Biotechnician

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As a biology or process engineer will be state-certified technician with the field of biotechnology called. The designation as a "state-certified technician" is protected and requires participation in the further training course at a corresponding technical school as well as the passed state examination .

job profile

Work equipment: bioreactors

Biotechnologists are active in research in the field of biotechnological issues and take on tasks in the development of new processes and techniques and their application, for example in the field of disposal and cleaning of waste, in water treatment or in the production of food and pharmaceuticals. They also perform tasks in production, for example controlling and monitoring biotechnological processes, equipment and systems (e.g. bioreactors ). Furthermore, they pursue tasks of quality assurance and chemical analysis, for which they also use various laboratory facilities . They also try out the newly developed processes (e.g. with genetically modified microorganisms or new biocatalysts ). As a rule, everything is strictly recorded.

Processes and techniques developed in the laboratory are transferred to an industrial scale by biotechnicians. They are also available to users of biotechnological devices and products as advisors and explain their function and use.

In companies, biotechnologists often work at middle management level, they organize, contribute to or carry out personnel planning, instruct new employees, maintain biotechnical machines and instruct employees in the use of new facilities. They may also conduct in-house training courses.

Self-employed work as a consultant or freelance expert in the field of biotechnology and the environment is also possible.

The profession of biotechnologist is assigned to the professional fields of biotechnology , genetic engineering , nanotechnology and biology .

Work areas / conditions

State-certified biotechnicians find work in various industries. You can work in both production and research and development. Your knowledge is in great demand in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries, in environmental technology , environmental analysis and wastewater management, in the natural , engineering and agricultural sciences as well as in medicine . Even in the food industry , biotechnological processes cannot be dispensed with in some areas. In research, biotechnologists can also work at universities , in public administration at environmental offices.

The workplaces of the biotechnicians are v. a. Laboratories, but also offices and production areas in the area of ​​administration, organization and planning. In addition, they can be used in the field for taking samples for analyzes, advice and assessments , possibly also abroad.

Biotechnicians work in the laboratory and on the corresponding devices, machines and systems, work on screen work ( IT systems in the laboratory, office work), have to cope with changing work locations (office, laboratory, production and field service) and deal with dangerous chemicals and (possibly genetically engineered) modified) microorganisms. In such circumstances, it is essential to wear protective clothing. Biotechnicians do a lot of work standing up, are dependent on the ability to work in a team, must be able to maintain customer contacts and expect deadlines and time pressures. In some cases, irregular working hours and, especially in the area of ​​production, shift work can be expected.

education

entry requirements

There are various ways of being admitted to further training as a state-certified technician specializing in biotechnology . Depending on the federal state, proof of a secondary education qualification or a lower secondary school qualification is required , and relevant training in a recognized school or company training occupation is required. In addition, proof of practical work experience of at least one year must be provided; the work experience can also be completed, for example, as part of an internship during the technical college training. If you were required to attend a vocational school during your training, your certificate will also be required. Another possibility as an entry requirement is the completion of a vocational school or an equivalent level of education as well as a relevant professional activity lasting at least 5 years. Attendance at a relevant vocational school can also be counted towards this.

Suitable entry professions are, for example, biology laboratory assistant and biological-technical assistant , chemical-technical assistant , medical-technical laboratory assistant , pharmaceutical-technical assistant and a few others.

Course content

In addition to general educational content such as politics , economics , law and the environment , English and German as well as occupational and work education , the following subject-related content is taught:

Full-time courses last two years and part-time courses four years.

further education

After passing the state examination, technicians in all federal states receive university admission . For biotechnologists interested in studying, it is advisable to study in the field of bio , nano or environmental technology , possibly also molecular biology or chemical engineering .

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