You can do a degree qualification in a relevant scientific subject, like:

• biotechnology
• bioscience
• microbiology
• biochemistry
• food science
• chemistry or chemical engineering

As well as a degree, some employers may want you to have a postgraduate qualification, especially for research posts.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science
• 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including biology or chemistry
• a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

You may be able to get into this job by doing an apprenticeship, such as:

• Science Manufacturing Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
• Technician Scientist Level 5 Higher Apprenticeship
• Scientist Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship

These apprenticeships take between 3 and 5 years to complete.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

You could start as a lab technician and work your way up by training on the job. For example, on a part-time degree or a degree apprenticeship.

You'll need:

• knowledge of biology
• knowledge of chemistry including the safe use and disposal of chemicals
• maths knowledge
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• analytical thinking skills
• excellent verbal communication skills
• the ability to work well with others
• to be flexible and open to change
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

As a biotechnologist, your day to day duties will depend on your specialism.

In environmental biotechnology, you could:

• clean polluted land or water using micro-organisms and plants
• develop alternative sources of energy, like biodiesel
• make environmentally friendly raw materials, like biodegradable plastics

In industrial biotechnology, you could:

• clone and create enzymes for use in manufacturing food and drink
• improve animal feed
• modify crops to increase productivity and resistance to pests

In medical biotechnology and biotherapeutics, you could:

• study human genetics, antibodies, viruses, plants, fungi and bacteria
• develop therapies and vaccines to tackle the causes of disease
• produce medicines using techniques like cell culture and genetic modification

You could work at a research facility, at a university or in a laboratory.

You may need to wear protective clothing.