Before you dismiss this career as something that has nothing to do with you, think again. A career in molecular biology and biotechnology might be more within your reach than you realize. Here are a few reasons why you should consider pursuing this field in particular, and not just any other job out there.
Why Consider a Career in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology
Bioinformatics
One of the greatest opportunities today is being able to combine two fields that were never previously thought to have anything in common: computers and biology.
Bioinformatics is one such combination that takes advantage of powerful computer science tools (like advanced algorithms) with biological research (such as genomics) to help further our understanding of molecular processes. If you enjoy working with computers, mathematics, genetics, or medicine; bioinformatics might be a great field for you.
High-paying jobs in the Pharmaceutical and Biotech industries
The US Pharm industry has experienced steady growth over recent years and employment is projected to increase by 12% between 2014–2024. Demand for biomedical scientists, also known as life scientists, is also on an upswing with about 1,300 open positions per year on average for Ph.D. graduates.
On top of that, biotech careers are projected to grow by 24% between 2016-2026 (US Bureau of Labor Statistics). Combined, these numbers tell us that biological science jobs can be lucrative options long-term.
Working with cutting edge technology
Scientists who work in biotech are some of the first people to get their hands on new technologies and tools. That’s because biotech, especially molecular biology and biotechnology, is driven by innovation. Scientists are constantly trying to better understand how living things work, and how we can make them do more for us. The range of fields that involve biology such as medicine, agriculture, or forensics continues to grow dramatically as well.
Becoming a Science Speaker
If you can speak knowledgeably about your field, you will be expected to share your expertise at meetings, conferences, and conventions.
Writing speeches helps you organize your thoughts so that when it comes time to deliver them, they will flow naturally. It also gives you an opportunity to make sure that your argument is logically sound. Is there enough evidence? Does it follow any logical patterns? Your goal is not only to tell people about an idea or discovery but also to convince them of its importance.
This requires careful preparation and writing a speech as a part of that preparation can help you pull together all of your ideas into one compelling argument.
Pursuing an Advanced Degree can be affordable
A doctorate program requires students to spend three to five years of their lives studying, but it can also be one of the most affordable options. Compared with other advanced degrees, such as an MBA or law degree, grad school is relatively cheap. For example, undergrad tuition at Harvard University amounts to nearly $55,000 for one year. Meanwhile, a Ph.D. program can cost as little as $24,000 per year for out-of-state students (in-state tuition is much cheaper).
Of course, these numbers don’t include fees or living expenses (or loans), which means that budgeting will be crucial when you’re pursuing your Ph.D. To make matters worse, government funding is highly competitive; only 16% of applicants typically receive NIH funding.
Science, Math, and Engineering are hot fields right now
The employment of scientists, engineers, and mathematicians is expected to grow by 17 percent from 2010 to 2020. Over that period, an estimated 576,500 jobs will be added—faster than average for all occupations. The reason for such growth? Advances in fields like information technology (software, engineering), biotechnology (drugs, genetic research), environmental science (recycling), and nanotechnology (tiny particles).
Globalization is also driving demand for biotech services that help companies better understand markets across borders. We are experiencing significant opportunities from increased demand from foreign customers, said Mohsen Farsangi-Dizaji, who manages global development at Hologic Inc., which makes diagnostics systems used in breast cancer treatment.
Conclusion
The field of molecular biology and biotechnology continues to grow rapidly. According to data from OECD, employment in these industries is projected to grow by 7 percent from 2014-2024, which is slightly faster than average. The demand for skilled professionals has already increased.
If you’re still on the fence about pursuing a career in science or biotechnology, consider your reasons for hesitating one more time, but also think about what you might miss out on if you continue to sit on that fence. Think about how quickly technology is advancing around us and how those advances translate into new medical procedures and treatments that keep people healthier for longer periods of time.