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Career Center :: More Health Informatics Career Profiles
Development Technologist |
Career OverviewA development technologist works to create new and innovative products and biotechnological products that meet the needs of the various research projects or facilities that the development technologist is working with.
Many food science careers are in the development technologist area where trained individuals create new food items or work to enhance the flavor, texture or appearance or shelf life of various food products.
In addition to just food science development technologists work in research and medical facilities to create and improve on various tests or processes that are used in the biotechnology aspect of the experimental design. Often the development technologist is very involved in the monitoring and analyzing of the various procedures and processes.
The development technologist is responsible for preparing data and information on the results of their research and development, sharing the information with team members, troubleshooting, data collection as well as reporting on the effectiveness of the various procedures.
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Career RequirementsThe requirements for a development technologist often depend on the area of research or development that the individual is considering. Development technologists in the food science or production industries are required to have a Bachelors or Masters level training in food science or chemistry but should also have a strong research background and experience working in a laboratory setting.
Development technologists that work in medical facilities or non-food research areas may be required to have a Bachelors or Masters degree in biology, chemistry, biotechnology or other life science related field.
A good understanding of laboratory procedures as well as a problem solving orientation is also of asset. Being able to think outside of the box is important for development technologists and a good grasp of the scientific principles the research is founded upon is a must.
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Job OutlookBiotechnology and research and development jobs continue to grow at a rate slightly higher than the average for other jobs in the marketplace. The market is expected to continue on a steady rise for the next several years, with the most rapid increases in the private sector laboratories as opposed to the federal, state and local government labs
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Career TrackA development technologist can proceed to advance through the research based options and may assume some leadership roles within the research team. With a Masters or higher level of education it is possible to start leading projects or working in conjunction with very advanced and complex experiments and designs.
There is also the option to enter in to the management aspect of the facility, outside of the specific research. Lab managers or contract work by project is also an option for an experienced development technologist.
This option allows the development technologist to become focused on making the lab more productive and monitoring the data collection and analysis throughout the lab.
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CompensationAs with all types of jobs the higher the level of education and the greater the years of experience the higher the salary will be. Private sector labs will pay more per year than will government labs, but often the benefits may not be as encompassing.
Most first year development technologist will earn between $28,000 and $32,000 and senior development technologists can expect to earn $35,000 to $40,000.
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