Many Biotech products are given to humans or animals, or are released into the environment, therefore, regulatory government agencies serve as 'watchdogs' to prevent harm.

Food and Drug Administration Worker/Official - Scientists and administrators who research scientific/medical literature and monitor companies to assure that foods or medicines are safe for people and animals.

Education Level: B.S./B.A. and higher (previous experience in lab is great).

Special qualities: Careful attention to detail (good paperwork since documents may reach thousands of pages in length and take years to assemble) are needed as well as a global sense of how the body and foods/drugs interact.

Environmental Protection Agency Worker/Official - Scientists and Administrators that help monitor clean-up of existing toxic sites and/or prevent further damage or sources of pollution. Also, recombinant organisms must be reviewed if released into the environment (e.g. transgenic crop plants).

Education Level: B.S./B.A. and higher (previous experience in lab is great).

Special qualities: Careful attention to detail (good paperwork since documents may reach thousands of pages in length and take years to assemble). Global thinking is required to answer complex questions that sometimes involve tons of material/soil or complex ecosystems; usually much planning and modeling is required.