BCIT’s Biotechnology Career Awareness Program is directed at Grade 10, 11 and 12 students with a strong interest in science who want to learn more about applying biology to real-world problems such as human disease. It is built on a partnership between BCIT, local biotechnology companies and participating school districts.
Eligible students must:
✓ Have an expressed interest in science-related curriculum, be enthusiastic about scientific research and lab work, and be interested in learning about careers related to biotechnology
✓ Be a Grade 10, 11 or 12 student
✓ Actively participate in the lab-based workshops and attend all sessions
✓ Be able to initiate and maintain conversation with practicing professionals at an industry site concerning occupational information and scientific focus
Detailed application form and information are HERE.
Examples of Careers in Biotechnology
In Research & Development
Research Scientist
▪ Responsible for initiating, directing and executing all preclinical scientific research and/or development strategies for a company through the research staff or individual studies which are critical.
▪ Typically requires a PhD in a scientific discipline.
Research Associate
▪ Responsible for research and/or development in collaboration with others for projects.
▪ Typically requires a B.Sc. or a M.Sc. in related field.
Laboratory Assistant
▪ Responsible for performing a wide variety of research and/or development, laboratory tasks and experiments.
▪ Requires a high school diploma or some laboratory experience.
Quality Control Analyst
▪ Responsible for conducting routine and non-routine analysis of raw materials, in process, and finished formulations according to standard operating procedures.
▪ Typically requires a B.Sc.
Quality Assurance Associate
▪ Responsible for performing a wide variety of activities pertaining to assuring compliance with applicable regulatory requirements by conducting audits, training programs, data and documentation reviews and analysis.
▪ Typically requires a B.Sc.
In Regulatory Affairs
Regulatory Affairs Associate
▪ Responsible for the coordination and preparation of document packages for regulatory submissions to regulatory bodies, such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the US and the Therapeutic Drug Program in Canada,
▪ Performs internal audits and inspections.
▪ Typically requires a B.Sc.
Manufacturing Associate
▪ Responsible for the implementation of production and large scale manufacturing
▪ Procedures to optimize processes and regulatory requirements.
▪ Typically requires a B.Sc.
Process Development Scientist
▪ Responsible for the development of methods for the production, purification, fermentation and testing of new process formulas, technologies and products.
▪ Typically requires a PhD in a scientific discipline.
In Clinical Research
Medical Director
▪ Responsible for managing the direction, planning, execution, and interpretation of clinical trials (clinical trials are research involving humans) and the data collection activities.
▪ Typically requires a MD or PhD.
Medical Writer
▪ Responsible for researching, writing, and editing clinical reports, summarizing data from clinical studies for submissions to the FDA and for publication and/or presentation.
▪ Typically requires a B.Sc. or M.Sc.
Clinical Research Associate
▪ Responsible for the design, planning, implementation and overall direction of clinical research projects.
▪ Typically requires a B.Sc., RN or BSN degree.
Biostatistician
▪ Responsible for the design, development, modification and evaluation of a technical infrastructure to expedite conducting and evaluation of clinical trials.
▪ Typically requires a M.Sc. or PhD.