CS+Science: Biotechnology

Biotechnology is a growing field that is called upon to address global challenges such as fighting pandemics, detecting/treating diseases, and improving the quality of life. This industry has a need for new talent at all levels, from entry-level technicians to PhD-level scientists.  Biotechnology bridges chemistry, engineering, and biology. It harnesses molecular and cellular processes to create technologies and products such as food and medicines. The subfield of bioinformatics blends biotechnology, computer science, and information technology. It involves using computers to analyze complex biological data, like genetic information. Scientists in bioinformatics help make sense of vast amounts of data to discover new things, like how genes work, what causes diseases, and how to make new medicines. 

Bioinformatics offers a variety of career paths, each involving the use of computational tools to understand biological data.

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  • Future Ready Careers: CS + Science: Biotechnology

    Biotechnology is a growing field that is called upon to address global challenges such as fighting pandemics, detecting/treating diseases, and improving the quality of life. This industry has a need for new talent at all levels, from entry level technicians to PhD level scientists. This talk will focus on the interdisciplinary connections in Biotechnology and how this industry needs next generation

Pathways in CS+Science: Biotechnology

Biotechnology and bioinformatics are specialized fields and many roles require advanced degrees. However, many of these careers begin with entry-level technician positions, which are available in multiple fields. For career exploration resources in Biotechnology, see Careers in Biotechnology. 

Careers in CS+Science: Biotechnology

Computational Biologist
Computational biologists use computer models and algorithms to study complex biological systems, ranging from ecosystems to human biology. These scientists may work on projects like identifying genetic markers for diseases or understanding evolutionary biology.
Bioinformatics Software Developer
These professionals develop and maintain the software tools and databases used in bioinformatics research. They rely on strong programming skills and an understanding of biological data.
Clinical Bioinformatician
Working in a medical context, clinical bioinformaticians analyze genetic and clinical data to inform patient care, such as personalized medicine and diagnostics.
Structural Bioinformatician
Focusing on the 3D structures of biological molecules, these professionals use computational methods to understand protein structures, drug design, and protein-protein interactions.
Bioinformatics Technician
Bioinformatics technicians apply techniques from computer science and statistics to analyze and interpret biological data. They play a key role in managing, processing, and analyzing genomic and proteomic information to support scientific research and discovery in fields such as genetics, pharmacology, and biotechnology.
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