/r/biotechnology

Photograph via snooOG

The purpose of this subreddit is to provide an appropriate home for:

  • Educational materials about biotechnology techniques
  • Information and news about biotechnology products
  • Announcements from companies in the industry and industry regulators.

Conspiracy theories, anti-GMO claims, and "controversies" will result in users being banned from posting in this subreddit. There are many other subreddits which are appropriate for these types of posts and would actively welcome your bullshit.

/r/biotechnology

22,917 Subscribers

0

Which masters do I choose?

Hi all, I recently finished my undergrad in Natural Sciences (mainly biology/health sciences based with a couple of modules around env science thrown in) and have received 2 offers to study MSc's in Medical Engineering (Cell and Tissue) and Environmental Sustainability and Green Tech.

I am agonising over deciding which path to follow next as I feel once I choose one route or the other I am pretty much pursuing that scientific field in terms of future academia and career (forever).

My current thought process is this (verbal diarrhoea incoming):

I have always been interested in medical science and the molecular chemistry involved in disease, its treatment and drug development and having studied a module in infectious disease at undergrad i was keen to pursue this avenue.

The tissue engineering side of medical engineering grabbed me instantly due to its sci fi nature and frankly astonishing advancements and innovation - I mean bioprinting heart valves in a lab - prettyyyy crazy.

I also enjoyed studying some env. science modules due to the inherent problem solving approach to some of Earth's biggest challenges and felt this was suited to my philosophical and strategic mindset in terms of being able to present arguments/viewpoints about how to effectively consider/design/implement solutions to pressing issues of climate change, food security and loss of biodiversity - real big picture stuff.

So ultimately, my decision comes down to prospects following each Master's course.

Environmental sustainability and green tech feels like the big picture, trendier option with more versatility in terms of working in a variety of industries and there seems to be higher demand and roles/grad places when looking on job sites. I also feel like there'd be more opportunities to travel and with accreditation maybe more potential to one day work independently as a consultant.

Negatives - It doesn't excite me as much as the medical field and I feel like atm any tom, dick and harry is pushing into the env. sustainability/green jobs space.

Tissue engineering is much more specialized and small scale in terms of potential employment opportunities. The course content sounds fascinating and medical biology is my first love BUT I am terrified going down this avenue would be naive.

Firstly, in terms of potential roles out there, from a few searches on job sites it appears there isn't that much to go around, especially given the vast numbers of graduates in biomedical sciences/engineering etc and entry level positions are surprisingly low paying (23k per year!?!?)

Secondly, I worry that even if I do find a role I could just end up being a research scientist stuck at a lab bench for the rest of my life with a max earnings of 40k per year in what is actually a highly skilled role.

Thirdly, I worry that even though my MSc would be specialised, companies wouldn't recognise me due to my BSc in a broad based subject (Natural Sciences) and are more likely to hire experienced people with a good BSc grounded in the field.

So I'd be really grateful if people in biotech/pharma/medical devices could give me a heads up as to whether I have any real prospects going forward or is the best I could do being stuck as a low level worker drone in the lab?

And I'd be equally grateful if Env. Sustainability grads/consultants could let me know if the job really is all that and if it offers all the opportunities and independence companies like WSP say it does on their grad scheme ads?

Thanks in advance!

1 Comment
2024/11/29
19:52 UTC

1

Concise Update on Mainz Biomed's Strategic Initiatives

Mainz Biomed NV is undertaking a 1-for-40 reverse stock split on December 3, 2024, consolidating shares to enhance the per-share price to $10 and align with Nasdaq's listing requirements. This strategic financial maneuver is complemented by a partnership with Thermo Fisher Scientific, aimed at advancing and broadening the market reach of ColoAlert®, their colorectal cancer screening product. Leveraging Thermo Fisher's technological capabilities, this alliance seeks to enhance the test's effectiveness and accessibility, potentially transforming patient diagnostic processes and improving investor attractiveness.

0 Comments
2024/11/29
17:07 UTC

0

Advanced Regenerate Manufacturing Institute - anyone know anything about this?

Does anyone know anything about ARMI?

https://www.armiusa.org

I’ve been interested/following lab grown organ work for a long time now and the field has progressed, slowly, but progressed. Synthetic organs from iPSCs is a beautiful idea but complicated and laggard and building a production facility before they’ve fully figured out how to actually produce something doesn’t quite make sense. On the contrary, if in the next 5- 10 years or so we can generate say, a, kidney, it’s good to have something in place that can actually scale this because scaling something so complex itself could take another 5 – 10 years.

HOWEVER, for all the investment, size and ‘cool tech’ I can’t really make heads or tails of this and I haven’t heard of it mentioned anywhere in regenerative medicine fields, relevant forums, publications. I heard about it from a comment someone made during a talk in a recording – that’s it. I can’t quite tell if they’re doing research or just industrialisation – housing or collaborating with labs, companies.

Dean Kamen, the founder (although I don’t think he’s a fraud) is absolutely not immune to the hyperbolic sensationalism of presenting the vision. That being said, maybe the sensationalism was/is required to get the funding in the first place for such a big vision. His previous inventions and companies work actually looks legit, but just not practical (e.g. his wheelchair was great, but far too expensive for mass adaptation – at least at the time).

Anyone got any insight?

0 Comments
2024/11/28
02:33 UTC

0

Ordaos Bio

Anyone heard of this? What’s your view on their work and potential?

0 Comments
2024/11/22
05:15 UTC

2

Is there a cutoff age for starting a career in this field?

I am currently 26 years old. I work as a software developer but this job isnt fulfilling, career wise i feel very unhappy. Biotech unfortunately is unavailable for study in my country and as such am planning to study it in Germany in 1-2 years, as soon as i've gained a solid grasp of the language.

I expect that by the time im graduated i will be around 35 years of age. Will this be too late to start a career? Will companies still want to hire an older candidate over a younger more prospective one?

12 Comments
2024/11/21
03:12 UTC

0

Need inspiration!

Hi all,

I’m working with a research group at a university in Sweden focused on nano and biophysics. We’ve developed a way to combine VCSELs and metasurfaces as the optical configuration in an SPR device. This allows us to make the optical setup super small, cheap, and energy-efficient. Our goal is to create a miniaturized SPR sensor that’s portable - something you can carry in your pocket instead of being tied to a centralized lab.

We’re currently trying to decide which assay to develop to showcase our system. Rather than just doing a proof-of-concept to show that the device works (we’ve already done that), we want to demonstrate how combining accessible SPR with a relevant assay can be a powerful solution to real-life problems.

Since our backgrounds are mainly in nanophysics and photonics, we’re struggling a bit on this front and would really appreciate any advice or suggestions.

Thanks in advance for your help! And if this type of post isn’t allowed here, sorry about that - just let me know.

0 Comments
2024/11/20
14:05 UTC

3

Could Bugs Hold the Key to Alien-Like Technology and Environmental Solutions?

I’ve been thinking a lot about the potential of bugs—yes, insects—and how they might be the closest thing we have to “aliens” here on Earth. Their biology is so different from ours, yet they thrive in nearly every environment. Could studying bugs lead to breakthroughs that feel almost alien in nature?

For example: • Immune Systems: Bugs have incredibly effective immune systems, using antimicrobial peptides to fend off infections. What if we could design antibodies based on these to protect not just humans, but other species and ecosystems? • Environmental Cleanup: Certain bugs can break down waste and even plastics. By enhancing these abilities, could we create natural “cleaners” to tackle pollution? • Agriculture: With declining bee populations, creating antibodies to protect pollinators could secure our food supply without relying on harmful pesticides. • Alien-Like Adaptability: Imagine bioengineering bugs that are resilient to extreme conditions, helping us explore harsh environments on Earth—or even other planets!

It makes me wonder if we’re approaching the search for aliens too narrowly. If aliens exist, they might look more like insects than humanoids. Bugs’ collective intelligence, adaptability, and efficiency could resemble traits of alien civilizations more than we realize

0 Comments
2024/11/20
00:13 UTC

2

job prospects uk???

Is UK actually in shambles when it comes to job opportunities in the fields of genetics and engineering or STEM basically?

I’m almost done with my bachelor’s in Biotechnology Engineering rn and I’m scared. Anyone going through it rn let me know what’s happening.

2 Comments
2024/11/19
18:54 UTC

6

Biotechnology, Molecularor Industrial?

Recently, I was accepted into a Molecular Biotechnology program at a university in Germany. However, I am considering leaving the program after the first semester for several reasons, primarily because the city is very small, and the program may not align with my career goals. I would prefer to apply for a different field within Biotechnology, such as Pharmaceutical or Industrial Biotechnology, still in Germany.

Beyond the city, my main reason for reconsidering is that I’m not interested in staying in academia after my master’s degree. Instead, I’d like to work in industry—ideally in the food sector—as a quality control specialist or project manager, rather than in a laboratory setting working with cells and animals.

Do you think it would be wise to change my field now? Or, if I continue with Molecular Biotechnology, would it still be possible to transition into Food Biotechnology or secure a job in the food industry later on?

0 Comments
2024/11/19
12:39 UTC

2

Global Cancer Screening Just Got a Major Upgrade

Mainz Biomed and Thermo Fisher are working on a next-gen colorectal cancer screening test! They’re aiming to make it accessible worldwide, which is incredible because early detection can change everything.

It’s so cool to see two big names in the industry coming together for something that will help so many people. This could be a real game-changer in global healthcare.

I’m so excited for what’s to come!

1 Comment
2024/11/18
18:39 UTC

3

Advice for Algae Production

Hello, I am a BE undergrad student . I need some information for the production of algaes . Basically

a) The type of nutrients solutions need for the growth ?

b) we are using both the ways from raw algae and algae powder comparing the costs and lipid concentration.

If anyone having expertise in the field . Please give advice or suggest some better ways sto increase efficiency...

2 Comments
2024/11/15
14:23 UTC

4

London Biotechnology Show 2025

Hey Biotech Communtiy,

I wanted to share some exciting news about the 2nd edition of the London Biotechnology Show, taking place on June 18-19, 2025, at ExCeL London.

This event brings together leading biotech companies, industry experts, and innovators to explore the latest advancements, share knowledge, and connect with key players in the field. Companies like Merck, Ellab UK, and Roche are already participating, making it a hub for impactful partnerships and cutting-edge insights.

Highlights of the event include:
🔹 The Hosted Buyer Program, connecting businesses with key decision-makers
🔹 Expert-led speaking presentations and panel discussions
🔹 Dedicated exhibit spaces to showcase innovations
🔹 Opportunities to engage with international biotech leaders

It’s a great platform for anyone passionate about the biotech industry and its future.

If you’re curious or want to learn more, feel free to reach out here, and we can connect further through LinkedIn or email. Let’s make 2025 a milestone year for your company!

1 Comment
2024/11/15
10:58 UTC

1

Certifications ?

Let me put some context. I am in the US

I am into data science and machine learning. No bio background. Last time I studied biology was in 10th grade back in India. Its been almost 8 years since then and its safe to say I dont remember a thing. (not sure if knowing would have helped anyways).

I am looking for making a switch. There are a lot of data analyst, data science and ML jobs in healthcare/biotech sector. But there tend to be some qualifications I mostly lose out on. Many of them roles have a requirement of being "HIPAA compliant" or something similar. This is just one example but I hope you guys get my point. There is something in terms of domain knowledge of healthcare sector that always gets me.

While I feel that certifications dont necessarily certify expertise, are there any certifications in healthcare sector that I can pursue which will atleast make it look like this guy has some domain knowledge. I want it to be optimal in such a way that it could show some domain knowledge in more then one niche of healthcare/biotech.

If there arent any then you guys could be straight forward as well :)

Any help is appreciated.

1 Comment
2024/11/15
07:36 UTC

2

Help for resume building

Hello guys, i am a fresh graduate in biotechnology from Norway. I want your help to prepare my resume for job hunt. It will be my first job hunt in professional scenario. Previously, i have had cv's but they were for jobs like waiter and other works which were not related to my education. But now since i will be looking for job is my field of study. I want to be careful. If possible please share some tips and maybe templates for me. I appreciate any responses. Thank you.

1 Comment
2024/11/12
23:22 UTC

2

Any skills or things i should start learning before getting into my bachelors in biotech.

1 Comment
2024/11/10
01:20 UTC

5

Need Suggestions

I'm about to complete Bsc Biotechnology next year and I have no idea what should I do next . What should I do after my Bachelor's? As an 22F Indian I want to work in a Biotech Ferm and I have zero knowledge in this field. I'm thinking about applying for scholarships in certain countries for my master's. HELP!

5 Comments
2024/11/09
17:22 UTC

3

Any resource about learning XSL and Hamilton Vantage liquid automation system/Robotics

Hi there,

I am new to biotechnology and learning XSL especially against Hamilton Vantage liquid automation system/Robotics.

I am learning from youtube for now.

But appreciate if anyone here can privode useful online resources. Especially hands-on about automation.

Thanks in advance!

0 Comments
2024/11/07
19:34 UTC

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