From agriculture to healthcare, senior-level academics in biotechnology lead the way in global research and development into life-enhancing technologies and products.
If you’re currently working as a lecturer or researcher, you may be contemplating your next move up the academic career ladder to senior-level academics in biotechnology.
Academics at this level would already have an established research portfolio and substantial experience teaching and training the upcoming generation of biotechnologists. Many take an academic research and teaching route through to the top jobs; however, some senior-level biotechnology academics also have substantial experience working in biotech and life sciences industries around the world.
In this post we look at some of the senior-level roles in biotechnology and the qualifications and experience you will need to advance your academic career to greater heights.
Job Descriptions
- Professor of Synthetic Biology
- Senior Lecturer in Microbiology
- Senior Lecturer in Biotechnology and Engineering Biology
Professor of Synthetic Biology
Synthetic biology is a growing, multi-disciplinary area which aims to redesign organisms found in natural biology.
A professor of synthetic biology would be responsible for leading research activities as well as shaping the curriculum in this field.
Duties:
- Leading and contributing to research activities
- Delivery and management of teaching across biotechnology and engineering programmes
- Participating in worldwide research collaborations and programmes
- Advancing the subject area through publications, conferences and international collaboration
- Working closely with the university’s senior leadership team to enhance global reputation of research
What qualifications and experience do you need?
A PhD in an area related to synthetic biology plus a significant track record of high-quality research at national and international level would be essential criteria.
You would also need to demonstrate evidence of delivering research-led teaching and assessment at undergraduate and postgraduate level.
Leadership and management of research and teaching teams would also be a must for academic roles at this level.
What’s the pay?
Salaries for professorships in synthetic biology vary between specialisms and many are not disclosed in job adverts. However, most professorship salaries range from between £61,270 and £83,306 p.a.
What can it lead to?
Professor is the most senior academic role; however, many professors choose to move into a university’s senior leadership team in the role of Head/Director of Department or Dean/Head of School.
The UK has one of the strongest synthetic biology industries in the world and a vibrant start-up sector in this field. Senior academics of synthetic biology work closely with industry and may also have roles advising life sciences and pharmaceutical/MedTech companies.
Where can I find jobs?
Most professorships are offered on a permanent basis and opportunities are selective. The most popular areas of the UK for professorships advertised are the Midlands and the South East of England.
Find professor of synthetic biology roles here.
Senior Lecturer in Microbiology
Microbiology and biotechnology are closely-linked disciplines and universities look for academic staff who have expertise in both.
A senior lecturer in microbiology is responsible for teaching undergraduate and postgraduate students across biosciences and technology disciplines.
Duties:
- Delivering high quality teaching, learning and assessment across multiple programmes
- Curriculum design and development
- Liaising with industry on research and work placement activities
- Actively engaging in individual and collaborative research
- Publication of research outcomes and applying for funding
What qualifications and experience do you need?
A PhD or equivalent professional experience in microbiology, biotechnology or related discipline and a track record in published research would be essential for this position.
Universities also consider applications from microbiologists who are currently working in a senior position in industry and looking to transition to an academic career.
Teaching experience at undergraduate and postgraduate level and in-depth knowledge of current curricula would also be essential. You can find more information about academic careers in this field at the Microbiology Society.
What’s the pay?
Senior lecturers in microbiology can expect a starting salary in the region of £51,131 p.a., depending on teaching and research experience.
What can it lead to?
On gaining experience as a senior lecturer, your next move could be to apply for a professorship. Promotion would depend on the success of your research and ability to attract new funding.
Most universities have a formal career route or framework for academic staff which offers promotion opportunities and salary progression.
Where can I find jobs?
You will find lecturing roles in microbiology in schools and faculties of sciences, technology and biosciences. The majority of senior lectureships are advertised as full-time and permanent and the busiest time for recruitment is during May and June.
Find senior lecturer jobs in microbiology here.
Senior Lecturer in Biotechnology and Engineering Biology
From biosciences to bioengineering, senior lecturers in biotechnology and engineering biology deliver multi-disciplinary teaching and assessment to undergraduate and postgraduate students. They are also responsible for leading research and procuring further funding.
Duties:
- Leading and contributing to research activities according to the priority focus of the department
- Publishing research outcomes in internationally recognised peer reviewed journals
- Delivery of teaching and assessment at all levels
- Curriculum design and development
- Applying for further research funding
What qualifications and experience do you need?
A PhD in an area related to life sciences or biotechnology is essential for this type of role. Extensive research experience and a demonstrable reputation in your field would also be necessary.
You would also need to have track record of delivering high-quality teaching and supervision at undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral level.
What’s the pay?
A senior lecturer in biotechnology and engineering biology can expect a starting salary in the region of £61,768 p.a., depending on teaching and research experience.
What can it lead to?
As a senior lecturer, you would be placed on an academic career route which would allow you to apply for a professorship.
Promotion would depend on the visibility of your research and the quality of your teaching practice.
Where can I find jobs?
These roles are usually based in faculties of schools of Life or Natural Sciences. Biotechnology is a high-demand area, and you will find jobs for senior-level academics in biotechnology available in universities and specialist institutions around the world.
Find senior biotechnology and engineering biology jobs here.
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