Careers

Biotechnologists are employed in hospitals, laboratories and industries. They perform laboratory research, analytical testing, quality control and quality assurance, product development, manufacturing and marketing.

Two-thirds of all biotechnology jobs are in the United States and they are in all 50 states. Illinois has the10th largest number of biotechnology businesses in the United States. Science jobs are expected to increase nine to 17 percent in the U.S. through 2014. Biotechnology is expected to become a $100 billion dollar industry in the United States by 2011.

Illinois represents the 12th largest economy in the world and manufacturing is one of the nine fastest growing occupations in DuPage County. Students who train to enter the biotechnology workforce will have the necessary skills to enter many of these high-technology manufacturing positions.

The following sites offer more information on employment opportunities in biotechnology:

• U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics
• Biospace Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical news and careers
• Biotechnology Institute
• U.S. Department of Labor
• National Advanced Technological Education (ATE) Center for Biotechnology
• Biotechnology Industry Organization
• Illinois Biotechnology Industry Organization
• Illinois Work Net Center Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity

 

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If you are considering this program as an area of study, consult with a faculty advisor in this field. To send an e-mail, click on the name of the advisor you wish to reach:

Karen R. Persky, Biology
Health and Science Center (HSC), Room 2321, (630) 942-3932

Richard Jarman, Chemistry
Health and Science Center (HSC), Room 3333, (630) 942-2451