Scientific discoveries and inventions made in the laboratory propel biotechnology by generating new tools and developing new resources.

Principal Investigator or Laboratory Director - A scientist responsible for global planning, overseeing, and executing laboratory projects. A pivotal task is identifying goals and creating research plans. In order to go forward, one must know the past thus a portion of time is spent investigating the published scientific/medical literature (library or computer database). A key task is then interpreting the results and the data generated from experiments in the laboratory group. Usually a P.I or Director also spends time writing scientific papers, helping formulate patents, and assisting on business/marketing proposals. But if they have time, a P.I. or Director tries to do experiments too, since 'playing in the lab' is what usually motivated their career choice!

Education Level: Ph.D., M.D., or M.D./Ph.D. scientist with at least 3 - 7 years training after the degree.

Special qualities: Seeing the 'big picture' of how science and technology go together in the present as well as in the future. Possess practical knowledge of how to make experiments work in the lab. Emphasis on trouble-shooting to keep forward progress (remember that many things are new or have never been tried before, so you need to be extremely lucky to make everything work the first time!). Also, communication skills on paper and in speech are needed to let the world know what you are thinking.

Research Scientist or Research Technician - A laboratory worker responsible for planning, performing, and interpreting experiments. The Scientist or Technician usually spends much time working at the laboratory bench or operating scientific instrumentation. Since answering one question leads to several more questions, there is always more lab work to be done!

Education Level: B.S./ B.A., M.S., or Ph.D. with various levels of (~0-4 years) training.

Special qualities: A keen eye and steady hands for accurately performing experiments, and a mind ready to figure out data that is not "in the box" or is unexpected.

Operations and Production Technicians - Personnel who actually manufacture, analyze, and/or package the biotechnology product. Many steps are usually involved in the path from raw materials to final product. Key tasks in these positions often involve excellent record keeping, analysis (Quality Control), and large-scale processing. If the product is destined for use in humans or animals (medicine, vaccine, etc.), then careful precautions are needed to keep all materials involved in the process clean, sterile, and contaminant free. If the product is to be released into the environment, then the final material should be safe and stable. Sensitive tests must be used to measure the product as well as any undesired contaminants. In the research laboratory, sample sizes usually range from microliters (= 0.0000l L) to liters. On the other hand, during biotechnology company production runs, 10 to 10,000 liter volumes must often be manipulated in a very clean and sterile workplace.

Education Level: B.S. or M.S. in biology or chemistry with 0-5 years training. Chemical engineering, sterile technique expertise, or fluid handling experience is a plus.

Special qualities: Consistency and paying attention to details are required. If adequate records are not maintained or if the product quality is not within specifications, then large amounts of money ($10,000 - $200,000) and time (weeks to months) are wasted. A company will not survive if their product does not routinely get to the clinic for testing, to the hospital to treat patients, or to farms to improve crop yields.

Computer Scientist or Bioinformatician - An information scientist who uses computers to help decipher the identity and the structure of genes and/or proteins. This scientist may develop or use programs for searching for molecules hidden in the genetic code or for looking at molecules at the atomic level (for example, 'see' the shapes of potential drugs binding to human proteins). This job is now in a state of growth as DNA sequences of organisms (genomes) are being decoded and new 3-D structures of proteins are being calculated. Also, many experiments are so vast and complex that they need to be run by robotic manipulators; the robots need instructions to integrate several systems or to automate the processes.

Education Level: B.S./B.A., M.S., Ph.D. with various levels of (~0-4 years) training.

Special qualities: Organization and creativity with respect to solving complicated problems with a computer.