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Marine Biotechnologist |
Career OverviewFor those that love working with sea life, both plants and animals, a career as a marine biotechnologist is just the job. A marine biotechnologist is responsible for assisting in carrying out experimental procedures, working as a member of the research team, setting up and processing experiments, data collection, data analysis and even synthesizing data into a report format.
The research is then used to help develop and create new medicines and health products that will benefit people.
A marine biotechnologist should have a good understanding and solid background in laboratory and research procedures. They should also possess strong interpersonal skills and should enjoy working as part of a team.
The working conditions will vary depending on the type of job, but most marine biotechnologists have the option to work in a lab or in real world situations. Many experiments and processes that are studied by marine biotechnologist are completed right in the natural waterways of the living organisms.
A marine biotechnologist may have the opportunity to travel frequently or may work within one facility. Zoos and aquariums as well as research facilities and environmental based private and government agencies often hire marine biotechnologists.
The work of a marine biotechnologist may be very small scale, working on various microorganisms or even diseases of sea life, or it can be very large, working on developing specialized equipment to monitor whale movement throughout the oceans. The marine biotechnologist should have a good understanding of data analysis as well as a good working knowledge of computers.
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Career RequirementsMost marine biotechnologists have either a Masters or Doctoral level education in life science, particularly marine biology, microbiology, zoology or chemistry. Those marine biotechnologists with a Bachelors degree are often hired as team members whereas marine biotechnologists with greater levels of education work more independently or even in management or supervisory positions.
Marine biotechnologists require a good knowledge of laboratory processes and protocols as well as a good understanding of data analysis and computer programs.
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Job OutlookThere is an increasing emphasis in the development of various types of biotechnology, marine biotechnology included. The complete biotechnology and science sectors of the economy are expected to continue to grow steadily until at least the year 2014, according to the US Department of Labor.
The specialization that marine biotechnologists bring to the development of new medicines and treatments has been highlighted in several major advancements over the last few years and this has lead to a focus on this area of biotechnology.
There are several universities in the United States and many in Canada, Australia, the UK, and other parts of Europe that are offering extensive programs in marine biotechnology and the demand for these programs continues to increase.
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Career TrackMarine biotechnologists with a Bachelors degree are often employed as non-research based marine biotechnologists. Those with Masters or Doctorate degrees are often hired as independent researchers, consultants, or even management positions in both private and government laboratories and marine facilities.
Those marine biotechnologists with higher levels of education and experience in the laboratory may also seek careers at universities and colleges as professors and tenured staff.
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CompensationSince there is a wide range of experience levels and education it is difficult to list average earnings for marine biotechnologists. The overall, across the category average income is approximately $68,000 for those involved in independent research projects.
For Bachelor level marine biotechnologists the salary is slightly less ranging from $35,000 to $40,000 on average. Management positions or supervisory roles will increase the overall income level regardless of the level of education.
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