Biotechnology, with the purpose of manufacturing and operations, is also known as biomanufacturing or bioprocessing. This is essentially using biotechnology to manufacture biologically derived products and related tools, technologies, and services on a large scale, mostly for commercial use. Common examples include vaccines, gene therapies, and therapeutic proteins.
For working professionals with interests in medical science and technology, a career in biotechnology can be a fulfilling endeavor, because aside from the opportunity to take part in and witness the development of new biotechnology, you’re also making a difference in the future of medical treatment.
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Why work in biotech?
The global biomanufacturing market is predicted to grow from $18.18 billion in 2020 to $85 billion by 2031. An expected market growth of this size indicates an industry that’s growing and developing, bringing with it a wealth of job opportunities, competitive salaries, and better job stability. According to the US Bureau of Labour Statistics, bioscientists earn an average of $103,650 per year, and this can be much higher for those working in biotechnology.
Bioscience and biomanufacturing operations have a global impact as an industry that’s needed across medical fields in every country to develop innovative treatments, mass produce them, and distribute them. A job in biomanufacturing means you’re contributing to overcoming health challenges and playing a part in developing new ways to protect the population.
In a world where AI is impacting jobs, biotechnology is an industry that still very much needs real people to perform tasks and direct innovation when it comes to developing, manufacturing, and distributing bioengineered products, tools, and services.
Starting a career in biotech
If you’re considering a career in the field of biotechnology for manufacturing and operations, you’ll most likely need a degree in a relevant subject, such as biosciences, biotechnology, or bioengineering, as well as experience in manufacturing. Advanced roles might require you to have a master’s degree.
With the relevant qualifications, you’ll find a number of growing biomanufacturing companies hiring in this demanding, growing field.
Top biotech companies for manufacturing & operations
If you’re a bioscientist or a professional from a different field looking to enter the biomanufacturing industry, check out these top 10 biotech companies for manufacturing and operations jobs you may qualify for.
1. Danaher
A global bioscience company that develops, designs, and manufactures medical and industrial products, such as advanced continuous chromatography and tools for gene therapy, vaccines, as well as diagnostic tests and filtration solutions, with a focus on digital connectivity.
Danahar hires a range of professionals in life sciences, biotech, diagnostics, and corporate roles, such as finance, marketing, and communications.
2. Thermo Fisher Scientific
A global manufacturing company committed to providing laboratory equipment and supplies, services to drug development and clinical trials, tools in diagnostics, testing and healthcare, plus analytical instruments, such as electron microscopes and mass spectrometers.
Thermo Fisher Scientific hires a wide range of professionals covering roles in clinical research, research and development, operations, quality and regulatory, laboratory services, IT, data and tech, and corporate roles.
3. Merck
A global healthcare company working to create and distribute pharmaceuticals, vaccines, innovative biological therapies, and products to improve the lives of animals. Merck also develops tools and technology for research and bioscience production, collaborating with hospitals, veterinary care providers, and drug wholesalers.
Merck hires scientists, researchers, clinical professionals, digital specialists, engineers, and technicians.
4. Sartorius AG
This global biomanufacturing company works with biotechnical, biopharmaceutical, and chemical industries to produce and distribute drug acceleration tools and technology to manufacture vaccines and medication. These include laboratory equipment and technology for filtration, purification, and fermentation.
Sartorius AG hires in the categories of research and development, sourcing and purchasing, IT and technical, sales and marketing, data management, and operations.
5. GE Healthcare
GE Healthcare is one of the largest global healthcare companies providing medical technology, diagnostic tools, and pharmaceuticals to the medical field. They supply medical imaging tools such as ultrasound, molecular imaging, and digital tools powered by AI to improve workflows, monitoring, and efficiency.
GE Healthcare hires engineers and technical professionals, manufacturing and logistics staff, product managers, and a full corporate suite.
6. Repligen Corporation
Repligen makes hardware products for bioprocessing with the aim of supporting the manufacture of commercial drugs by improving efficiency in vaccines and gene therapies. Products include filtration, fluid management, and protein production.
Repligen Corporation hires professionals in the field of supply chain and logistics, research and development, manufacturing and operations, IT, quality assurance, and customer support.
7. Lonza Group
A global manufacturing company that works closely with partners across the healthcare industry, supporting the development and distribution of pharmaceuticals, biotech, and nutrition relating to treatment and therapies. Lonza provides consultation and expertise, contract services, and research tools.
Lonza Group hires a range of professionals, including researchers, quality assurance managers, technicians, bioscientists, engineers, and corporate staff.
8. Axplora
This contract development and manufacturing organization specializes in the production and purification of active molecules, as well as the development of complex active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), such as steroids and hormones. Axplora was formed in 2022 when it acquired Novasep and Pharmazell.
The company hires employees from across the globe for a range of roles, such as quality control technicians, production engineers, product managers, and research and development technicians.
9. FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies
As a subsidiary of Fujifilm, Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies is a contract development manufacturing organization, working with the pharmaceutical industry to make vaccines, cell therapies, and biologics. This company advises pharmaceutical companies on processes and distribution using its state-of-the-art technology, without having to manufacture their own products.
FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies hires globally for roles in digital operations, manufacturing, product support, and various clinical specialist positions.
10. Getinge
Getinge, which also acquired Applikon Biotechnology B.V, provides intensive care equipment, including ventilators, heart and lung machines, and anesthesia systems, to hospitals, laboratories, and health care providers to improve workflow processes and efficiency. The company also offers maintenance and equipment support.
Getinge hires professionals in manufacturing, quality assurance, digital health, research and development, and corporate roles.
Key takeaways
The biotech industry, particularly in relation to manufacturing and operations, is growing and developing. Huge global companies are either producing and manufacturing their own equipment and pharmaceuticals or offering bioprocessing and biomanufacturing consultation and expertise to other companies that make healthcare products, equipment, drugs, and vaccines.
If you’d like to work in this industry, any of these ten companies outlined in this article can be a great starting point. Check out their career pages for the types of roles available, and the skills and experience you need to apply. A degree in a relevant subject such as bioscience or biotechnology is generally essential.
Methodology: This list was developed by evaluating companies based on the range of roles available, company stability and track record, workplace reputation, and potential for growth and expansion in manufacturing and operations.