Biochips are one of the most effective and comprehensive tools for monitoring and comparing changes in gene expression between a normal state and a pathological state. They have significant potential both in medicine, to peform clinical diagnoses, and in research, for developing personalised medicines. They are devices that contain a large number of small cells (microarrays), genes or DNA fragments, proteins or other biological materials, with a known layout. When these substances interact with the biological sample analysed, biochemical reactions occur which inform about the presence in the sample of genes and other factors that may cause illnesses. Some biochips are true microprocessors (small integrated circuits) able to obtain, store and process data from a biological sample. Biochips engineers work in molecular biology laboratories and are responsible for the development and production of biochips. Their work generally takes place in multidisciplinary collaboration with other professionals, such as doctors, biologists, engineers and computer engineers, among others.

• Design, develop and produce biochips combining organic molecules with microelectronics, in collaboration with doctors and biologists.
• Perform scanning, obtain information from biochips and analyse data with bioinformatics tools.
• Prepare organic molecules to be analysed, such as DNA or proteins.
• See to the development of DNA microarrays, proteins and other biological materials.
• Manipulate printed chips (computer microprocessors) in closed and open formats.
• Prepare reports on data obtained. In the area of research, also publish articles.
• Depending on the project group, can lead a group of assistants.
  

Regulated training and graduates

• Grau: Bioquímica i biologia molecular
• Grau: Microbiologia
• Grau: Enginyeria biomèdica
• Grau: Biologia humana
• Grau: Bioinformàtica

Complementary training

Postgraduate or master's degree in Bioinformatics for biologists.
Postgraduate degree in Molecular Biology for engineers in computer science and microelectronics.

Other specific skills

Team work and cooperation: Level 2

Analytical thought: Level 3

Concern for order and quality: Level 3

Flexibility and change management: Level 2

Conceptual thought: Level 2

Communication: Level 2

Scientific research

Individuals who have an affinity for the field of scientific research focus their interest on activities that study different types of organisms and substances in order to obtain valuable products for human beings. A key part of performing this task is the planning and verification of scientific hypotheses through the use of different research designs and techniques. The objective of these searches is the development of new medicines and medical techniques, technological innovation based on the manipulation of cells, molecules and biological agents, as well as the study of cultures in order to improve the characteristics and properties of plants and food.

Study manager

Gene therapy expert

Crystallography technician

Microscopy technician

Chemical Laboratory Technician

• Work hours

  The work day may be part or full time, either intensive or split shift.

• Salary

  Gross salary ranges between 25,000 and 35,000 euros a year at public institutes and between 45,000 and 70,000 euros a year at private companies.

• Professional category

  Technician