PhD in Biotechnology, Genomics/Genetics- Salary, Jobs and Positions.

With a PhD degree in life science like biotechnology, genetics and genomics, a fellow can make their career in research and academics with a decent amount of $52,000 to 1,20,000$/ year, approximately.

A PhD is the utmost academic honor that involves extensive research on some particular topic. A person can do a PhD in any educational stream but a doctorate in science and applied science subjects such as genetics, genomics or biotechnology is more valuable.

In terms of content or subject values genetics, genomics and biotechnology are similar however, biotechnology research involves more in-depth topics besides genetics.

The recent pandemic of coronavirus opens so many opportunities for genetics, genomics and biotechnology PhD students. Students are now interested more in vaccines, medicines, DNA and genetic research and that is exclusively studied in applied science subjects we have listed above.

In the present article, we will discuss briefly the subject genetics, genomics and biotechnology and how PhD in those subjects helps you make your future better!

Genetics:

Genetics is a subject that comprises the study of genes, DNA and chromosomes which are the component of a cell. Also, related techniques like PCR, DNA sequencing and restriction digestion are covered in genetics.

Genetics is one of the most demanding subjects nowadays. Companies and organizations are hiring more and more geneticists and specialists in genetics. It is one of the most popular interdisciplinary fields of biology.

Related article: How to become a Geneticist: Degree, Requirements, Jobs and Salary.

Genomics:

Genomics is the part of genetics or we can say the sub-branch of the genetics in which the study focus will be on the genome. Genomes of different organisms are studied in order to know the function of genes and the genome. Genome is the whole set of genes of an organism.

Whole-genome sequencing, whole-genome microarray are the two common techniques used to study genomics.

Note that a person who wants to do PhD in genetics or genomics also needs to have knowledge on computer and information technology to use various computational software and programs. Genomics data is huge and processed using computational software to get various information.

Biotechnology:

Biotechnology is now considered as a mainstream subject, though it is part of biology in which a person has to study biology and technology both.

Using the knowledge of biology and the power of technology various applications, assays and instruments are developed to solve the mysteries of life.

The field of biotechnology is very vast and comprises the study of genetics, microbiology, plant biology and animal science. We are not going into detail about the subject matter, now let’s quickly move to the next section of this subject.

Job opportunities for genetics/genomics and biotechnology:

These three fields have numerous opportunities waiting in terms of research and academics.

Biological research, biotech, microbiology, molecular cell biology, dairy science, plant biotech, environmental science, animal genetics, human health, medicine, human genetics, virology, bacteriology and various other related fields are options for a PhD candidate.

Field biotechnology, genetics/ genomics are considered as applied science- technical subjects and henceforth with a strong subject expertize one can get a good job in any research organization.

For instance, if you have done research on viral genetic material or phage transduction, there are strong possibilities for you to absorb in virology research.

Even if you are a biotech PhD, but if you have done work on milk, yogurt or dairy-related things! You may get a job at the dairy or dairy research center.

Besides, the opportunities for getting jobs as a lecturer are always open for you at any university. You may do research during academics and get a renowned position in the scientific fraternity.

You may become a professor or dean of the college one day!

Conclusively, there are more job options for a PhD candidate of biotech or genetics than any other PhD student. Another benefit of it is that you may honor more than other employees at the workplace.

There are two reasons for that, first, you are a PhD- a doctor and second, you are an expert on some topics. So if you are in either of the subject and willing to do PhD, i will strongly say “go ahead”.

Salary for PhD in biotechnology/genetics/genomics:

As we said it’s a more real research field. A person with PhD in biotechnology, genetics or genomics are paid higher than any other.

Organizations and companies are investing millions of dollars in biological research on virology, bacteriology, gene therapy, CRISPR-CAS9 and other things. And therefore they need highly experienced people for that.

An average salary of a PhD in life science is between 5,000$ to 45000$ to 95,000$ in the USA.
Salary for PhD in Biotechnology in India: 3,00,000 to 15,00,000 per annum.
Salary for PhD in Biotechnology in USA: 5000$ to 45,000$ and up to 1,00,000$ per annum.
Salary for PhD in Biotechnology in the UK: 25,000£ to 60,000£.
Salary for PhD in Genetics or genomics in India: 8,00,000 to 12,00,000 per annum.
Salary for PhD in genetics or genomics in the USA: 44,000$ to 15,00,000$ per annum.
Salary for PhD in genetics or genomics in the UK: 5,000£ to 16,000£.

Note that this pay scale is for a research job, the pay scale and the salary status of a lecture are based on the Payscale of the university.

Also, the salary and the amount per annum may depend on the expertise and experience of a person. For instance, the scientist’s research experience has great value in cytogenetics. A one with experience can only interpret the karyotype. Therefore, the experience matters a lot. You can demand higher than the others in that case.

Who can get PhD admission in Biotechnology/Genetics/genomics?

Not all students can go for PhD in life science subjects. Not even a science student! First, a student must have completed their Bachelor’s and master’s degrees.

Students of microbiology, genetics, genomics, Biotechnology, molecular cell biology, structural biology can apply. Note that the students of pure botany and Zoology are not eligible for admission in some countries.

Read further: Writing a Research Paper for a Ph.D. Dissertation.

Admission procedure:

Firstly I want to mention to you that a student with a decent research background may prioritize first, for PhD in these subjects.

Nonetheless, every student has to complete some common requirements to get admission in Biotechnology/Genetics and Genomics. Some of them are,

Master’s degree
M Phil if required
NET or SLET or entrance example by the university.
TOEFL or IELTS
Research publications

After completing all these, a student has to complete course work, must have to approve a research proposal and select a guide to get admission.

The duration of PhD in Biotechnology/Genetics and Genomics is the same as other subjects, nonetheless, as it is a pure research field including wet and dry lab work, it may take 5 to 8 years to complete.

*The admission process of PhD in biotechnology, genetics or genomics.*

Values of PhD in Biotechnology/Genetics and Genomics:

Until now, the applied life science subjects are not so trending. But now the scenario is different, due to the recent pandemic of coronavirus, people understand the values of doctors, nurses, laboratory technicians and scientists.

Biotechnology and genetics are now becoming popular among students. High school and college students are more and more engaging with recent research. So it is obvious that once the pandemic gets over, and schools and colleges reopen, definitely students will choose those subjects.

Skills, techniques and technologies used in genetic and biotechnology are used to make recombinant vaccines and proteins, synthetic molecules, Genetically modified plants and microorganisms, economically important plants, vaccines, drugs, medicines, therapies and much more. And therefore it adds more value to our life.

Also it is widely used in curing disorders and diseases too. So choosing PhD in either of subjects is worth for a PhD.