Aspiring Life Sciences Professionals

A variety of programs are available to help those seeking to break into the life sciences sector.

Classroom and Online Training

  • Bio Jobs Hub: Bio Jobs Hub is a resource that provides information on job opportunities in the life sciences. The website includes job descriptions, information on local training, a directory of hiring companies, and more. The Bio Jobs Hub challenges the idea that you need a Ph.D. to work in this sector. A certificate program earned at local community colleges is the fastest way to break into a new life sciences career. 

  • Build Up Local Life Sciences (BULLS): The BULLS initiative helps young people start a career in biotech. The program offers scholarships for tuition and a stipend to cover other living expenses. The program fuels Durham’s talent pipeline for the Triangle region’s companies. The program recruits underrepresented students. To qualify, applicants must have a high school diploma or equivalent, be a Durham County resident, and be 18-24 years old. 

Financial Support

Financial support for training is available from a variety of programs: 

NCBioImpact is a public/private partnership focused on delivering world-class biopharma manufacturing education and training. Each of the following NCBioImpact training partners has a specialization: 

  • Through the NC Community College Systems’ BioNetwork, students train for entry-level positions via the BioWork certificate program. Twelve community colleges offer BioWork, where experts deliver training with both in-person and eLearning options.

     

  • North Carolina Central University’s Biomanufacturing Research Institute and Technology Enterprise (BRITE) specializes in life sciences training and research. BRITE students can earn undergraduate majors, minors, or advanced biotechnical degrees in pharmaceutical sciences or clinical sciences research. Translational and basic research covers several human diseases.

  • At North Carolina State University’s Biomanufacturing Training & Education Center (BTEC), undergraduates, graduate students, and working professionals learn the latest biomanufacturing technologies via hands-on training at its facilities. BTEC’s pilot-scale, simulated-GMP labs, prepare students for industry.

  • The Eastern Region Pharma Center (ERPC) provides biomanufacturing training in eastern North Carolina. ERPC is housed within East Carolina University's (ECU) life sciences building. ERPC prepares students for careers in the pharma sector and is well-connected with the BioPharma Crescent, five community colleges, and several regional pharma companies. 

     

  • The North Carolina Pharmaceutical Services Network (NCPSN) is a collaboration between ECU and Pitt Community College (PCC) that provides lab-based pharmaceutical education and training. Undergraduate students, graduate students, and local companies tap into NCPSN for instruction on oral solid dose theory and manufacturing techniques. 

     

On-the-Job Training​

  • Apprenticeship Opportunities: Apprenticeships are available for high school students, workers with skills and experience outside of the life sciences, transitioning military personnel, and their spouses. Leading companies such as Biogen, FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies, Lilly, Merck, Novartis Gene Therapies, and Pfizer are among the major pharma companies that hire apprentices through the NC Life Sciences Apprenticeship Consortium. Companies use internal training or the BioWork course offered by local community colleges to meet the instructional requirements. Visit NCBiotech's Career Center to apply for apprenticeships.

  • Industrial Internship Program: NCBiotech’s Industrial Internship Program matches undergraduate and graduate students with opportunities at life sciences companies. Internships range from business administration to more scientific-oriented positions.  

  • Military Internship Program: NCBiotech partnered with Fort Liberty's Soldier For Life-Transition Assistance Program to support military internships. These internships offer a direct pathway to civilian job placement at local life sciences companies. 

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