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Frequently
Asked Questions
1. What is biotechnology?
The term "biotechnology" describes processes
which use or manipulate living organisms to make products. The primary
applications of biotechnology are in the areas of health and medicine,
industry, and agriculture.
2. What types of jobs are available in biotech?
Biotech workers are employed in a diverse array of
positions ranging from laboratory support to discovery research to regulatory
affairs and beyond. Go to the Career
Options page of this Web site for more information.
3. What educational training options are available
in the northwest?
The Puget Sound region offers several options including
certificate programs, 2 and 4-year degrees and skills upgrade training
for persons currently employed in biotech. Check out the Degrees,
Certificates, and Training page to learn more about specific opportunities.
4. What types of courses are recommended to help
prepare me for the biotech field?
It is wise to obtain a strong foundation in Biology,
Chemistry, Math, and English. Advanced course work and laboratory training
are available from any of several local educational institutions. See
the Degrees, Certificates,
and Training page for more information.
5. Do biotech jobs offer good benefits, job security,
on-the-job training and opportunities for advancement?
The Biotech industry offers compensation and benefits
on a par with other technical fields. Opportunities for training and advancement
are well above average owing to continuous and rapid growth and change
within the field.
6. Are biotech workers satisfied with their jobs?
The Wall
Street Journal recently reported "biologist" as the most
desirable job in the U.S. in terms of "low stress, high compensation,
lots of autonomy, tremendous hiring demand and several other key criteria."
7. What is a biotech "internship"? How
can I get one?
Internships are work-based learning experiences usually
done in conjunction with an educational training program. Internships
often serve as a bridge between training and full-time employment. Visit
the Cooperative
Education/Internship page to learn more.
8. What are the opportunities and prospects for
Biotech employment in Western Washington?
Western Washington is the seventh largest Biotech center
in the country. The University of Washington employs a large number of
biotech-trained personnel to staff their many research labs. This region
is also home to several research institutes including the Systems Biology
Institute and Seattle Biomedical Research Institute. There are more than
170 biotechnology companies in the region employing more than 16,000 people.
The industry is expected to continue growing in Washington and nationwide.
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