The Department’s core strengths lie in a broad spectrum of advanced areas in both Biotechnology and Medical Laboratory Technology (MLT). Key competencies include genomics and proteomics; molecular genetics of human diseases; cell and tissue culture; nutraceutical food and beverages; handling of labile fermentation-based compounds; downstream processing methods; DNA technology; development of diagnostics and drugs; molecular marker–assisted breeding of plants and animals; and infrastructure for fabricating bioreactors and processing equipment.
Biotechnology plays a transformative role in healthcare, agriculture, environment, and industry. It focuses on harnessing biological systems, living organisms, and cellular processes to develop innovative products and technologies. Areas of work include genetic engineering, molecular biology, bioinformatics, bioprocess technology, and environmental biotechnology. Biotechnologists contribute to developing new vaccines, improved crop varieties, industrial enzymes, biopharmaceuticals, and sustainable solutions for environmental challenges. The field offers vast opportunities in research, product development, manufacturing, and quality control in both public and private sectors.
Medical Laboratory Technology (MLT), or clinical laboratory science, complements medical science by playing a crucial role in diagnosing, treating, and preventing diseases through clinical laboratory testing. It involves the analysis of body matter such as fluids, tissues, and blood, as well as microorganism screening, chemical analysis, and cell counting. Medical laboratory technologists and technicians are essential for sample collection, testing, reporting, and documentation of medical investigations. With their specialized skills, they are in high demand across hospitals, specialty healthcare centres, and diagnostic laboratories. Career growth opportunities include positions such as Laboratory Manager, Consultant, Supervisor, and Hospital Outreach Coordinator.
Prominent R&D centres and companies offering excellent placement opportunities include Beckman Coulter, Perkin Elmer, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Mettler Toledo, Millipore, Imperial Life Sciences, Roche, Bio-Rad Laboratories, Paul Life Sciences, Nicholas Health Care, Monsanto, ProAgro, Ankur Drugs and Pharma Ltd., United Biotech, Ind Swift Laboratories Ltd., Panacea Biotec, and Hatch Biotech.
In addition, students have opportunities in central research and healthcare organizations such as Central Scientific Instruments Organisation (Chandigarh), Institute of Microbial Technology (Chandigarh), Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine Jammu, Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology (Palampur), Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (Chandigarh), along with various diagnostic centres, hospitals, and biotechnology industries.
Overall, the Department prepares students with strong technical knowledge, practical laboratory skills, and industry-oriented training, enabling them to contribute effectively to healthcare, biotechnology research, product innovation, and diagnostics.