Course: SAT 170 Introductory Biotechnology

Unit 16 Learning Module

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Bioinformatics

Bioinformatics involves ways to effectively store, analyze and retrieve biological data such as results from large scale DNA or protein sequencing projects undertaken by biotechnology companies.

In response to the rapidly growing field of bioinformatics, bioinformaticists are playing another essential role for many biotechnology companies. Bioinformatics is focused on the storage and analysis of large amounts of data. Such data is often generated from the study of DNA and proteins. Bioinformaticists are knowledgeable in both computer science and biological sciences which gives them a unique skill set to accomplish the task of managing large amounts of sequence information.

As mentioned previously, individuals that are involved in the operations or biomanufacturing of a biotechnology company must be well versed in the equipment and processes needed to generate a product on a large scale. The skills required for such positions vary depending on the specific roles and responsibilities of each individual in this team. For example, at the entry level you may have material handlers and manufacturing assistants that may not have a degree of higher education. Supervisors and managers may have a bachelors or masters in areas ranging from biology and chemistry to chemical, electrical, environmental, and industrial engineering.

Lawyers and legal specialists are the main players in a biotechnology company’s legal department. Although attorneys are big players in the legal departments of a biotechnology company, other legal specialists are needed and can address specific needs as they are board certified in a variety of different fields.

Marketing specialists identify potential customers and then generate promotional materials and create advertising campaigns to target those customers. Such individuals will often be knowledgeable in both science and marketing in order to effectively reach the customers in their respective markets.

Sales representatives work with industry partners to move the products out of the manufacturing facilities and into the homes and businesses of customers. For example, a sales representative for a biotechnology company that has just designed a new drug will meet with doctors, hospitals and other medical facilities to promote the new drug.

Finance specialists run the finance divisions of a company. This division is often headed by one individual known as the chief financial officer, which works closely with the president or chief executive officer of a company to ensure financial security and growth of a company.

The diagram to the right shows the many components to an effective marketing department. Members of this department must have their finger on the pulse of the demands and desires of the consumers, as well as a broad understanding of the competition, and a vast knowledge of the various marketing outlets currently available.

Sales representatives work with industry partners to move the products out of the manufacturing facilities and into the homes and businesses of customers. For example, a sales representative for a biotechnology company that has just designed a new drug will meet with doctors, hospitals and other medical facilities to promote the new drug.

Finance specialists run the finance divisions of a company. This division is often headed by one individual known as the chief financial officer, which works closely with the president or chief executive officer of a company to ensure financial security and growth of a company.