planning a career in biotechnology
TRANSCRIPT
Biotechnology Advances 27 (2009) 307
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Biotechnology Advances
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Book review
Planning a career in biotechnology
Career development in bioengineering and biotechnology, G.Madhavan, B. Oakley, L. Kun (Eds.), Springer Science+BusinessMedia, New York (2008), ISBN: 978-0-387-76494-8, pp. xlviii+485
This book is an excellent guide to the many diverse career oppor-tunities that exist in bioengineering and biotechnology. An interna-tional perspective on possible careers is offered by the book's 85authors from nearly a dozen countries. Most of the authors are them-selves active in the various facets of biotechnology. As a result, thebook provides good first-hand advice on what to expect in a givencareer situation.
The book's 70 chapters are grouped into five parts. In Part I, the focusis on introductory information about bioengineering and biotechnology.Part II deals with some of the traditional careers. For example, careers inacademic and industrial research, teaching and intellectual property law.Part III considers “innovative” and “alternative” careers. For example,careers in: finance and investment; regulatory affairs; forensics; tech-nology transfer; science and technology policy; expert witness andlitigation consulting; public relations; sales and marketing; and writingnonfiction books. The chapters in Part IV deal with career development
doi:10.1016/j.biotechadv.2009.01.001
and success strategies. Several chapters in Part IV are relevant to careersin just about any field.
Part V of the book is entitled “Growth and responsibilities beyond theprofession”. Many of the 33 articles in this Part provide a good overviewof the issues that may be faced by a practitioner in biotechnology andbioengineering. Some of the chapters are of a philosophical nature andlack any obvious connection to a career in biotechnology. Everythingthat did not fit in one of the other parts appears to have been includedhere. Broader societal responsibility of bioscientists is discussed.
This soft-cover book is generally well produced and has a com-prehensive index. At US$39.95 the book is affordable. Anyone inte-rested in a career in bioengineering and biotechnology should consultthis book. Reference libraries should certainly keep a copy of it.
Yusuf ChistiSchool of Engineering, PN456, Massey University, Private Bag 11 222,
Palmerston North, New ZealandE-mail address: [email protected].