Biotechnology is a newly emergent, cutting-edge, and highly technical field. It produces about £3 billion in annual revenue in the UK and provides employment for more than 20,000 staff at some 300 businesses. The UK is one of the leading nations in the world for biotechnology, and has won an impressive 23 Nobel Prizes for breakthroughs in the field.
Most jobs are based in London, and the average salaries there are significantly higher than those found elsewhere in the UK. Recruitment agencies report that many employment opportunities are available in the areas of animal care, chemical engineering, and warehouse operations. A significant proportion of jobs are university affiliated, and PhD research accounts for a major part of the industry. Professionals in the field are required not only to have advanced academic degrees, but to also complete hands-on training programmes, (usually provided on the job), to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and the practical demands of the profession.
Salaries range from £20-55K, and the average income is about £30K. In London, however, that average rises to £42K. The largest employers in the UK are Unilever Research, GSK, and Pfizer.