Biotechnology Engineering career : Paths, Opportunities & Earnings

Updated on Aug 13, 2024 05:35 IST
Vidhi Jain

Vidhi JainContent Writer

Biotechnology Engineering is an interesting blend of Biology and Engineering, offers vast employment avenues in India. Some of the most popular Biotech Engineering career opportunities in the field include research scientists involved in experimentations, data analysis, and the development of new products or processes; the average remuneration for these job profile varies from INR 6 to INR 12 lakhs per annum depending upon the experience, educational background, and companies. The leading recruiting agencies in this field are Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (IGIB), National Institute of Immunology (NII), and the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC).

Some of the other positions are Bioprocess Engineers (who design processes to manage biological systems for business purposes), Quality Control Analysts (who are responsible to oversee product quality and safety), Bioinformatics Scientists (who use mathematical and statistic approaches to analyze different biological data), and Clinical Research Associates (who coordinate clinical trial of new drugs or medical devices).

The private sector also has abundant opportunities and leading pharmaceutical industries such as Biocon, Cipla, Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories and bio-agricultural industries like Monsanto India and Bayer Crop Science are main recruiters. The increasing number of biotechnology start-ups in India also enhances the diverse career options available in this area. Moreover,

The biotechnology industry has benefited due to the country being a leading producer of generic medicines, and the government through the establishment of BIRAC is supporting this sector. As the field continues to grow with new developments and other advancements happening every now and then, biotechnology engineering is fundamental in helping resolve global challenges in healthcare, agriculture, and environmental sustainability.

Top Biotechnology Engineering Careers

A huge list of Pharmaceutical companies offers job opportunities for Biotechnology engineers. However, there are breweries, health care services, and environmental departments that also require biomedical engineers. Key responsibilities as a biotechnology engineer are to harness biological systems as a way of producing new products. As a professional, it is required to get into the nitty-gritty of how biological processes occur and also find ways to adapt, alter, change, and control their function. Biological technicians also work at Universities or commercial labs assisting in various research. Biochemists, Biophysicists, or Microbiologists are a few of the Biotechnology technician's job profiles.

Top Job Profiles for Biotechnology Engineering

The following table enlists the various popular job profiles for Biotechnology Engineering graduates along with their job description and salaries:

Job Profiles

Job Description

Average Salary in INR

Bioprocess Engineer

Biotechnological systems and processes are created and developed by bioprocess engineers. They operate in a range of fields, including environmental management and the pharmaceutical industry.

6- 9 LPA

Genetic Engineer

Chemical and biological concepts are used by biochemical engineers to address issues in the food, energy, and environmental sectors.

7- 10 LPA

Biomedical Engineer

Engineering principles are applied to medicine and biology by biomedical engineers. They focus on initiatives including constructing artificial organs and new medical gadgets.

6- 9 LPA

Biochemical Engineer

Molecular biology methods are used by genetic engineers to alter the genetic structure of organisms. 

8- 10 LPA

Note- The above salary has been taken from external sources, and hence may vary.

Biotechnology Engineering Career Information You Might Want to Know:

Biotechnology Engineering

Biotechnology Engineering Syllabus

Specialisation-Wise Biotechnology Engineering Salary in India

Salaries in the biotechnology sector are generally competitive, especially for those with advanced degrees and specialized skills. Additionally, with advanced degrees such as MTech and PhD, salary expectations generally increase.

The below table covers jobs and salaries based on various Biotechnology Engineering specialisations:

Specialization

Job Profiles

Entry Level Salary (INR LPA)

Mid-Level Salary (INR LPA)

Senior Level Salary (INR LPA)

Pharmaceutical Biotechnology

Research Scientist, Quality Control Analyst, Regulatory Affairs Specialist, Clinical Research Associate

3-5

7-10

12-18

Bioprocess Engineering

Process Development Engineer, Fermentation Engineer, Downstream Processing Engineer

3-5

7-12

10-15

Bioinformatics

Bioinformatics Scientist, Data Analyst, Computational Biologist

4-6

8-12

12-18

Agricultural Biotechnology

Crop Scientist, Plant Biotechnology Researcher, Agricultural Extension Officer

3-4

6-9

8-12

Medical Biotechnology

Medical Research Scientist, Clinical Research Coordinator, Biomedical Engineer

3-5

7-10

12-15

Industrial Biotechnology

Industrial Microbiologist, Enzyme Engineer, Fermentation Technologist

3-5

7-10

10-15

Note- The above salary has been taken from external sources, and hence may vary.

Some BTech in Biotechnology Online Courses: 

Online B.Tech in Biotechnology Engineering 

Algae Biotechnology 

University of Manchester - Industrial Biotechnology 

Biotechnology Engineering Top Recruiters

Biotechnology Engineers can work in some of the most prominent industries of the country such as Biopharmaceuticals, Bioagriculture, and Bioinformatics, etc. By contributing to these fields biotech engineers have the potential to revolutionize the sectors for the betterment of mankind.

Biotechnology Engineering Industries

Biopharmaceuticals

Bioagriculture

Bioinformatics

Biotechnology Services

Industrial Biotechnology

Medical Biotechnology

Below are the top biotechnology engineering recruiters in the country from each known industry:

Biopharmaceuticals

Serum Institute of India

Biocon

Dr. Reddy's Laboratories

Cipla

Bioagriculture

Monsanto India

Bayer Crop Science

Syngenta India

Corteva Agriscience

Bioinformatics

Insilico Medicine

Strand Life Sciences

Accelrys

Genpact

Biotechnology Services

Syngene International

Jubilant Life Sciences

GVK Biosciences

QuintilesIMS

Industrial Biotechnology

Novozymes India

Biocon Biologics

DSM India

Godrej Industries

Medical Biotechnology

Medtronic India

Becton Dickinson India

Siemens Healthcare

Philips India

Top Biotechnology Engineering Colleges: Jobs and Salary

Refer to the table below to know about the top Biotech Engineering colleges that are providing this course with highest salary packages:

College Name

Average Package

IIT Madras

NA

IIT Delhi

INR 12.5 - 20.5 LPA

IIT Kharagpur

INR 17 LPA

NIT Surathkal

INR 11 LPA

DTU

INR 10.26 - 13 LPA

VIT Vellore

INR 8 LPA

IIT Hyderabad

INR 16.5 - 21 LPA

IIT Roorkee

INR 17 LPA

BITS Pilani

INR 14.8 LPA

BHU

INR 21.5 LPA

Note- The above salary has been taken from external sources, and hence may vary.

How to Get a Job After Pursuing Biotechnology Engineering?

Build a Strong Foundation: Gain in-depth knowledge of core biotech concepts and practical skills.

Internships and Projects: Gain hands-on experience through internships and research projects.  

Networking: Build connections with industry professionals for job opportunities.

Master Soft Skills: Develop strong communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.

Specialize: Consider specializing in a specific area of biotechnology for better job prospects.

Continuous Learning: Stay updated with industry trends and advancements.  

Predict Your Engineering Admission 2024: 

Engineering College Predictor 2024

JEE Main College Predictor 2024

College Predictor 2024

BTech Rank and College Predictors

Top Indian Cities to Get Lucrative Jobs After Biotechnology Engineering Degree

The table below covers some of the popular cities in India with maximum colleges and job opportunities:

Top Cities

Average Salary (in INR)

Tamil Nadu 

2.4 LPA

UP

4.1 - 5.2 LPA

Karnataka

3.7 LPA

Delhi

4 LPA

Maharashtra

3 LPA

Note: The above salaries are collated from ambitionbox, sources and are likely to vary.

Biotechnology Engineering Jobs in the Government and Private Sector

Biotechnology engineers have a diverse range of career options, both in the government and private sectors. Government roles typically focus on research, development, and public welfare, with positions in research institutes, universities, and regulatory bodies. Private sector jobs tend to be more industry-oriented, with opportunities in pharmaceuticals, bioinformatics, agriculture, and industrial biotechnology. Roles often involve product development, commercialization, and business operations.

Take a look at both the sections below to understand the difference:

Biotechnology Engineering Jobs in the Government Sector 

The government plays a crucial role in promoting the biotechnology sector. Some key organizations hiring biotechnology engineers include the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), etc. These organizations ensure research and development in the field of biotechnology engineering, where biotech engineering can make a stable career as well. 

Job Profile

Job Description

Average Annual Salary (INR)

Research Scientist

Conducts research in various biotechnological areas, develops new products and processes

6-10 Lakhs

Scientific Officer

Works on research projects, provides technical expertise, and manages laboratories

5-8 Lakhs

Quality Control Officer

Ensures quality standards in biotechnological products and processes

4-6 Lakhs

Medical Officer (Biotechnology)

Provides medical care and expertise in biotechnological fields

6-8 Lakhs

Epidemiologist

Studies the distribution and determinants of health and disease in populations

5-7 Lakhs

Biostatistician

Applies statistical methods to biological data

4-6 Lakhs

Food Safety Officer (Biotechnology)

Ensures safety and quality of food products

4-6 Lakhs

Note- The above salary has been taken from external sources, and hence may vary.

Biotechnology Engineering Career Information You Might Want to Know:

Biotechnology Engineering Jobs in the Private Sector

Biotch engineers can find plenty of jobs and the private sector as there are roles for almost every profile and potentials. Some of the common biotech engineering jobs are given in the table below:

Job Profile

Job Description

Average Annual Salary (INR)

Research Scientist

Conducts research to develop new products or processes

5-12 Lakhs

Bioprocess Engineer

Optimizes biological processes for industrial applications

4-8 Lakhs

Quality Control Analyst

Ensures product quality and safety

3-6 Lakhs

Bioinformatics Scientist

Analyzes biological data using computational tools

5-10 Lakhs

Clinical Research Associate

Conducts clinical trials for new drugs and medical devices

4-8 Lakhs

Sales and Marketing Executive

Promotes biotech products and services

3-6 Lakhs

Regulatory Affairs Specialist

Ensures compliance with regulatory requirements

4-8 Lakhs

Business Development Manager

Identifies and develops business opportunities

6-10 Lakhs

Note- The above salary has been taken from external sources, and hence may vary.

FAQs on Biotechnology Engineering Career

Q. Is Biotechnology Engineering a good career choice?

A. Yes, Biotechnology Engineering is an excellent career choice for individuals passionate about science and technology. Here are some of the resons why it is good career choice:

  • High Demand: The field is experiencing rapid growth, with increasing demand for skilled professionals.
  • Diverse Career Paths: Biotechnology offers a wide range of career options, from research to business development.
  • Impactful Work: You can contribute to addressing global challenges in healthcare, agriculture, and environmental sustainability.

Q. What are the specialisations available in Biotechnology Engineering?

A. Some of the epopular specialisations may include pharmaceutical biotechnology, bioprocess engineering, bioinformatics, agricultural biotechnology, and medical biotechnology.

Q. How is the scope of Biotechnology Engineering in India?

A. The scope of biotechnology engineering in India is quite broad and promising. India has emerged as a major player in the global biotechnology industry, driven by factors such as:

  1. Strong government support: The Indian government has implemented various policies and initiatives to foster the growth of the biotechnology sector, including setting up dedicated biotech parks, providing financial incentives, and investing in R&D.
  2. Robust education and research infrastructure: India has a large pool of skilled biotechnology professionals, thanks to the presence of several premier engineering and technology institutes that offer specialized biotechnology programs. Additionally, the country has a network of well-equipped research centers and universities conducting cutting-edge research in various biotechnology domains.
  3. Emerging applications: Biotechnology in India is being applied across diverse sectors, such as healthcare (e.g., drug development, diagnostics), agriculture (e.g., crop improvement, biopesticides), and industrial processing (e.g., enzymes, biofuels), creating a wide range of career opportunities for biotechnology engineers.

Q. Which field is better: a BTech in Information Technology or a BTech in Biotechnology Engineering?

A. Refer to the table below to know the difference in BTech Biotechnology Engineering and BTech IT:

Feature Information Technology Biotechnology Engineering
Focus Computer systems, software, networking
Biological systems, engineering, technology
Job Outlook High demand, diverse roles in IT industry
Growing field with opportunities in healthcare, agriculture, and environment
Skills Programming, software development, problem-solving
Biology, chemistry, engineering, data analysis
Career Paths Software development, IT consulting, cybersecurity
Research, pharmaceuticals, bioinformatics, agriculture

Q. What should I do after completing my BTech Biotechnology Engineering?

A. After completing a BTech in Biotechnology Engineering, you can:

  • Pursue higher studies: Masters or PhD in Biotechnology or related fields.
  • Join the industry: Work in pharmaceuticals, agriculture, healthcare, or research labs.
  • Government jobs: Explore roles in research institutes or regulatory bodies.  
  • Entrepreneurship: Start your own biotech venture.
  • Teaching: Become a lecturer or professor in biotechnology

Q. What is the average salary for a Biotechnology Engineer in India?

A. Salaries vary based on experience, specialization, and company. Entry-level salaries range from INR 3-5 lakhs per annum, and experienced professionals can earn significantly more.

Q. What are the career options after completing a Biotechnology Engineering degree?

A. Below table covers various Biotechnology Engineering careers belonging from several industries: 

Career Path Job Roles
Research and Development
Research Scientist, Bioprocess Engineer, Bioinformatics Scientist
Quality Assurance and Control
Quality Control Analyst, Quality Assurance Specialist
Pharmaceuticals
Research Scientist, Production Engineer, Regulatory Affairs Specialist
Biotechnology Companies
Business Development Manager, Sales Representative, Technical Support
Healthcare
Clinical Research Associate, Medical Technologist, Biomedical Engineer
Agriculture
Agricultural Scientist, Biotech Crop Developer
Government Sector
Research Scientist, Scientific Officer, Quality Control Officer

Q. What are the top Biotechnology companies in India?

A. Leading companies include Biocon, Cipla, Dr. Reddy's Laboratories, Serum Institute of India, Bharat Biotech, and many biotech startups.

Popular Exams

Following are the top exams for Biotechnology Engineering. Students interested in pursuing a career on Biotechnology Engineering, generally take these important exams.You can also download the exam guide to get more insights.

22 Jan ' 25 - 24 Jan ' 25

JEE Main 2025 Exam Date Session 1 - Paper 1

28 Jan ' 25 - 29 Jan ' 25

JEE Main 2025 Exam Date Session 1 - Paper 1

7 Jan ' 25

GATE 2025 Admit Card

1 Feb ' 25

GATE 2025 Exam (CS1 | AG | MA | CS2 | NM | MT | T...

30 Dec ' 24 - 15 Feb ' 25

MHT CET 2025 Application Form

16 Feb ' 25 - 22 Feb ' 25

MHT CET 2025 Application Form with late fee

Popular Biotechnology Engineering Colleges in India

Following are the most popular Biotechnology Engineering Colleges in India. Learn more about these Biotechnology Engineering colleges (Courses, Reviews, Answers & more) by downloading the Brochure.
4 Courses
3 L - 8 L
14 - 20.5 LPA

#1 India Today

2 Courses
3.6 L - 6.92 L
4.0

Top 25 in India

Biotechnology Engineering Applications open. Apply Now

5 Courses
1.23 L - 6.87 L
4.1

#7 India Today

2 Courses
10 K - 20 K
17 LPA

#3 The Week

5 Courses
20 K - 10 L
21.28 LPA

#4 India Today

3.2 L - 10 L
6 - 6.1 LPA

Top 25 in Tamil Nadu

Popular Private Biotechnology Engineering Colleges in India

1 Course
2 L
5.75 LPA
1 Course
3.55 L
3.25 LPA
2 Courses
1.81 L - 2.4 L
2.8 LPA
2 Courses
2.42 L - 3.18 L
2.5
3 Courses
78 K - 2.42 L
3.4
3 Courses
1.1 L - 3.39 L
5 - 5.74 LPA

Popular Biotechnology Engineering UG Courses

Following are the most popular Biotechnology Engineering UG Courses . You can explore the top Colleges offering these UG Courses by clicking the links below.

UG Courses

Popular Biotechnology Engineering PG Courses

Following are the most popular Biotechnology Engineering PG Courses . You can explore the top Colleges offering these PG Courses by clicking the links below.

PG Courses

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Student Forum

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Answered 2 months ago

It is estimated that joining the top Biotechnology colleges in Uttar Pradesh might be expensive. However, there are some affordable colleges having tuition fees of less than INR 1 lakh are mentioned below:

Low-cost CollegesTuition Fee
Institute of Engineering and Technology (IET)INR 80,000
Rajshree Institute of Management and TechnologyINR 2,000
Wisdom School of Management for Distance EducationINR 25,000
D.N.Polytechnic CollegeINR 19,000 - INR 57,000
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture and TechnologyINR 92,000

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Tasbiya Khan

Contributor-Level 10