Biotech industry will emerge as the single largest sector employing skilled personnel.

A whole lot of career opportunities are likely to open up in biosciences and biology in the immediate future. The application of biosciences in various realms including production of biological and biotech products, pharmaceuticals, food testing and even criminal investigations are steadily increasing. This would trigger demand for trained professionals and lead to a spurt in job prospects. Considering the sheer size of biological resources it may be assumed that cataloguing characterization and documentation are quite imperative and that these demand expertise.

According to a presentation made by Manju Sharma former Director, department of Biotechnology, Government of India, at Prithivi-2005, the global ecological meet organized in Trivandrum recently, plant and agricultural related activities, use of diagnostics in health care industrial biotechnology and environmental protection and biodiversity conservation also require trained professionals.

Teaching and training in Biotechnology are the other areas where plenty of career opportunities are likely to come up.

Career Prospects

Careers in the field of genetics may be in the shape of genetic counselors for clinical, teaching, administrative, commercial, private practice and consulting environmentalists. Geneticists in basic research, clinical geneticists and cytogenetic technologists would also be in much demand in the coming years. Molecular geneticists and technologists are required to understand the molecular basis of genetic diseases and to find out effective cures. Gene therapy, breeding of new plants and livestock are some of the emerging areas.

The setting up of new institutions and centers of excellence would provide an excellent opportunity for young scientists and students to pursue research as a career