Career In Nanotechnology

Introduction

Nanotechnology is the science of ‘miniature’. It is a special branch that essentially combines physics, chemistry, biology, engineering and technology. This technology promises exciting applications in bioscience, medical science, environment, electronics, cosmetics, security and variety of other fields. There two major categories of nanotechnology i.e. nanoscale technology and molecular manufacturing. The nanoscale technology covers small structures and can be used for introducing stronger materials, better medicines, faster computers and so on. Molecular manufacturing is an attempt at building mechanical and chemical manufacturing systems that join molecules together. Nanotechnology continuously generates new capabilities, innovative products and new markets. It has varied applications viz. drug delivery to treat cancer tumour (without using radiotherapy & chemotherapy), solar energy, batteries, display technologies, opto-electronic devices, semiconductor devices, biosensors, luminous paints, and many others. A major challenge in this emerging field is the training for a new generation of skilled professionals.

Scope

The scope and application of nanotechnology is tremendous and mind-boggling. It is one of the hottest career options available to Indian Engineering and Science graduates. Nanotechnology has applications in medicine, pharmaceuticals, information technology, electronic, optoelectronics, energy, chemicals, advanced materials, textiles and many in many other fields. The trained persons in nanotechnology get job opportunities in health industry; pharmaceutical industry; agriculture industry; environment industry; food and beverage industry as well in government and private research institutes. A lot of job opportunities and research career exists in the areas of nano-device, nano-packaging, nano-wires, nano-tools, nano- biotechnology, nano crystalline materials, nano photonics and nano porous materials to name a few. It is estimated that around two million nanotechnology skilled workforce will be required world wide by 2015. Many government institutes and Indian industries have focused on nanomaterials. It is also estimated nanotechnology will create another five million jobs worldwide in support fields and industries. A professional in the field of nanotechnology can easily find lucrative jobs in most of fields.

Remuneration

The salary is based on qualification, skills acquired, experience, nature of the job and the employer. The nanotechnologist can have monthly salary of Rs. 20,000 to Rs. 1,20,000. In US nanotechnologist draws very high salary. 

Eligibility

M.Tech/M.Sc. in Nanotechnology is the eligibility criteria in this field. B.Tech with Material science/Mechanical /Biomedical/Chemical/Biotechnology/Electronics /Computer science offers many career opportunities. Those who have completed M.Sc. in Physics/Chemistry/Material Science/Biotechnology/Computer Science can also join for M.Tech Course in nanotechnology. Admission to the 5 year integrated M.Tech Course in Nanotechnology is given through the entrance test. 

Employabilty Skills

  • Passion for research field especially to find out new structures.
  • A good background of physics, chemistry, medicine, electronics and biotechnology.
  • Must have an open and enquiring
  • Scientific bent of mind
  • Sound analytical skills
  • Natural propensity for research work.
  • Ability to do hard work
  • Skills in mathematics and computer programming
  • Adequate lab training for expert handling of advanced equipments.

Career test

If you record “Yes” for maximum questions then it indicates that you have potential for perusing career in the field of Nanotechnology.

  • Do I have passion for research field especially to find out new structures?
  • Do I have a good background of physics, chemistry, medicine, electronics, engineering and biotechnology?
  • Am I open minded and to implement new ideas?
  • Do I have enquiring and scientific bent of mind?
  • Do I have computer programming skills?
  • Have I taken adequate laboratory training for expert handling of advanced equipment?
  • Do I have sound analytical skills?
  • Do I have a natural propensity for research work?
  • Do I have ability to integrate the knowledge of different subjects?
  • Do I love systematic way of working?
  • Do I prepare a written plan before doing any practical?
  • Do I enjoy laboratory environment?
  • Do I have ability to work independently?
  • Do I have analysing and interpreting skills?
  • Do I accept failure in experiment as a challenge?
  • Do I read latest scientific news, books and research magazines?
  • Do I have a creative mind and deep thinking?
  • Do I study for 10-14 hours per day as normal routine?
  • Am I ready to learn and adopt new techniques?

Career opportunities

  • Consultancy with regards to new industries and technologies.
  • Cosmetics industry.
  • Diagnostics and drug delivery industry.
  • Electronics/semiconductor industry.
  • Food (quality control and packaging) industry
  • Forensics laboratories.
  • Marketing of Nano products and new technologies.
  • Defence dept.
  • Pharmaceutical industry
  • Nano-medicine.
  • Nano-toxicology.
  • National security.
  • Optoelectronics.
  • Setting up new small scale nano-technology institutes.
  • Space exploration.
  • Synthesis of nanoparticles.
  • Teaching in Universities/Colleges

Job options

  • Nanotechnologist
  • Research scienst
  • Nano toxicologist
  • Professor
  • Research Associate
  • Research assistant
  • Technician
  • Laboratory assistant
  • Consultant

Employers

Major companies in India:

  • Cranes Software International Limited, Bangalore.
  • Monad Nanotech Pvt. Ltd, Mumbai.
  • Velbionanotech, Bangalore.
  • Qtech Nanosystems (P) Ltd, Bangalore.
  • Innovations Unified Technology, Mumbai.

Courses

Courses after Graduation

  • Certificate Course in Introduction to Nanotechnology  Contact Details Duration: 1 week Eligibility: B.E/B.Tech/M.Tech (Students of all disciplines), BSc/MSc (Students of all disciplines) Further details: www.isquareit.ac.in
  • M. Tech. (Nanotechnology) Eligibility: M. Sc. in Physics/Chemistry (with Mathematics up to Bachelor’s level)/Electronics Science/Material Science/Electronic Instrumentation, with not less than 55% marks in aggregate. OR (ii) Bachelor’s degree in Electrical/Mechanical/Electronics & Communication/ Computer Engg./Instrumentation/Computer Science or equivalent, with not less than 65 C.P.I. or 60% marks in the absolute system. Centres: Department of Physics, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi http://www.jmi.nic.in  Vellore Institute of Technology VIT further details: www.vit.ac.in Amity Education Institute.www.amity.edu/aint
  •  M. Tech. (Nanotechnology) Eligibility: B.E./B.Tech. in any Engg./Tech.or M. Sc. in any Science Branch or B. Pharm. The applicants must hold minimum of 55% marks in qualifying examination. Selection Procedure: Candidates applying for M. Tech. Programme will have to appear for the written aptitude test and interview. Candidates with valid GATE score are exempted from written test. Duration: 2 Years (4 Semesters). Further details: www.nmu.ac.in
  • M.Sc (Nanotechnology) Eligibility: A pass in B.Sc. Physics/B.Sc.Chemistry/Biotechnology/Biochemistry/Bioinformatics/ Material Sciences. Candidates should have studied Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry at +2 Level. Further details: www.b-u.ac.in/academics/Courses.html
  • Advanced Post-graduate Program in Nanoscience & Nanotechnology, Nanoelectronics, nanobiotechnology Duration: 24 months, autonomous, full time and residential Centre: Nano, Bio, Info, Congo (NBIC) Convergence Technology Further details: International Institute of Information Technology, Pune 57
  • Master of Philosophy (M.Phil): Eligibility: M.Sc. Course duration: 1-2 year Centres: Pune University Physics Dept. www.unipune.ernet.in and any other reputed University.
  • Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) Eligibility: M.Sc. Duration: 2-6 years Mode of admission: NET/CSIR entrance. Or Under research projects or self funded. Centers: All reputed Universities/NCL/IARI/IISc Bangalore/Foreign Universities.
  • Doctor of Science (D.Sc.) Eligibility: i) 2 Years after Ph.D./3 Years after Master's Degree/ 6 Years after Bachelor's Degree and after research in approved topic by thesis. For further details: www.unipune.ernet.in/stud_info
  • Post-Graduate Diploma (Nanotechnology) Eligibility: A pass in M.Sc. Physics / Chemistry/ Bio Technology Centre: http://www.b-u.ac.in/academics/Courses.html

  Distant courses in Nanotechnology

  • Biomedical Nanotechnology Online Course & Certificate 
  • M.Sc. (Nanotechnology) Duration:Two years (correspondence) Eligibility: Graduates in Science/Engineering/Agriculture/Medicine/any other relevant area. Mode of admission: Entrance Centre: The Global Open University, Nagaland. Further details:http://www.university.gen.in

Important Institutes

Examinations

Abroad opportunities

Abroad degrees

Abroad fellowships and scholarships

Emerging trends

Nanobiotechnology

Nanotoxicology

Nanoforensics

Nanopharma

Allied Careers

Nanobiotechnology

Biotechnology