If you’ve ever wanted to solve the world’s most complex issues, such as finding a cure for cancer, ending world hunger, and reversing climate change, among others, biotechnology could be the field for you. Biotechnology is a multidisciplinary field that studies the intersection of biology and engineering to develop products, processes, and technologies for various applications, including healthcare, agriculture, and environmental sustainability.

In terms of growth as a sector, biotechnology is a huge industry with an estimated market of USD 1.2 billion, and it’s only set to increase with the sector projected to expand to be worth USD 3.2 billion in 2030. From these promising numbers, it’s easy to see how careers in this industry won’t be drying up anytime soon. In fact, it’s set to grow, even with artificial intelligence and machine learning being seen to disrupt many other professions in the near future.

Not everyone is cut out to have a successful biotech career, however. As such, if you’re thinking of joining this industry, it’s good to, find out first if you have the right aptitude and attitude to pursue a promising career in biotech. Here are some signs that this might just be the case for you.

1. You Have a Passion for Science, Technology, and Discovery

Have you always been fascinated by the natural sciences and by engineering concepts? Ever wondered how solutions and discoveries can be made through the intersection of technology and life science? If the answer is a definite “yes,” then biotechnology just might be the career path you should consider.

Biotechnology encompasses a vast spectrum of scientific disciplines, from genetics and microbiology to biochemistry and beyond. If you’re drawn to studying life science, its technological applications, and the excitement of making new discoveries, you’re on the right track.

In Singapore, the biotech industry is booming, with numerous opportunities for passionate individuals to contribute to ground-breaking research and innovation. Moreover, with innovative co-working wet lab facilities that are rated biosafety level 2 or higher, budding biotech entrepreneurs, researchers, and students are supported in their research. These shared co-working lab facilities mean that scientists and aspiring scientists can focus on their research without requiring a large capital in the initial phase of their undertaking.

2. You Desire to Make a Positive Impact

Biotechnology has the capacity to solve the big problems the world is currently dealing with; it can help in the development of life-saving cancer medications and in creating sustainable solutions for a greener planet, for example. If you have a desire to make a positive impact on society and the environment, a career in biotechnology offers an ideal platform.

Singapore is at the forefront of sustainable biotech initiatives, focusing on solutions that benefit not only the nation but also the world. Joining the ranks of biotech professionals in the city-state means contributing to these impactful endeavours.

3. You Have Great Problem-Solving Skills

Biotechnology is all about solving complex problems in various disciplines and fields. Whether it’s developing new therapies or optimizing agricultural processes, biotechnologists are natural-born problem solvers. That’s why if you excel in critical thinking and enjoy tackling challenges head-on, you have a valuable skill set for a biotech career.

4. You Have Great Attention to Detail

In biotechnology, details and accuracy are incredibly important. Since minute variations can have significant consequences on experiments and processes, care must be taken when taking down notes and doing various data-driven experiments. If you’re known for your meticulous nature and ability to spot even the smallest errors, you’re well-suited for this field.

5. You Possess a Collaborative Spirit

Collaboration is the cornerstone of many scientific fields, including biotechnology. With projects often involving interdisciplinary teams, working together to achieve a common goal is key to achieving success. So, if you enjoy working with others and leveraging each other’s diverse skills and perspectives, you’re more likely to succeed as a professional in the biotech industry.

Singapore’s biotech industry promotes teamwork, bringing together experts from various fields to drive innovation. Among the most notable examples of this culture of collaboration are those that exist in co-working laboratories and office spaces that attract the country’s most promising entrepreneurs and biotech professionals. Through the shared environment of these spaces, individuals working on their own projects will have the chance to interact with their professional peers, promoting spontaneous collaboration and networking.

6. You Like Learning and Improving in Your Area of Expertise

Biotechnology is ever-evolving. New discoveries and technologies constantly reshape the field. If you have a genuine passion for continuous learning and in improving your expertise, biotechnology offers a dynamic and intellectually stimulating career path. In Singapore, access to cutting-edge research facilities, educational institutions, and professional development opportunities makes it an ideal place to nurture your own skills and knowledge.

If you have these traits and inclinations within yourself, congratulations. A future in biotechnology may be in the cards for you. Nurture the potential in you and never stop being curious about the world and how you can change it for the better. With Singapore’s thriving biotechnology sector, you are well on your way to fulfil your dream of creating innovative solutions. Whether it’s contributing to ground-breaking research, developing life-changing therapies, or pioneering sustainable solutions, your journey in biotechnology can be both fulfilling and impactful.