For the longest time, the stream combination of Physics, Chemistry, and Biology has been thought synonymous with Medicine. However, the recent times have seen an exceptional surge in the popularity and lucrativeness of careers in Biology. A dominant part of this surge can easily be attributed to the acute need for diligent professionals, cutting-edge technology, and state-of-the-art equipment. At the same time, people on the frontline – Doctors, Nurses, and support staff,  have inspired the younger generation with their heroism and servitude. 

New-age careers in Biology are all the rage during this time as they allow one to push the boundaries of what we know and charter into areas with the potential to save the entire humanity. There are plethora of career options with PCB other than Medicine. If this sounds interesting to you or piques your interest, read on, as we discuss the top new-age careers in Biology.       

• Biochemistry: Predominantly, a laboratory-based Science that melds the domains of Biology and Chemistry, Biochemistry pertains to the study of chemical reactions within and related to living organisms. The scope of such a subject is ample as it extends from the digestion of food and the effect of medicines to personalized medicine and hormonal balances. Biochemists thus find huge applications in Pharmaceutical, Superfoods, Drug Research, Drug Manufacturing, Supplements, and food industries. The domain of Environmental Sciences, Water Management, Waste Management also holds immense potential for talented Biochemists. Biochemistry makes up for one of the potential career options in biology.  

• Microbiology: The study of microorganisms including but not limited to their genetic makeup, cellular structure, and how they affect the host bodies. This summarizes the fascinating domain of Microbiology. It comprises of many subdomains – Bacteriology, Virology, Mycology, Parasitology, and Immunology among others. It is aimed at a detailed understanding of microorganisms so that epidemics can be prevented, and vaccines can be developed. Microbiologists find employment with pharmaceutical companies, the food industry, research labs, and research foundations. They may also consult on Government healthcare projects and help people prepare for the worst. 

• Forensic Sciences: Detailed study and investigation of a crime scene as well as the evidence procured from the crime scene with the intention of providing clarity on the cause of death, possible motives and possible suspects among other information defines the exciting career domain of Forensic Sciences. Extremely analytical, detail-oriented, observant, and diligent, forensic scientists help law enforcement and crime investigation agencies such as police departments and the CBI solve criminal cases by providing the necessary evidentiary support. 

• Epidemiology: The role of Epidemiologists and their immense contribution to manage the COVID-19 pandemic cannot be negated. As the field pertains to a detailed study on origin, incidence, spread, monitoring, management, and possible control of diseases. It is one of the cornerstones of future societies that need to be as safe and prepared as it needs to be futuristic and livable. Epidemiologists work on the base of Healthcare policy and help governments and members of the civil society build better healthcare regimes that can benefit everyone. They primarily work in the offices and laboratories of state and central governments as well as think tanks and developmental consulting firms. This is one of the lucrative career options in biology after grade 12th to pursue.  

• Environmental Sciences: As everything around constitutes our environment, our interaction with them and the consequent physiological changes that manifest from these interactions are extremely important. With climate change and the built environment progressing at a never-seen-before-pace, the need for professionals in Environmental Sciences has never been higher.  From working with Architects and Engineers to improve sustainability to lobbying with lawyers for better environmental laws and planning and implementing better waste management and water management systems to avoid the spread of diseases, the working opportunities for environmental scientists are ample.

• Pharmacology: Medicines, as they help prevent as well as cure a disease, have become an indispensable part of our modern-day lifestyle. Pharmacologists study and analyze the uses, effects, and modes of action of these medicines, and thus are pivotal in the development, testing, and trials of new medicines. Pharmacologists are also spearheading the development of personalized medicines, and find work opportunities with leading pharmaceuticals, superfood companies, and drug research labs and foundations.

• Public Health Administration: Public Health Administrators fulfill the dual role of anticipating and preparing for an outbreak of a disease as well as its management and control in an event it happens. As Public Health Administrators engage with government agencies – at the center and the state – they work on key issues of planning, implementation, and advocacy. They further can work with impact investing companies, healthcare audit companies, think tanks, civil society, developmental consulting organizations as well as the healthcare projects of international agencies such as the UN, ADB, and World Bank. 

• Bioinformatics: The extremely fascinating domain of Bioinformatics blends Biology, Computer Sciences, Mathematics, and Statistics to collect, analyze, and interpret large sets of biological data. This data could be about the immunity of people in a country, the effectiveness of a vaccine or medicine, or the influence of a nutritional supplement on people’s hormonal balance. DNA Sequencing, Genome Annotation, Comparative Gene Analysis are a few examples of projects Bioinformatics specialists work on in labs, research foundations, and biotechnology organizations, and pharmaceutical companies.

• Biotechnology: Biotechnology is a broad area of Biology that involves the use of living organisms and living systems to create desired products. Baking a loaf of bread using yeast, fermenting grains to produce alcohol, or making curd from milk are routine examples of Biotechnology. The discipline has ventured into sub-specializations of genetics, cryonics, grafting, regeneration, etc. This is currently employed by manufacturers, medical professionals, engineers, and research companies. It is to create and innovate products for human use and consumption. 

• Genetics: The study of genes, variation in genes, and heredity in living organisms sum up the scope of the beautiful field of Genetics. From seedless watermelons and multi-colored roses to pest-resistant crops and faster-acting medication, genetics has wide applications. Consequently, Geneticists find massive opportunities in public health, research, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, drug development and testing, and biotechnology organizations. They study the role of genes in disease and health as well as how they are influenced by environmental factors.