Biotechnology
is ranked second as a growth sector after multimedia industry
with a tremendous employment potential. Major contributions in
areas such as environment, health, agriculture and pharmaceuticals
is envisaged.

Most
biotechnologists are employed in research and development, departments
of institutions and industries involved in biotechnological work.
From the production of antimicrobial agents, reagents and consumables
to the marketing of instruments used in biotechnological applications
and research the opportunities for biotechnologists are on the
increase. Biotechnologists work extensively in the production
departments of these industries. Generally Biotechnology students
from engineering stream are given preference for production jobs.

Biotechnologists
work in industries producing food, chemicals, bio-processed products
etc. They are involved in research in genetics, biochemistry and
biochemical engineering and all areas where these processes are
implied. Industrial R&D covers areas such as chemical processes,
increase in productivity, waste and pollution management. Some
industries employ biotechnologists in their marketing department
to develop business in the sector where their product would be
most required. They also help to identify biotechnological development
opportunities for the industry in India and abroad.

A
steep rise in employment is envisaged in environmental biotechnology.
Spending to the tune of $ 600 billion by the turn of the century
will open up vast avenues in this sector, as biotechnologists
are expected to resolve crisis related to marine life, depletion
of the atmosphere etc. In the area of drugs and pharmaceutical
there are new ventures both in the government and private sectors
coming up to provide for the latest R&D facilities as the
sector envisages a global market share of almost Rs35,000 crores.
Pharmaceutical industries are offering lucrative pay packets to
biotechnologists, microbiologists, molecular biologists and biochemists.
Government labs such as CDRI in  Lucknow is constantly employing
research workers/scientists. The private sector placements are
in both technical and managerial positions. The management levels
match those of a business firm and the task relates to industrial,
production and marketing management. In academics biotechnologists
(Doctorates) are working in departments of marine biotech, biomedicine,
earth sciences biomedical engineering, agricultural and environmental
biotechnology etc.

Industries
employing biotechnologists : Hindustan Lever, Thapar group, Indo
American Hybrid Seeds, Bincon India Limited, Bivcol, IDPL, Indian
Vaccines Corporation, Hindustan Antibiotics, Sun Pharma, Cadila
etc.

Laboratories
and Institutes employing Biotechnologists : These include the
Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, National Botanical
Institute, National chemical laboratory, Tata Energy Research
Institute, Central Aromatic, Plants Institute, Indian Institute
of Science, Agricultural Research Institute, CSIR, National Environment
Research Institute-Nagpur, National Institute of Immunology-New
Delhi, CDRI- Lucknow, IIT-Mumbai, Delhi.

M.Sc Vs M.Tech