Advance Your Career in the Life Sciences
These training programs will equip you with the skills needed to pursue a career in North Carolina's growing biotech industry.
As NC's life sciences industry continues to grow, so does the need for a strong workforce.
The organizations and training programs below have designed curriculums with input from NC's biotech industry and house state-of-the-art facilities where you will gain practical, job-ready experience in the biological and pharmaceutical manufacturing fields.
Bio Jobs Hub
Are you looking to land a new job or change careers?
The newly launched Bio Jobs Hub is a resource that provides info on job opportunities within the life sciences. The site includes job descriptions, info on local training, a company directory and more.
A First-of-its-Kind Collaboration
NCBioImpact is a public/private partnership that brings together resources from the life sciences industry, the North Carolina Biosciences Organization, and NCBiotech with the University of North Carolina System and the North Carolina Community College System.
This collaboration has produced an internationally recognized training program. The following education partners–each with a unique mission but a common goal–provide students and current employees with hands-on training and experience with equipment and processes used by industry.
- BioNetwork (NC Community Colleges)
- Golden LEAF Biomanufacturing Research Institute and Technology Enterprise
- Golden LEAF Biomanufacturing Training and Education Center
- North Carolina Pharmaceutical Service Network
As a result of strong industry support, the Golden LEAF Foundation provided nearly $70 Million to develop NCBioImpact, a first-of-its-kind training program.
NC BioNetwork
NC BioNetwork is the life sciences training initiative of the North Carolina Community College System.
NC BioNetwork provides high-quality economic and workforce development for the biotechnology and life sciences industries across North Carolina through education, training, and laboratory resources. The network is organized into 3 divisions, Industry Training, Engagement and Media Development.
Courses can be delivered at one of NCBioNetwork training facilities (Raleigh and Asheville), online, or locally at one of 58 community colleges.
What does NC BioNetwork offer?
NC BioNetwork delivers courses, certificates, workshops, and company-specific skill development in biomanufacturing, pharmaceuticals, food, beverage, and natural products.
The STEM outreach program include classroom visits, faculty training workshops, and career fairs that help connect bioscience industry skills with K12 and community college STEM education.
The Learning Solutions Team provides instructional design, video production, eLearning, communication, and web development services to support all 58 community colleges and to enhance BioNetwork’s industry training and engagement programs.
BioWork: An Introductory Course for Process Technicians
The BioWork certificate program is a 136-hour course that teaches the foundational skills needed to begin a career as a process technician for a biotechnology, pharmaceutical, or chemical manufacturing company. Process technicians are responsible for the production of chemical and pharmaceutical products.
Process technicians:
- Operate, monitor, and control the production process
- Receive, transport, and store materials
- Collect and analyze materials used in production
- Inspect and maintain the production equipment and control systems
- Keep critical records on the process and product
- Maintain company safety, health, and environmental standards
Who is this program for?
Are you just out of high school looking to start your career or are you an experienced professional looking for a career change? This course is designed for a wide range of education levels and caters to people who are interested in getting started in a growing industry.
Which N.C. community colleges offer BioWork?
Biomanufacturing Research Institute and Technology Enterprise (BRITE)
BRITE combines highly credentialed faculty with state-of-the-art equipment and facilities to create an unparalleled learning environment. Students follow curriculums developed in partnership with premier biotech companies, participate in hands-on research and receive career counseling.
Located at North Carolina Central University in Durham, BRITE has a strong research focus, particularly in the areas of drug discovery and manufacturing technology.
What does BRITE offer?
- An undergraduate program, B.S. in Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Summer internship placement
- Graduate program, M.S. in Drug Discovery or Biomanufacturing
The development of a Ph.D. program is underway.
BRITE outreach programs work to engage the local community, including k-12 students. Special programming includes summer camps, professional development opportunities and research and public awareness initiatives.
Biomanufacturing Training and Education Center (BTEC)
A unique, cross-disciplinary instructional center, BTEC provides educational and training opportunities to develop skilled professionals for the biomanufacturing industry and create the best-trained, most industry-focused workforce possible.
Located on North Carolina State University's Centennial Campus, BTEC operates two facilities with more than $12.5 million of industry-standard equipment and simulated current Good Manufacturing Practice pilot plant.
What does BTEC offer?
Undergraduates, graduate students, and working professionals come to BTEC for hands-on learning with the latest biomanufacturing technologies.
BTEC offers:
- Undergraduate minors, degrees and certificates
- Post-baccalaureate certificate
- Two graduate degrees
- Customizable professional certificate in biomanufacturing science
BTEC also includes online courses and multiple related programs at its teaching facility.
BTEC was a good fit for me and provided that bridge between my undergraduate biology degree and my more engineering, hands-on focus. In my position now I am directly applying the skills and education I received from BTEC.
Amanda Walter, Merck, Technology and Engineering Specialist
North Carolina Pharmaceutical Services Network (PSN)
The North Carolina Pharmaceutical Services Network is a one-of-a kind collaboration that provides a continuum of pharmaceutical education and training to new and existing companies in North Carolina and beyond. Services were developed with significant industry input and can be customized to accommodate specific company needs.
The PSN works with regional pharmaceutical industry partners to prepare graduates for careers at these companies.
PSN at East Carolina University
PSN@ECU is a laboratory-based education and training network. Offerings include GMP/GLP courses, short courses, and analytical services.
PSN at Pitt Community College
PSN@PCC provides a pilot plant type manufacturing environment and lab scale equipment to teach oral solid dosage theory and manufacturing technique.
Looking for More Training Opportunities?
The NCBiotech Company Directory has information on training programs and opportunities throughout the state.
Browse Open Positions
The NCBiotech Jobs Board lists available positions from NC's life sciences companies. Register to apply, post your resume and set up job alerts.
Images courtesy of BTEC