage federal grant programs that are specifically for STEM students.

4. Get a job

An internship component is common in biotechnology graduate programs. The company where an intern completed their internship frequently hires interns who perform well at this stage of their study.

Numerous networking possibilities are also offered through conferences and business associations, which might support your job hunt.

Biotechnologists frequently work in laboratories, they can also find employment in regional, national, or international environmental organizations.

Conclusion on where a can biotechnologist work in Nigeria

Biotechnology is an area of applied rather than theoretical biology.Typically, biotechnologists use organic materials in their lab operations.

Their work focuses on (depending on their area of specialization) applications such as establishing new green technologies, health and medical, agricultural engineering and agritech, and other useful natural science applications.

They may be responsible for planning and carrying out experiments on living or dead matter, using laboratory equipment, information technology, and scientific methodologies, recording and measuring results, including analysis, and processing data for senior researchers and decision makers. Their daily tasks will vary.

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Reference

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chibueze uchegbu Author

Chibueze Uchegbu is a certified medical physiologist with a great passion for healthy living.