All you need to know about professions and employment in biotechnology. Also known as “bioconversion technology”, biotechnology combines the science of living beings, in other words, biology, and all new technologies developed in different disciplines such as genetics, computer science or biophysics. Biotechnology companies make up a vast and growing French ecosystem. All the conditions are met for students and junior candidates who wish to find a first job and join a work team driven by the desire to develop innovative solutions.
The top jobs in the biotechnology sector
- Pharmacovigilance Officer
- Biological Technician
- Regulatory Affairs Officer
What is biotechnology?
According to the definition of the OECD (Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development), biotechnology is “the application of science and technology to living organisms, as well as to their components, products and models, to modify living or non-living materials for the production of knowledge, goods and services. Biotechnology therefore calls on know-how from various fields such as biochemistry, molecular biology, genetics, chemistry and even microbiology. Combined with technological and technical skills, biology becomes an exciting field where fundamental knowledge and engineering sciences meet to develop innovative solutions.
What are the fields of biotechnology professions?
Outside Europe, there are different types of biotechnologies such as “healthcare”, “biotech”, “agrifoodtech” or even “industrial biotech”. Manufacturers and pharmaceutical laboratories of the Member States of the European Union have been able to show originality by proposing a classification by colored categories according to the fields to which biotechnology belongs.
Biotechnology, a growing sector
Biotechnologies are experiencing rapid growth in all economic sectors, as the Ministry of the Economy points out, “they play an increasingly important role in the health industry sector, but also have an emerging role in the environment, agriculture, agri-food, as well as for the development of innovative industrial processes.
France, territory of innovation
If the sector is dominated by the United States, France can be proud to identify many SMEs that meet the challenges of tomorrow by offering innovative solutions. It must be said that the national environment is particularly conducive to research work. France has seven competitiveness clusters dedicated to the pharmaceutical industry and biotechnology sectors located in Paris and throughout France: Lyon Biopôle, Medicen, Alsace Biovalley, Atlantic Biotherapies, Cancer Bio Santé, Eurobiomed and Nutrition Santé Longévité. Another advantage, research and experimental development expenses are eligible for the research tax credit up to marketing authorization for medicines and up to CE marking for medical devices.
A cutting-edge sector in constant evolution
The recognition of the French ecosystem is based above all on the excellence of researchers and engineers . True drivers of technological, biological and digital innovation, they provide therapeutic solutions to patients around the world. Among the fast-growing French start-ups , we can cite DBV Technologies, which offers an epicutaneous immunotherapy method, Cellectis and its spectacular advances in gene therapies against cancer, and Genfit, which develops therapeutic solutions and treatments intended to treat metabolic and inflammatory diseases.
Employment in the biotechnology sector
Medico-social, medical devices and biotechnology are the three major recruiting fields in the health sector. The biotechnology sector represents nearly 10,000 jobs in France and brings together a large number of professions at the crossroads of different disciplines. Some are more sought after than others. Companies need to strengthen work teams by recruiting professionals comfortable with scientific jargon in English such as Research and Experimental Development Engineers, Bioinformatics Engineers, Quality Engineers or Regulatory Affairs Managers.
careers in biotechnology
In the field of biotechnology, there are many professions in various sectors of activity. Here are some examples of jobs identified by our Page Personnel teams:
- Research engineer: specialized in biochemistry, physiology, microbiology, pharmacology or even toxicology, the research engineer’s mission is to carry out a new scientific project and to follow its path from the research stage to the development of the final product.
- Responsible for pharmacovigilance: he monitors the tolerance of products developed before they are marketed. Its skills enable it to guarantee patient safety and compliance with European legislation.
- Product manager: after carrying out a market study, he develops the sales strategy for a new product, process or service. A product manager also controls the budget needed for manufacturing and marketing to consider profits.
- Marketing and innovation engineer: in practice, he proposes a definition of the product and designs commercial action plans and promotional campaigns. Its mission is to bring a new solution to its first realization.
- Process engineer: his general vision of production processes allows him to design and modify production equipment to enable the manufacture of products at a lower cost while respecting safety and environmental standards.
- Responsible or responsible for regulatory affairs: his knowledge of the European legislation in force allows him to guarantee the conformity of the products. He compiles a file, transmits it and ensures its follow-up with the competent administrative authorities.
Training for careers in biotechnology
Considered a science in its own right, biotechnology is taught in high school and in higher education. To work in this sector, there are two ways: the first consists of integrating training in biotechnology, and the second is to pass the entrance examination to an engineering school. In both cases, several levels of training are available to future students:
- Bac +2: BTS biotechnology and DUT biotechnology
- Bac +3: Professional license in biotechnology and Bachelor in biotechnology
- Bac +5 and more: Master of Biotechnology and Specialized Master of Biotechnology
With these different levels of learning, students receive complete training in biology, genetics, cell therapy or even chemistry. Once the diploma in hand, the range of outlets and professional careers is open. Young graduates are promised a bright professional future, both dynamic and exciting.
The main qualities sought in young graduates
Biotechnology company recruiters assume that you have all the knowledge in biology and technology learned during your Bachelor’s or Master’s degree. To decide between applications from young graduates, they will pay particular attention to your interpersonal skills, in other words, your personality and your behavioral skills or soft skills. Here are some of the main qualities expectedby a recruiter in the field of biotechnology: a spirit of initiative and adaptability, a good ability to work in a team, the desire to learn and progress within the company and a spirit of the international opening. Do these human and professional qualities speak to you? Do not wait any longer and consult our junior job offers in the biotechnology sector.
RELATED POSTS:
