Feature -- by Mark Sproxton

How much would you pay to clone yourself? Or maybe your dog or cat? While those options don't yet exist, one day they may be reality. The biotechnology industry continues to grow in leaps and bounds, but doesn't always focus on the highly controversial area of genetic engineering.

The much discussed Human Genome Project will also likely lead to breakthroughs in areas such as genetic testing, gene therapy and drug manufacturing. And that doesn't take into account a multitude of other potential employment areas in this industry either.

Relatively regular activities, such as brewing beer or making bread from yeast, fit in with biotechnology. So too do growing grains genetically modified to withstand certain bugs, or breeding cattle to exhibit specific desirable qualities.

In Alberta, developing methods and products to deal with human illness or disease by manipulating things like genes, cells or DNA receive much attention, according to Myka Osinchuk, executive director with BioAlberta. While most of this province's biotech efforts have been directed to health, she said agriculture has received increased interest recently.

Overall, there are approximately 35 biotech companies in Alberta, with seven being based in Calgary. About 1,000 people work in this province's biotech industry.

Jobs

The number of jobs associated with biotechnology are astounding. Consider this partial list: animal health technologist, biochemist, biological technician, microbiologist, genetic counsellor, toxicologist, pathologist.... These careers take you everywhere from working with the tools of the laboratory, to negotiating in the boardroom, to working with patients in the hospital, to dealing with the intrigue of crime scenes. While the industry calls upon people with a multitude of skills, not all positions are currently in high demand.

"In short supply now (are) research technicians, veterinarians and process engineers," Osinchuk explained. "Some emerging fields are bioinformatics, biomaterials, molecular modelling and medicinal chemistry. These are all converging fields to some extent, not just bio-related, but a mix of bio and IT, or bio and chemistry, or bio and engineering."

Other positions that may soon need filling also require training not specific to science. As new products and processes are developed in the lab and ready to be taken to market, those with business management and development experience, or legal experience with patenting and regulatory affairs will also be sought after.

Regardless of position, Osinchuk said almost all the work requires a minimum of a bachelor of science degree. "There are some opportunities for lab technicians, however, in Alberta most companies are small and will invest in scientists first."

More specifically, the Canadian Biotechnology Human Resources Council predicts those with biochemistry expertise will increasingly be in demand as more work is done "predicting and modelling protein structure and function."

Getting in

Anyone considering working in biotechnology should take as many high level science courses as possible, such as biology, chemistry and physics. Osinchuk also encourages participating in science fairs. (Take a recent Calgary science fair for example. Two Grade 11 students conducted a study showing there may be a link between the shape of womens' thumb prints and their predisposition to carry genes that may develop into breast cancer. Experienced researchers are now taking these findings for further study and who knows what good things could result? The students plan to pursue their scientific training and may one day wind up working in biotech. )

For those already with a science background, interpersonal skills, problem solving abilities and presentations skills are becoming more important across the industry. Although volunteer opportunities will vary from company to company, Osinchuk said many are interested in conducting informational interviews. She also advised getting to know people in the industry as many jobs are available through word of mouth in addition to company websites and the Canadian Biotech Human Resources Council site.

In addition to educational opportunities mentioned in the Jump Start section, Osinchuk said a new applied degree in biotechnology is being considered by Mount Royal College.

Salary

The size of the company -- most biotech companies in Alberta have fewer than 50 employees -- often determines how much people are paid for their work. On average, a research technician with a bachelor degree will earn about $30,000 a year, while a research associate with a masters degree and experience will earn about $36,000 a year and a research scientist with a PhD and experience will earn about $60,000 a year.

Employee stock option plans are common in biotech, however. This means employees earn shares in the company they work for and are eligible to reap the reward of those stocks should that company do well on the stock market. Companies offer these plans as another way to compensate employees, Osinchuk said.

How it works

In Alberta, discoveries are often made at university laboratories. If the breakthrough proves worth considering as an economic venture, the scientist then looks to establish a private company. Shortly thereafter, the scientist begins looking for financial assistance from agencies such as the Canadian Institute of Health Research or the Alberta Heritage Foundation for Science and Engineering Research, private investors, or seeks partnerships with larger companies that may want to license the technology.

As the discovery grows, more time, human resources and money are spent on the research stage -- the most critical, and most expensive part of the process. As these costs can be astounding -- it can take as much as $400 million to bring an idea to fruition -- companies often continue to utilize the space allowed by the university laboratories and other partners in order to defray costs.

"Agricultural biotech products can take two to three years to get to market, whereas medical products require seven to 10 years to advance through pre-clinical and clinical trials and ultimately reach the consumer," Osinchuk said.

As companies become more established, other kinds of financing become available. Often scientists will work with university technology commercialization organizations on issues such as patenting and licensing. After all the regulations are met, and agreements are in place to produce, market and sell, the biotech product is then ready for use.