Chapter 1: The Illusions of Biotechnology

I can see it on her face — this young woman has just completed her initial two weeks in a biotech laboratory, and she's already questioning her career choice. “I should have pursued modeling!” Photo by Marco Testi on Unsplash.

Reflecting on my own journey as an optimistic undergraduate, I fell for the enticing allure of biotechnology as a career. The field blends futuristic technological advancements with an idealistic vision, reminiscent of the early scenes in "Jurassic Park," presenting us as masters of biology.

From an outsider's perspective, biotechnology seems to be brimming with transformative innovations. For instance:

• Mind-Controlled Prosthetics: Artificial limbs that respond to thought.
• Novel Pharmaceuticals: Drugs designed to combat once-fatal diseases.
• Genomic Insights: Sequencing technologies that unravel life's fundamental building blocks.
• Molecular Diagnostics: Analyzing how diseases impact us and identifying intervention points.
• Enhanced Agriculture: Developing crops and livestock to tackle global hunger and environmental challenges.

Each of these significant issues holds the potential for profound, lasting effects on countless lives. When we look back on our careers, we desire to see tangible outcomes. I would feel much more fulfilled if I could say I contributed to eradicating a disease or unveiled secrets of the human genome, rather than merely managing spreadsheets that slightly boost corporate profits.

This passion draws many into biotechnology, driving them to pursue advanced degrees and dedicate years to mastering complex biological systems, aiming to be at the forefront of human understanding. However, as these bright-eyed individuals transition into the workforce, many quickly begin to reconsider their career choices.

Why does this happen?

Science is Slow

The realization struck me during my early lab experiences: scientific research progresses at an excruciatingly slow pace.

My first research project involved nurturing a population of nematodes (tiny flatworms, no longer than a comma). We cultured these worms on Petri dishes, incorporating a gene that made them glow. Each week, I would spend hours sifting through to select the glowing specimens, transferring them to fresh plates for breeding.

After three months, we discovered that the gene we were studying wasn't particularly significant. No grand revelation for me — just months of breeding tiny worms leading to a dead end.

When we learn about breakthroughs in biotech, we’re often witnessing the culmination of years of effort, the fruits of labor invested by dedicated scientists. Science may seem swift in results, yet the journey to those outcomes is far from fast.

Laboratories are Not What They Seem

Television shows like "CSI" or "NCIS" portray laboratories as spacious, high-tech environments.

In reality, most research labs are cramped, cluttered spaces filled with overflowing shelves of vials and handwritten labels. The workbenches are crowded, providing just enough room to navigate through equipment. This is where scientific progress occurs, but it’s hardly the glamorous setting one might imagine.

Failures are Commonplace

One of the most misleading aspects of media portrayals is the dramatic breakthroughs that scientists achieve without showing the multitude of failures that precede them.

The harsh truth is that most experiments yield disappointing results. They fail, and every failure requires further investigation. I once dedicated two weeks to cultivating cells with a new gene, only to find no evidence of gene uptake after running a PCR assay.

Determining the cause of failure involved additional days of analysis. To publish a paper, one needs several successful experiments, but these successes are interspersed with numerous failures. Failures are not indicative of incompetence; they are simply part of the process, helping us refine our hypotheses.

Initially, I misconstrued the outcomes of my experiments as reflections of my abilities. When things didn’t go as planned, I internalized it as a personal shortcoming, questioning my fit for this field.

Guidance for Aspiring Biotech Professionals

If you're contemplating a career in biotechnology or have just embarked on this journey, congratulations! With the right mindset and expectations, it can be incredibly fulfilling.

However, it's vital to grasp the realities outlined here. In this industry, remember that:

• Scientific progress is slow, often marked by failures. This is not a reflection of your skills; each failure is a learning opportunity.
• Daily tasks in biotechnology can be monotonous and unexciting. The lab environment is typically cramped and disorganized, prioritizing results over aesthetics.
• Significant breakthroughs require years of persistent, incremental efforts. Rarely do they stem from sudden insights; instead, they emerge from collaborative efforts to eliminate possibilities.

Biotechnology encompasses two distinct realms: the glamorous front, where groundbreaking advancements capture attention, and the often mundane behind-the-scenes work that supports these innovations. Many enter the field expecting to be immersed in the exciting aspects, but the majority of work occurs in the less glamorous reality.

The exciting potential of biotechnology should not be overlooked. It's essential to recognize that monumental impacts on society arise from the diligent, sometimes tedious, efforts that lead to breakthroughs.

In the video "Beyond El Dorado: Depletion gilding: goldmaking techniques of the ancient Colombians," viewers can explore ancient methods of gold-making, shedding light on historical craftsmanship that parallels the intricate processes in modern biotech.

The second video, "EFIB 2016 Glasgow Paul Gilding Opening Speech," captures insights from a prominent figure in the biotech industry, emphasizing the significance of perseverance and innovation in this evolving field.