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Medical Biotechnologist |
Career OverviewA medical biotechnologist works to develop new methods of treatment for diseases and conditions, improved drug treatments, as well as working with hospital and research staff on patient care and treatment.
The medical biotechnologist is able to combine their knowledge of molecular biology, chemistry, medicine, patient care as well as microbiology and genetic research to enhance the overall ability to care for individuals in a variety of settings.
The medical biotechnologist should have effective interpersonal skills and be able to communicate research findings to a varied audience or team. Often the medical biotechnologist will work with non-research staff so it is critical to be able to communicate effectively.
In addition the medical biotechnologist should be familiar with various data analysis programs and computer programs that can assists with data collection and analysis. A strong background in laboratory procedures and protocols can help with troubleshooting and problem solving. Strong theory in the life and medical sciences is also critical to be able to design research projects and achieve the desired outcomes.
Medical biotechnologist can be employed by private pharmaceutical companies, government agencies, hospitals or long term care facilities. Those medical biotechnologists with Masters or above levels of education and significant work experience may also be hired to teach at universities or colleges or work at research labs within those facilities.
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Career RequirementsSome non-research labs or facilities may hire Bachelor level science students with a background in medicine, life science, chemistry or microbiology to work as team members as medical biotechnologists.
Most independent research projects will only be staffed with Masters or PhD level medical biotechnologists with several years of laboratory experience. Lab experience is often obtained in undergraduate classes or in internships during more advanced educational training.
The medical biotechnologist should have a strong background in research data analysis and most employers will look for those candidates with additional training or experience in recording and synthesizing data.
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Job OutlookAll biotechnology and medical science related fields continue to show a steady increase in employment opportunities. As the population ages and more long-term care patients are identified and treated the need for low cost or cost effective treatments and medicines continues to increase.
This, in turn, leads to a demand in the employment sector for qualified medical biotechnologists that can perform this detailed research. The Department of Labor in the United States indicates that this trend will continue at least for the next several years.
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Career TrackMedical biotechnologists with a Masters level or higher education have the option of becoming research leaders within the team or becoming supervisors within the laboratory or production facility.
There is some possibility for Bachelor level medical biotechnologists to become mid-management supervisors but most independent researchers have at the very least a Masters degree in their field.
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CompensationBachelor level medical biotechnologists make an average of $31,000 per year in non-supervisory roles. Those with Masters or above levels of education and some supervisory duties earn an average of $64,000, with the top ten percent of scientists in the biotechnology industry earning over $100,000 per year.
Most of the higher salaries are found in the private sector pharmaceutical companies and involve individuals with extensive experience and upper management positions.
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