Resources
If you’re curious about starting a career in life sciences, this guide offers helpful resources.
These resources showcase opportunities available to all types of workers. North Carolina is a leading life sciences hub and is among the top states employing biopharma manufacturing workers. Since the beginning of 2020, companies have announced 9,000+ new life sciences jobs.
Curious about how to start your career in this arena? Our FAQ page covers questions you might have. This page includes training options for biopharmaceutical manufacturing jobs, contract research and diagnostics jobs, company locations, career opportunities, and salary ranges.
Clearing your path to a meaningful life sciences career starts here.
NCState / BTEC
Biopharma Manufacturing
Biopharma manufacturing processes derive products from natural sources such as plant and animal cells, blood, and microbe cultures. Biomanufacturing typically involves engineering a cell to produce a certain protein. From there, the new cells are multiplied and securely stored, then used to create a specific product.
Companies like Biogen, Pfizer, Novo Nordisk, and Novartis Gene Therapies use biomanufacturing to produce medications, vaccines, insulin, and potentially curative gene therapies. While biomanufacturing processes are typically thought of in a medical context, they also show up in everyday life. For example, Novozymes makes enzymes to stonewash blue jeans and to keep bread fresh. Biomanufacturing processes can also be used in toxic waste disposal and food processing.
Jobs and career opportunities are available in:
- Pharmaceuticals
- Food industry
- Agriculture
- Veterinary sciences
- Environmental sciences
- And more
You might start here because you need a job, but the skills, training, and education workers receive in biopharma manufacturing can lead you to a fulfilling career. Learn more about jobs available based on your education level, and find opportunities for training across the state.
NCState / BTEC
RHO
RHO
Contract Research and Diagnostic Testing
Contract research and diagnostic testing companies support pharmaceutical, biotech, and medical device companies and research institutions by assisting with a wide range of things, including clinical trial management, recruiting patients, managing projects, and ensuring proper protocols and standards are met.
In North Carolina, these companies employ over 13,000 people at over 250 companies, and the industry is continuing to grow. Companies like Covance by Labcorp, Cato Research, IQVIA, Parexel, Syneos Health, and more are working alongside biotech and medical companies to produce life-saving medicines and treatments. These careers play a critical role in transforming ideas into concrete treatments.
Jobs and career opportunities are available in:
- Biotech
- Healthcare
- Higher education
- Pharmaceuticals
- Medical device manufacturing
- And more
Learn more about jobs available based on your education level, and find opportunities for training across the state.
Not Sure Where to Start?
In the life sciences, each job is suited to different personality types and skill sets. How do you know what’s the best fit for you? Take our career personality quiz to narrow down your options and find out more about what careers are available to you.
Ready to start researching? Our job profiles can give you more in-depth information on each role.
Learn More
Opportunities abound in North Carolina’s life sciences ecosystem. If you’re interested, we can help you find training programs and educational opportunities across the state. Use this guide to find the resources you need.
Whether you’re pursuing a job fresh out of high school or making a career change, this is an ecosystem that is expanding with opportunities. If you have questions or need more information, start with this list of community colleges offering BioWork or clinical research certificates. Your local school will be able to provide specific directions on advancing your career.
Header image photo credit: Glenmark Pharmaceuticals
