Biotechnology Contract Research Education and Training

Train to work with biotechnology research services

Biotechnology contract research services serve an essential purpose in the biotechnology industry. These are the companies that provide innovation and testing for private firms and government organizations. Biotech contract research is a highly specialized industry, with many employees holding masters degrees or higher. For those who want to work in contract biotechnology research, extensive training in biotechnology is required.

You must acquire many years of education before you are qualified to work in biotech contract labs. The first step is a solid education in biotechnology and lab research. This and other biotechnology contract research education and training services can be found through:

1. Biotechnology training through university degree programs.

2. Internships with a biotechnology contract research company.

3. Additional educational training provided by professional organizations.

 

Get a degree in biotechnology to work for biotechnology contract research firms

To start a career in the field of biotechnology, you might opt to complete a bachelor's degree program. A biotech degree covers biology basics, laboratory training and topics in biotechnology. Many with bachelor's degrees decide to continue their education by enrolling in a graduate program, which teaches advanced topics and provides experience developing new biotechnologies.
Try: Kent State University provides a bachelor's degree program in biotechnology with a focus on research and internship experience. Georgetown University offers a master's program in biotechnology that provides training in medical, agricultural or environmental biotech issues.

Explore internships with biotechnology contracting companies

Many people who study biotechnology have to complete at least one internship while in school. Additional internships are also available through contracting companies and private labs for both students and biotech graduates. This can provide real world experience and additional training in industry lab or field settings.
Try: Genentech provides a 10 to 12 week internship for students and graduates of biotechnology program. The company focuses on research and development for medical therapies. USAID, which provides biotechnology research on agricultural needs in foreign countries, also has internship positions.

Join professional organizations for employees of biotech contract research companies

There are many industry organizations for the biotechnology industry. Many of these groups offer members continuing education and training opportunities. Other benefits of membership include conferences and events, networking opportunities and access to the latest biotech research news.
Try: The Biotechnology Industry Organization offers many educational conferences and events throughout the year for those who work in public and private biotech labs. BayBio offers members many events throughout the year, plus working and peer management groups for sharing information.

 

• Although contract research in biotechnology can take place in a lab setting, those that train for environmental or agricultural biotechnology must also attain research skills for the field.

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