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Agricultural Biotechnologist |
Career OverviewAn agricultural biotechnologist works exclusively in the agricultural production and manufacturing sector to help to improve and enhance both the quality and quantity of agricultural products. Agricultural biotechnologists may specialize in either plant or animal products and development and may be involved in genetic engineering and other advanced scientific practices.
An agricultural biotechnologist can work both in the laboratory and in real life situations involving the breeding and analysis of plant and animal production. Often the agricultural biotechnologist starts their experiment or procedures in the lab and then is able to follow the changes in the plants or animals through to the actual research farm or production site.
In addition to research design and implementation the agricultural biotechnologist is also the team leader and usually has the supervisory role for the research project. Part of their job may also involve training new staff, managing the research facility as well as providing reports and updates to management and funding sources as required.
Excellent written skills, communication and problem solving skills as well as a strong scientific background is required. Additional experience in research and design and implementation of experimental procedures is also a must for an agricultural biotechnologist.
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Career RequirementsFor independent research scientists a doctoral degree in Agriculture, Biology or one of the strands of the Life Science field of study is usually required. For those agricultural biotechnologists that work in larger facilities or work as part of a team on a research project a Master’s degree may be all that is required for the position.
Some agricultural biotechnologists in training or entry level positions may only have Bachelors level degree but will often be working towards their Masters or PhD level training while gaining experience working in a research facility.
Specialization in either animal, plant, genetic or cell or molecular biology requires additional background and training. It is important to consider what area of agricultural biotechnology that is of interest to determine the correct course of study for maximum experience and knowledge in the area of interest. Working in as a agricultural biotechnologist while continuing with education is a great way to try out several specialty before committing to one strand.
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Job OutlookThe continued focus on developing disease and drought resistant strains of plants and animals has lead to a continued increase in the agricultural biotechnologist roles in research. In turn this demand for better agricultural products has driven research in both public and private sectors. As more grants and research opportunities arise the need for trained and experienced agricultural biotechnologists continues to increase.
Since agricultural biotechnologists often work on a project by project basis there is lots of potential to travel to different countries and work in different areas of the world on a temporary basis.
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Career TrackAn agricultural biotechnologist with a few years experience in various settings can easily move into management positions with research facilities, production markets, or even research farms. Many PhD level agricultural biotechnologists begin teaching and working with students in supervisory roles in conjunction with advanced level courses.
Agricultural biotechnologists can also become involved in marketing and product dissemination, especially for enhanced or new varieties of plants. With animals agricultural biotechnologist often become involved in public education about the field of agricultural biotechnology and its possibilities for the future.
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CompensationAccording to the US Department of Labor about one quarter of all agricultural scientists, agricultural biotechnologists included, worked for a government - local, state or federal. The other leading employers were agricultural services and colleges and universities.
For most agricultural biotechnologists the average salary is approximately $50,000 with the highest end of the average being $72,000 and the lowest end representing Masters level agricultural biotechnologists at an average annual starting salary of $36,000.
Independent research agricultural biotechnologist with a PhD level education earn over $80,000 per year, but these represent only about 10% of the total number of agricultural biotechnologists in the marketplace.
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