Biotechnology combines biology and technology to develop products, systems and devices used in healthcare and pharmaceuticals, the environment, agriculture and industry.
Lecturers in this area come from a multitude of related academic and industrial backgrounds. From genetic engineering to biomedical technology, universities look to hire lecturers and researchers who can inspire the next generation while contributing to and leading advances in biotechnology research.
Here we take a look at some of the teaching and lecturing jobs available in biotechnology, what to expect and opportunities to move your academic career forward.
Job Descriptions
Lecturer in Biotechnology
Biotechnology lecturers deliver teaching to undergraduate and postgraduate students across related disciplines, from biochemistry to molecular biology. They also teach specialist modules according to their research background.
Duties:
- Delivering lectures, seminars and workshops across related subjects
- Curriculum and module design
- Making important research contributions to specific biotechnology fields
- Working closely with biotechnology industries to further research and development
- Applying for research funding and publication of outcomes
What qualifications and experience do you need?
A PhD in an area related to biotechnology would be essential criteria for a lectureship. As biotechnology is such a varied field, the subject of your PhD (which could be anything from machine learning or genomics to healthcare robotics or synthetic biology) would need to be in step with the research focus and taught programmes of each institution.
Prior experience of degree-level teaching and a recognised HE teaching qualification would be highly desirable, as would a background working in the pharmaceutical and biotech/life sciences industry.
What’s the pay?
Biotechnology lecturers can expect a starting salary of around £41,931 p.a., depending on teaching and research/industry experience.
What can it lead to?
The next step up would be senior lecturer or associate professor in your biotechnology specialism. Most UK institutions have an academic career track whereby lecturers are promoted after 3-5 years, depending on research output and quality of teaching.
Related roles:
- Lecturer in Microbiology
- Lecturer in Biological Sciences
- Lecturer in Bioengineering
Where can I find jobs?
Lectureships relating to biotechnology are available across multiple departments and fields, from engineering to medicine. Job availability would depend on what area of biotechnology you focused on during doctoral studies and how that aligns with the research and teaching priorities of each institution.
Find lecturing jobs in biotechnology here.
Lecturer in Bioinformatics
Bioinformaticians develop computational tools which analyse and interpret complex biological data.
Lecturers in bioinformatics teach mainly at Master’s level and also deliver specialist modules across related undergraduate programmes in life sciences and engineering.
Duties:
- Delivering lectures, seminars and technical/laboratory classes to undergraduate and postgraduate students
- Curriculum and specialist bioinformatics module design
- Supervision of PhD students
- Establishing and leading productive research programmes in bioinformatics/computational biology.
- Maintaining individual research activities, applying for funding and publication of results
What qualifications and experience do you need?
Taught mainly at Master’s level in the UK, bioinformatics is a highly specialised field. A first degree in life sciences, bioengineering or medicine and a PhD in bioinformatics or related area would be essential for this type of role.
You would need to demonstrate a strong track record in bioinformatics research and the ability to attract further funding. A background working in industry (such as with a life sciences or pharmaceutical company) would be a plus.
What’s the pay?
Lecturer in bioinformatics is a highly specialised position and can attract higher-than-average salaries, when compared with other engineering and technology roles. Lecturers in this field can expect a starting salary of around £43,738 p.a., depending on teaching and research experience.
What can it lead to?
Demand for bioinformaticians is high in universities, research institutes, the health and medical sector, government departments and industry. If you choose to continue along higher education career path, your next step would be to apply for a senior lecturer or associate professor role.
Related roles:
- Lecturer in Computational Biology
- Lecturer in Biomedical Engineering
- Lecturer in Biochemistry
Where can I find jobs?
Bioinformatics is a rapidly expanding global industry and you will find lecturing positions in universities around the world, in particular the UK, Germany, China and the US.
In the UK, bioinformatics is mainly taught at postgraduate level. Therefore, the best place to start your search would be in HE institutions which offer this type of programme.
Find lecturer in bioinformatics jobs here.
Lecturer in Biomedical Engineering
Biomedical engineers find technical and engineering solutions to medical problems. They research, design and develop medical devices and procedures.
Alongside research, biomedical engineering lecturers teach undergraduate and postgraduate students across engineering, biomedical sciences and healthcare disciplines.
Duties:
- Delivery of teaching to undergraduate and postgraduate students
- Contributing to and leading biomedical engineering research activities
- Attracting research funding from national and international sources
- Curriculum design and supervision of doctoral students
- Working closely with industry, public bodies and healthcare providers on joint programmes of research
What qualifications and experience do you need?
A PhD in biomedical engineering or closely related subject would be essential for lecturing roles.
A strong track record of published research, plus previous experience of teaching at higher education level would also be essential. A recognised teaching qualification would be highly desirable.
What’s the pay?
Depending on the role, lecturers in biomedical engineering can expect a starting salary in the range of £35,326 to £48,835 p.a.
What can it lead to?
The next step up would be to apply for a senior lectureship or associate professor role in biomedical engineering. Alternatively, you may wish to move to a research-only role within a university, hospital trust or research foundation.
Related roles:
- Lecturer in Health Robotics
- Lecturer in Biomedical Sciences
- Lecturer in Biomimetics
Where can I find jobs?
Biomedical engineering programmes are increasing in popularity across the UK and internationally. You will find lecturing roles within university schools or faculties of engineering and health sciences.
Find lecturer in biomedical engineering jobs here
Further Information:
- Academic jobs in Biotechnology
- Research jobs in Biotechnology
- Senior-level jobs in Biotechnology
- The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET)
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