[SunilNagpal]

Questions:

1: What background is required for someone starting a career in Biotechnology?
A minimum requirement is to hold an undergraduate degree (BSc/B.Tech) in any field of Life Sciences. If the job requires coding/material design/instrument design for biomedical purposes, then even Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engg. graduates are also hired.

2: What are the starting rates of pay, and what is the pay level for a fully experienced person in Biotechnology?
For a person without experience, it is usually around INR 15000 per month (US $300 per month). For a fully experienced person, it can vary between INR 40,000-200,000 per month (US $700-3500) per month.


3:What are the working conditions? (Noisy, dust fumes, heat, cold, inside work, outside work, etc.)
Mostly inside in confinements. But nicely air conditioned work environments. High grade of cleanliness is maintained in this field.

4:Is the work seasonal; are there regular lay offs in this occupation?
No

5:What are the physical requirements of the job? (lifting, Sitting, Bending, standing, etc.)
It is not a physically intensive field of work. It is a technical line of work.

6:What are the positive and negative aspects of this occupation?
Limited opportunities in India. Fast growing in developed nations.

7:What type of education (courses/ schools) and training do employers require of applicants for this occupation?
Masters preferred, PhD desirable for senior level positions.

8:What is the future employment outlook for this occupation?
Scientist in govt organizations. Experienced candidates are highly sough after in US. Managerial positions easily procurable once you garner an experience > 5 years

9:What employers could I contact about job openings after I have completed my eductation?
http://www.biotechnologyforums.com/thread-3.html
http://www.biotechnologyforums.com/thread-1750.html
http://www.biotechnologyforums.com/thread-2263.html

Hope it helps

This is Sunil, from India. I am Computational BioScientist in an MNC.