Biotechnology is an integration of several sciences applied to living cells. It is an interdisciplinary science encompassing not only biology, but also other subjects including physics, chemistry, mathematics and engineering.

Its application varies from agriculture to industry -- food, pharmaceutical, chemical, bio-products, textiles, medicine, nutrition, environmental conservation, animal sciences etc, making it arguably one of the fastest growing fields.

Job profile

"The work of biotechnologists is scientific and research oriented. The main areas of work are in production of various bio-processed material, marketing of biotechnology products and processes in various areas, research, and bioinformatics (the application of information technology to the management of biological information). Job profiles include genetic engineer, research scientist, and those in the areas of work in biotechnology," says Shikha.

Payment structure

"With a bachelors in biotechnology, one can expect a starting salary of Rs 120,000 to Rs 180,000 per year. With a postgraduate degree, entry level salaries may go up to Rs 300,000 per year. A postgraduate joining a private sector pharmaceutical company can expect to get a salary in the range or Rs 144,000 to Rs. 224,000 per month," says Shikha.

Job prospects

"Jobs are available in drug and pharmaceutical research, public funded laboratories, chemicals, environment control, waste management, energy, agriculture, food processing and bio-process industries. Most biotechnologists find employment on a large scale in research laboratories run by the Government of India," says Shikha.

Which careers do you think will grow the most in 2007? Tell us!