A process technician inspects a bioreactor used to grow cells that produce a pharmaceutical product.
A laboratory associate at Talecris Biotherapeutics in Clayton, North Carolina, works to optimize a step in the manufacturing process. Talecris purifies proteins from human serum for therapeutic use.
Because biotechnology can be used by many different companies, people who pursue the appropriate education, training, and skills to work in biotechnology have many exciting career options. You may want to evaluate these options across industry sectors or in the context of causes about which you might be passionate, such as
University research institutions and government agencies, such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Department of Agriculture (USDA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and similar state agencies, are important users of the biotechnology toolbox. Other specific biotech uses include:
- Forensic scientists using DNA analysis and other biotech tools to solve crimes
- Scientists collaborating to store DNA samples of endangered species to preserve the biodiversity of the world
- Thwarting bioterrorism by creating a new protein that can absorb and degrade chemical nerve agents.
All of these applications seem beneficial. However, some applications remain controversial. While technologies are not in themselves good or bad, a particular application of a technology may concern people. Unfortunately, they may conclude that all applications of that specific technology are bad, overlooking many cases in which it can do great good. Carefully study the scientific facts, the economic, sociological, and environmental balance of risks and benefits, as well as other ethical or legal issues that may be involved before you form an opinion.