 |
|
|
CareersNanoscience Depending on the stage of development within a company involved in nanotechnology, a nanotechnician may be employed in a variety of roles. As a research or lab assistant, this individual may assist a scientist or engineer in the early phases of product development by performing experiments, operating and maintaining equipment and helping analyze specific aspects of the product. Once a prototype has been developed and a commercial application for the product has been established, a nanoscience technician may be involved in many phases of product production. This may include operating and maintaining various instruments, monitoring production processes and performing quality and assurances activities. Other career opportunities may include market analysis, competitive assessment, product marketing and business development. For further information, check out National Nanotechnology Infrastructure Network Nanotechnology Careers. Bio- fuels Ethanol, an alcohol that is present in beer and wine, is made by the chemical conversion (fermentation) of sugar into ethanol by microorganisms like yeast. When used as a fuel it is modified (denatured) to make it undrinkable. It can be made by fermenting any biomass high in carbohydrates (sugars) through a process similar to beer brewing. Today, ethanol is made from starches and sugars, obtained from corn, sugar cane or other materials rich in sugar. Much of the fibrous plant material is made up of carbohydrates in a form that is not yet utilizable for fermentation into ethanol (cellulose and hemicellulose), Ethanol is mostly used as blending agent with gasoline to increase octane and cut down carbon monoxide and other smog-causing emissions. Bio-diesel is made by combining alcohol (usually methanol) with vegetable oil, animal fat, or recycled cooking grease. It can be used as an additive (typically 20%) to reduce vehicle emissions or in its pure form as a renewable alternative fuel for diesel engines. A Bio-fuels Technologist will be involved in the production and chemical analysis of these types of fuels in industry setting. The individual will need to have experience in microbiology, biochemistry, chemical analysis, industry scale process and production practices, GMP & GLP practices, quality assurance and control. Industries today are moving towards a “lean manufacturing” practice of operation and require a broad skill set and capability in their employees. Technologists need not only to understand the science and engineering behind the manufacturing processes used but also need the ability to work with their hands in the operation, calibration and repair of the equipment used in the industry. Biotechnology The United States is currently the world leader in the research, development, and commercialization of biotechnology products. These advances have brought to market life-saving health care products and microbial pesticides, and will soon offer healthier foods, disease- and insect-resistant crops, additional energy resources, environmental clean-up techniques, and more. NDSCS Biotechnology program will train individuals in the basic sciences and laboratory instrumentation utilized by this industry segment in the development and manufacturing of a variety of different products. Biotechnologists will support biologists, chemists and biochemists in research, government and industrial laboratory settings. Courses in chemistry, biochemistry, biology, molecular biology, microbiology, laboratory instrumentation use /maintenance/ repair, cell culturing, chromatography and bio-separation techniques, nucleic acid purification and characterization techniques, clean room protocols, quality control, Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) protocols, record keeping/report writing, laboratory and hazardous materials safety and computer applications are part of the programs curriculum. Biotechnology is one of the oldest and strongest of all of the high-tech segments of the US and global economy. A well established infrastructure already exists in a number of cluster areas within the US Since 1990 biotechnology revenues have jumped from $8 billion to $39.2 billion in 2003. Projected employment is expected to be at 814,900 people by next year. Currently, new growth of the biotech field is occurring within the central regions of the country and promises to be a major component of the regional economic engines. The Fargo-Moorhead EDC has identified “biotechnology” as one of the three main areas of future emphasis and growth, the other two being nanotechnology and Computer Systems Information associated endeavors. Examples of companies in various stages of growth and expansion currently located in the Fargo-Moorhead area include Aldevron, Orion Integrated Biosciences, and PRACS Institute among others. According to a DOL study, the current median, annual salary for Biotechnology Laboratory Technicians is reported as $29,040. Microelectronics Micromanufacturing Tiny Technology. Big Opportunities www.tinytechjobs.com Bio-link www.bio-link.org for North Dakota www.bio-link.org/centersND.htm and Minnesota www.bio-link.org/centersMN.htm National Nanotechnology Initiative Careers in Nanotechnolgoy www.nano.gov/html/edu/careers.htm Working in Nanotechnology www.workingin-nanotechnology.com
|
|
A member of the North Dakota University System and accredited by The Higher Learning Commission
Digital Millennium Copyright Act
NDSCS is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Equal Opportunity Educator