Biotechnology Engineer in 5 years | Graduate

Full-time study

Sciences and health

Join ESTBB’s engineering program to build the skills needed for high-responsibility roles in biotechnology and beyond. You’ll develop expertise in biotechnology supported by a strong foundation in engineering sciences, complemented by essential skills in economics, social sciences, and management.

This degree is accredited by the French Commission for Engineering Diplomas (CTI)

Discover our
Biotechnology Engineer programme

Overview
Internship & work-linked training
International
Program
Career Outcomes

6 good reasons to choose this programme

A common core year to choose your specialist programme
A strong focus on entrepreneurship and innovation
A choice of 5 programmes to meet the challenges ahead
A solid foundation in engineering sciences
Hands-on learning with a range of real-life situations
The opportunity to take part in community engagement initiatives

Become a Biotechnology Engineer with ESTBB

You will gain access to senior positions, thanks to your biotechnology expertise combined with a solid foundation in engineering sciences and economic, social and managerial skills.

The course prepares you for a wide variety of careers in the pharmaceutical, veterinary, cosmetics, biotechnology and other industries. The 4 programmes offered in 4th and 5th years allow you to choose between highly scientific careers (research and development engineer, industrialisation engineer, etc.) or cross-disciplinary careers involving leadership and project management.

Degree Delivered

Title: “Engineering Degree – Biotechnology Major”
Accredited by the French CTI
Equivalent to a Master’s Degree

Research Opportunities

This program is supported by the Biosciences, Technologies & Ethics research cluster (#7).

Work experience in companies

The course includes at least 12 months in business:

- - Year 1: 1 month internship in an English-speaking situation (optional)
  - Year 2: 1 to 2 months of internship in a production organization within life sciences
  - Year 4: 4 months of internship
  - Year 5: 6 months internship

Word-linked training

Years 3, 4 and 5 can be followed on a work-study program.

International opportunities

Students must complete at least 6 months abroad through:

An academic semester at a partner university (1st year of the Engineering Cycle).
An internship in an international company.
A gap year dedicated to an international project.

Program

Each semester is structured around core modules:

Biosciences
Engineering Sciences and Techniques
Fundamental Sciences
Humanities : Management and Society
Language courses.

You also gain practical experience through internships at key points during your studies.

Preparatory Cycle

In Years 1 and 2, the Preparatory Cycle builds a solid foundation in scientific and engineering principles, helping you develop essential skills while gradually moving toward greater autonomy in your studies. These preparatory years introduce methods designed to foster independent learning and establish a strong academic base in biotechnology and engineering sciences.

Engineering Cycle

The Engineering Cycle offers specialized coursework and flexibility in study options. You can choose to complete the program under a traditional student status or through a work-study format as apprentices.

The curriculum under the student status covers diverse topics, and starting in your 4th year, you can choose from 4 specialized tracks:

INFECTIOLOGY

Develop expertise in infectious diseases (viruses, bacteria, parasites).
Create innovative solutions to combat diseases in humans, animals, and plants.
Design products like vaccines, drugs, and medical devices.
Lead international research projects to fight infectious agents.

DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION AND E-HEALTH TRACK

Use AI and big data to optimize living material production.
Leverage digital technologies to improve healthcare systems.
Implement digital transformations in biotech processes.
Consider ethical and social responsibilities in digital health solutions.

INNOVATION MANAGEMENT IN BIOTECHNOLOGY TRACK

Identify opportunities to develop new biotech products.
Design innovative methods to optimize biotech processes.
Lead projects in complex environments to create economic value.
Integrate ethical, economic, and sustainability considerations.

PROCESS ENGINEERING APPLIED TO LIVING SYSTEMS TRACK

Master large-scale cell and microorganism culture processes.
Use mathematics and computer science to model production units.
Optimize processes and yields for automated cell cultures.
Master separation and purification techniques.

Graduates are prepared for diverse roles in life science industries (biotech, pharma, veterinary, cosmetics, etc.). Depending on the chosen specialization, typical positions include:

Infectious Diseases: Research Scientist, Development Engineer, Validation Engineer.
Innovation Management: Biotechnology Project Manager, Innovation Engineer, Consultant.
Bioprocess Engineering: Bioproduction Manager, Industrialization Engineer, Quality Manager.
Digital Transformation & e-Health: Data Scientist, Digital Project Manager, AI Engineer.