Celebrating Veterans Who Continue to Serve in Life Sciences Manufacturing
O
n Veterans Day, the North Carolina Biotechnology Center honors those who have served our nation and those who continue to serve in manufacturing life-saving medicines, vaccines, and bioproducts that improve lives around the world.
Through NCBiotech’s Military Outreach and Veterans Engagement (MOVE) program, veterans, transitioning service members, and military spouses are discovering a new mission in North Carolina’s life sciences manufacturing sector.
From Service to Science: Michael Mckimm’s Career Journey
Michael Mckimm’s military career was cut short by injury. As he transitioned from the military into the life sciences, the MOVE program helped him navigate a new industry with confidence and envision a new, fulfilling career. The program introduced him to industry professionals, as well as training and career opportunities that aligned with his skills and aspirations.
Michael is now employed in Durham as a cytogenetics laboratory technician at Labcorp, a global diagnostics and drug development services company. His training in confocal microscopy at the University of North Carolina Wilmington laid the foundation for his new role. He is pleased about deepening his microscopy expertise through his daily work.
Michael’s advice to others entering the life sciences is that finding the right role can take time. Remaining patient and focusing on your own path is important.
Labcorp is one of 16 MOVE employment partners committed to supporting veteran employment. The others include Amgen, Biogen, CSL Seqirus, FUJIFILM Biotechnologies, Glenmark, KBI Biopharma, Kyowa Kirin, Lilly, Merck, Novex Innovations, Novo Nordisk, Novonesis, Pfizer, Precision BioSciences, and West Pharmaceutical Services.
From Military to Medicine Manufacturing: Angel Chavez’s Career Journey
During his time in the U.S. Army, Angel Chavez completed more than 10,000 hours of hands-on maintenance and
earned an Army Commendation Medal. Today, he is employed at Amgen, a global pharmaceutical company, as a maintenance technician.
His new work in manufacturing medicines helps improve patients' quality of life. His journey from active duty to a promising civilian career was made possible by the MOVE program.
With the need for medicines by patients worldwide, Angel has job security and room to grow professionally in his new role. He enjoys working at Amgen and being part of a process where innovation in technology and science improves patients’ quality of life.
Angel’s advice to others entering the life sciences is to find good mentors who have successfully transitioned from the military to the civilian world and seek practical tips from them to make the shift smoother.
Three Career Pathways in Life Sciences Manufacturing
MOVE participants can pursue one of three career pathways that align with their experience and career goals within opportunities in North Carolina’s life sciences ecosystem:
Job Training – Participants can enroll in industry-aligned programs such as BioWork, a certificate program offered at 14 North Carolina community colleges. This training prepares students for entry-level roles in bioprocessing, manufacturing, or quality operations.
On-the-Job Training Internships – Through MOVE’s partnership with the U.S. Department of War’s SkillBridge initiative, eligible service members can complete up to 120 days of paid internship at one of the 16 MOVE employment partners. The internships provide hands-on experience, often leading to full-time employment upon separation from military service.
Direct Job Placement – Veterans and military spouses with transferable technical, maintenance, or quality experience can be connected directly with MOVE’s employers for immediate placement into high-demand roles statewide.
Continuing a Mission of Service
MOVE provides participants with a new sense of mission and belonging. For those transitioning from military service to life sciences, it isn’t just about finding a new job — it’s about continuing to serve in a different, meaningful capacity.
NCBiotech’s MOVE program is led by two veterans, Jacob Key, MOVE director, and Bruce Coleman, Ph.D., MOVE outreach coordinator. Both use their knowledge of the challenges of military-to-civilian transition and the opportunities in life sciences to guide participants.
While the MOVE program evolves by expanding its reach and deepening its partnerships, the program's vision remains the same: providing lifelong, meaningful employment and careers for the military community.
“Our veterans already know what it means to serve with purpose,” said Jacob Key. “MOVE helps them discover a new mission, one that continues to positively change lives through science.”