Therapeutics
Using cells, proteins, genes or other biological mechanisms to develop potential treatments.
Example work
- Target validation
- Assay development
- Preclinical studies
INDUSTRY LANDSCAPE
Biotechnology
Using biological systems to create medicines, diagnostics, tools and sustainable processes.
OVERVIEW
How the sector works
Biotechnology combines experimental biology, computation, engineering and regulated development from discovery through production.
Why it mattersBiological insight can improve health, food systems, research tools and lower-impact manufacturing.
INSIDE THE INDUSTRY
The major subsectors
Each part of the sector solves a different set of technical and practical problems.
Genomics and bioinformatics
Generating and interpreting biological sequence data to understand variation and disease.
Example work
- Sequencing analysis
- Variant interpretation
- Pipeline development
Diagnostics and research tools
Creating tests, instruments and reagents that make biological questions measurable.
Example work
- Diagnostic assays
- Laboratory instruments
- Reagent development
Bioprocessing
Growing biological systems and purifying products consistently at manufacturing scale.
Example work
- Cell culture
- Process development
- Purification
WHERE YOUR BACKGROUND CAN FIT
Different degrees, different entry points
The same industry needs people who can investigate, design, analyse and deliver from different starting disciplines.
Biology
Assays · Cell systems · Genomics · Discovery research
Medicine
Clinical evidence · Translational science · Safety · Diagnostics
Chemistry
Molecular design · Analytics · Formulation · Purification
Computer Science
Bioinformatics · Imaging · Data platforms · Laboratory automation
Engineering
Bioprocessing · Instrumentation · Scale-up · Manufacturing systems
WHAT THE WORK CAN LOOK LIKE
Representative problems
Projects vary by organisation, but these examples show the questions teams in Biotechnology may tackle.
- Develop an assay that distinguishes a useful biological response.
- Build a reproducible pipeline for sequencing data.
- Scale a cell-culture process while maintaining product quality.
- Validate a diagnostic result across different sample conditions.
TECHNOLOGIES & TRENDS
What is changing the sector
These developments are reshaping technical work, evidence and decision-making.
Gene editing
Tools that make targeted changes to genetic material for research or therapeutic development.
They allow precise tests of biological function and new treatment strategies.Single-cell analysis
Methods that measure individual cells instead of averaging across a sample.
Cell-to-cell differences can reveal rare populations and disease mechanisms.Machine learning for biology
Computational methods used to find patterns in sequence, imaging and experimental data.
They can prioritise experiments, but depend on rigorous biological context and validation.Continuous bioprocessing
Manufacturing approaches that connect production steps into a more continuous flow.
Better control can improve consistency, throughput and use of equipment.CAREER FUNCTIONS
Where STEM graduates contribute
Functions describe the work a team performs, not just the title on a job description.
Discovery research
Design experiments that test biological mechanisms and possible intervention points.
- Develop assays
- Analyse results
- Refine hypotheses
Bioinformatics and data
Turn large biological datasets into reproducible evidence.
- Build analysis pipelines
- Check data quality
- Interpret patterns with scientists
Bioprocess engineering
Develop robust ways to produce biological products safely and consistently.
- Optimise culture conditions
- Scale processes
- Monitor critical parameters
Clinical and regulatory development
Plan evidence and documentation needed to evaluate products in people.
- Review study evidence
- Coordinate submissions
- Track safety information
HOW TO START EXPLORING
Build evidence while you study
You do not need to decide on one destination immediately. Use projects, modules and experience to learn which parts of the sector hold your attention.
- Use research projects to demonstrate careful controls and reproducible analysis.
- Learn enough statistics or coding to work confidently with biological data.
- Explore student synthetic-biology teams or laboratory societies.
- Look for research, diagnostics, bioprocess or data placements.
CAREER MAP
Example careers
Discover & Research
Biotech Researcher
Use biological systems to create new therapies, diagnostics and tools.
BiologyChemistryMedicine
Explore: Amgen · Moderna
Explore this careerAnalyse & Model
Data Scientist
Use data, statistics and computation to answer consequential questions.
MathematicsComputer SciencePhysics
Explore: Google · Microsoft
Explore this careerCommercialise & Grow
Technical Product Manager
Turn user needs and technical possibilities into a focused product direction.
EngineeringComputer SciencePhysics
Explore: Microsoft · Siemens
Explore this careerDiscover & Research
Pharmaceutical R&D Scientist
Develop evidence that moves a potential medicine from idea toward patients.
BiologyChemistryMedicine
Explore: AstraZeneca · GSK
Explore this careerEMPLOYER LANDSCAPE
Organisations to investigate
OPPORTUNITIES
See related programmes
School-leaver / entry-level role Closing soon
AstraZeneca
Clinical Study Administrator
Early-career clinical-operations role supporting study start-up, document tracking and site activation.
Wilmington, Delaware, USAWork format not statedGraduate / Early CareerPay — Paid · $93,249.60–$139,874.40 USD annual base pay range
Verified opportunityReview details
READ NEXT
Understand the sector
Careers
Life-science careers beyond the laboratory
Biology and biomedical training can travel into clinical development, data, regulation, products and scientific communication.
24 August 2026 · 6 min readResearch & Study
Finding your first research placement
A focused approach that shows real fit is more persuasive than a generic message sent everywhere.
19 July 2026 · 6 min read