Occupational Fields

Our Degree Programme is Geared Towards the Topics of the Future

In our Biotechnology degree programme, central challenges of our time are addressed, for example in the field of bioeconomy with the topics of biogenic fuel production, hydrogen production from algae, or the development of bioplastics. The development of modern therapies and innovative vaccines to fight cancer and pandemics such as Covid-19 are examples from the subject area of medical biotechnology. The optimisation of microorganisms for the production of bioactive washing substances for daily use are problems that are dealt with in depth in industrial or white biotechnology.
In addition to the Bachelor's degree programme, FH Aachen offers an advanced Master's degree programme with a wide range of elective options that deal with current topics that are relevant to the labour market. Increasingly, doctoral students are doing their doctorate at FH Aachen.

The Development of the Biotechnology Industry

Worldwide, the biotechnology industry has been growing continuously and sustainably for years. In 2021, German biotechnology grew more strongly than ever before (+279 % increase in turnover compared to the previous year) (Source: German Biotechnology Report 2022, Ernst & Young GmbH).

This innovative industry is looking for innovative minds.

Germany's more than 700 biotech companies continue to see a growth in the number of employees to 46,000 in 2021 (3.1% more than in 2020). As a result, the industry continues to be on a steady growth path.

Development of therapeutics is leading Germany's biotech turnover, which rose to around 16.1 bn Euros for biopharmaceuticals alone; this corresponds to a growth of 10.2%. Medical biotechnology in particular has an increasing demand for skilled workers. Due to the enormous developments and progress in research, biotechnology is one of the key industries of the 21st century (Source: Biotech Report, Medical Biotechnology in Germany 2022).

What Will I Earn?

According to Get In-Engineering, the starting salary for biotechnologists is between €42,100 and €57,000, while department heads with management responsibility earn between €85,000 and €130,870 (academics) in the sector.

My Activities

The occupational field for biotechnologists is very broad. Activities

in the research departments of a company
at universities
in sales
in marketing
in patent law
in the field of GLP/GMP
in occupational health and safety
in management consultancies

offer a wide range of employment opportunities. Some positions require a Master's degree in biotechnology or a doctorate.