Profile:
Biotechnologist for industry and scientific research
Functions:
Biotechnologists for industry and scientific research have advanced knowledge of biochemistry, molecular biology, functional genomics, microbiology and of the biological systems, enabling them:
1) To carry out basic and applied research activities in the fields of genetic, protein and metabolic engineering, through recombining DNA techniques for the production and development of biotechnological molecules;
2) To carry out research activity in the field of genetic manipulation and of the control and monitoring of the presence of natural and genetically modified organisms, through molecular genetic techniques;
3) To work in research and development laboratories supervising, validating and optimizing of biotechnological production processes, being able to supervise the correct performance of production and analytical procedures and of quality control in industrial production chains;
4) To select adequate technologies and equipment for the structural and functional analysis of biological macromolecules; to use the main biological data bases to retrieve the necessary information for process development; to apply bioinformatics methods for accessing, organising and analysing data in genomic, proteomic and metabolomics databases.
5) To genotype, isolate and select microorganisms to be used in small and large scale bio-reactors; to perform biological analyses in foodstuff and waters;
6) To design and coordinate activities for the promotion and development of scientific and technological innovation in fields related to biotechnological subjects; to coordinate research projects in the field of molecular and industrial biotechnologies.
Skills:
Biotechnologists for industry and scientific research are able to use biological systems and genetic engineering techniques for applications in various production sectors, namely in the biomedical, pharmaceutical chemical, industrial and environmental sectors. They are able to use genetic manipulation techniques, traditional analytical tools and modern technologies (eg. genomics and proteomics), enabling them to work in biomedical molecular diagnostics laboratories as well as in laboratories for the research and development of engineered proteins and of drugs. Thanks to the acquired competences, 2nd cycle graduates in “Biotechnologies for industry and scientific research” are high level professionals in work environments where the activities of research and technological transfer, both at laboratory and industrial level, are the basis for the production of goods and services.
Professional opportunities:
Graduaes in “Biotechnologies of industry and scientific research may work in:
- National and international Universities and research centres, where they may also continue their education in graduate schools, 2nd level University master courses and PhD courses;
- Companies in the biotechnological, biomedical, agro-food, pharmaceutical and environmental sectors;
- Diagnostic or applied research centres;
- Analysis laboratories;
- Regional agencies for environmental protection:
- Freelance profession (after registration in the National Board and/or association of Biotechnologists;
- Agencies, institutions or companies for scientific dissemination and specialised press;
- Quality certification companies and institutions.