Biotechnologist

Highly relevant tasks include, but are not limited to:

• Studying micro-organisms, such as bacteria, fungi, yeast and their enzymes, and using the knowledge gained to create and develop new, and improve existing, products, materials and processes.
• Undertaking research projects, experimental planning, execution, report writing, publishing scientific papers and presentation of study outcomes to key internal and external stakeholders.

Additional tasks may include:

• Identifying cellular and develop mental events that ensure continuity of life.
• Developing, optimising and validating diagnostic tools to rapidly detect diseases.
• Using bacteria, enzymes and other organisms for a range of industrial uses, including agricultural production, food production and waste removal.
• Conducting research and experiments in the field of genetic modification and biomolecular engineering, which involves altering the genetic make-up of plants and animals.
• Using biological engineering processes to create commercially useful biological products, such as biomaterials, chemicals or fuels.
• Using computational/bioinformatics tools to collect and analyse data in various fields such as biology, genetics, biochemistry, microbiology, biomedicine, pharmaceutical development, etc.

Biotechnologists work in a range of fields including in research laboratories and offices located within universities, research institutes and processing plants. This occupation covers biotechnology specialists from widespread areas such as medical, industrial, agricultural and environmental biotechnology as follows:

• Medical biotechnologists conduct scientific research and apply the research outcomes or biotechnology tools in pharmaceutical, non-clinical and clinical fields to enhance the patient quality of life. For example, they may be involved in developing or improving new medicines and vaccines, developing methods to detect, prevent and treat diseases, stem cell research and more.
• Industrial biotechnologists study the useful derivatives of living cells from various microorganisms, plants and animals and create new products. For example, they may work in production of antibiotics, hormones and vaccines.
• Agricultural biotechnologists develop and improve products and processes for agriculture. For example, they may be utilising genetic engineering tools to produce stronger crops, researching precision farming technologies and creating new bio-pesticides.
• Environmental biotechnologists conduct research combining biology and engineering to develop and use processes that remediate environmental contamination. For example, this may be utilising microorganisms in waste treatment, conversion of plants into biofuel, developing bioplastics, etc.

This occupation should not be confused with routine quality control/quality assurance, diagnostic testing or product sales roles in the above listed industries.

When applying for a Skills Assessment, please ensure you submit sufficient evidence supporting proof of identity, qualification and employment claims. A full list of the documents required can be found on the VETASSESS website under Eligibility Criteria.

You may provide additional evidence supporting your role, such as a summary brief for grant applications or similar projects, research articles or conference proceedings, laboratory reports, patents and a list of research projects outlining your responsibilities.