The Master of Biotechnology Program (MBP) provides engineers, chemists, and biologists with a contemporary education in biology and bioprocess engineering to prepare them for careers in the biotechnology industry.  Required training in modern biochemistry, cell biology, molecular biology, microbiology and immunology, and bioprocess engineering is enhanced with advanced biology and engineering electives and business-related seminars by industry experts.  The coursework, in combination with molecular biology, cell culture, and protein purification laboratories and four quarters of Northwestern University faculty-directed research, develops students who are well equipped for a wide range of opportunities in the biotechnology industry and other fields. The industrial internship track includes a 6-month internship in the biotechnology industry after one year in the program.

The expanding biotechnology industry offers a variety of employment opportunities with companies discovering and developing products in many fields- pharmaceutical, medical device, agricultural, and industrial.  MBP graduates have filled positions at biotechnology companies of different sizes and stages of development, as well as traditional pharmaceutical and healthcare companies, including:

• established biotechs- Amgen (Sr. Associate-Process Development, Process Development Engineer), Cell Genesys (Process Development Engineer), CSL Behring, Genentech (Operations Analyst), Genzyme (Research Associate), MedImmune (Research Associate), and PDL BioPharma (Development Associate)
• early stage biotech- Coskata Energy (Scientist)
• traditional pharmaceutical and healthcare companies- Abbott Laboratories (Cell/Molecular Biologist), Baxter (Engineer), Bristol-Myers Squibb (Associate Engineer), Johnson & Johnson (Sr. Regulatory Affairs Associate), Merck (Research Biochemist), and Pfizer (Sr. Associate Scientist)
• government and contract research- NIAID (Chemical Engineer) and NASA/Wyle Laboratories (Biomedical Flight Controller)

The median starting salary reported by MBP graduates with jobs in the biotech industry is $65,000. 

With the MBP emphasis on research and bioprocess engineering, many graduates have found positions in biologics research and process development, while others have started research careers in pharmaceutical discovery or medical diagnostics.  Students looking for alternatives to research or process development careers in the biotechnology industry may consider opportunities in regulatory affairs and business operations where some MBP graduates now work.

MBP graduates opting for careers outside the biotechnology industry have most commonly pursued opportunities in consulting at companies such as Sg2 and Accenture or have continued their postgraduate education in PhD programs or professional schools- medical, dental, and law.  The range of positions filled by MBP graduates confirms the program’s success in providing a well-rounded and flexible educational experience for students with different backgrounds.

Information for International Students on Employment Opportunities in the United States

If considering work in the United States before or after graduation from the MBP, you should know that employers are required to verify the eligibility to work in the U.S. and the identity of all employees, regardless of citizenship or national origin.  F-1 and J-1 international students must apply to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) agency for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), or work permit.  All international students must attend an employment workshop before they can receive a recommendation from the International Office (IO).  For details, please visit the IO web site at www.northwestern.edu/international.

Depending on an individual’s U.S. nonimmigrant status, employment in the U.S. may be authorized through several visa categories. 

F-1 visa, academic student
H-1B visa, nonimmigrant alien employed temporarily in a specialty occupation
TN, nonimmigrant NAFTA professional