Profile:
Biomolecular Industrial Biotechnologist
Functions:
Graduates in "Biomolecular industrial biotechnologies" possess in-depth knowledge of organic chemistry, physical chemistry, applied physics, cell biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, functional genomics, microbiology, biological systems, and biochemical plants, enabling them to:
1) carry out basic and applied research in the field of genetic, tissue, cellular, protein and metabolic engineering, using recombinant DNA techniques for the production and development of molecules of biotechnological interest and/or the manipulation of stem cells;
2) operate in research and development laboratories, for the validation and optimization of biotechnological production processes, and for the supervision of the correct performance of production and analytical procedures and of quality control in industrial production chains;
3) select the technologies and instruments suitable for the structural and functional analysis of biological macromolecules;
4) use the main biological databases to extrapolate information necessary for the development of processes, and carry out bioinformatic analyses for the study of protein and nucleotide sequences; apply bioinformatics methodologies for accessing, organizing and analysing data present in genomics, proteomics and metabolomics databases;
5) performing genotyping, isolating and selecting microorganisms for their use in small and large scale bioreactors;
6) carry out planning and coordinating activities for the promotion and development of scientific and technological innovation in areas related to biotechnological disciplines; coordinate research projects in the field of molecular and industrial biotechnology.
Skills:
Graduates in "Biomolecular Industrial Biotechnology" are able to use biological systems and genetic and tissue engineering techniques for applications in various production sectors, such as the biomedical, chemical-pharmaceutical and industrial sectors at large. They can also use genetic manipulation techniques, traditional analytical tools and modern technologies (for example genomics, proteomics and bioimaging), enabling them to work in biomedical laboratories of molecular diagnostics and in research and development laboratories dedicated to the production of engineered proteins and drugs and their delivery. They can use, manage and supervise culture systems of gametes, embryos and cells (including stem cells) for the development of transgenic organisms, useful for the study of human pathologies, including carcinogenesis, for testing new drugs and for the study and induction of regeneration processes.
Professional opportunities:
The employment opportunities for those who obtain the 2nd cycle degree in "Biomolecular industrial biotechnologies" may be found in:
-National and international universities and research centres, with the possibility of continuing one's education in graduate schools, second-level masters and PhD courses.
- Companies in the biotechnological, biomedical, agri-food, pharmaceutical and environmental sectors.
- Diagnostic or applied research centres.
- Analysis laboratories.
- Regional agencies for environmental prevention.
- Freelance activity (upon enrolment in the Register of Biologists and/or the National Association of Italian Biotechnologists - ANBI).
- Agencies, organizations or companies for scientific dissemination and specialized press.
- Companies and bodies for quality certification.
