MassBioEd News
New life sciences resources will improve access to career, education and training opportunities
May 8, 2025
CAMBRIDGE, MA – The Massachusetts Biotechnology Education Foundation (MassBioEd) today announced that it has been awarded a $300,000 grant to establish a Life Sciences Career Hub for Biomanufacturing in Central Massachusetts in partnership with the Massachusetts Biomedical Initiative (MBI). Combining the biomanufacturing career awareness and access initiatives of MassBioEd and MBI, the project aims to ensure that Massachusetts and, through applying this model, the U.S. have the strongest biopharmaceutical workforce globally by developing the industry’s talent pipeline and rising to meet its evolving workforce needs. The grant comes from the National Institute for Innovation in Manufacturing Biopharmaceuticals (NIIMBL).[1]
“To meet the industry’s future talent needs, we need to find innovative ways to reach new talent and offer them pathways to begin their careers in the industry,” said John Balchunas, NIIMBL Workforce Director. “This project will provide new tools to help us do that.”
“Massachusetts continues to maintain its leading edge in the life sciences because of its talented workforce that supports innovation at every step of research, development, and commercialization,” said Sunny Schwartz, CEO of MassBioEd. “We are proud to partner with MBI to deepen Central Massachusetts’ reputation and reach as a global biomanufacturing hub by forging critical connections between local employers and the skilled employees they need.”
The Life Sciences Career Hub will offer job market information, career coaching, and access to education/training programs and job opportunities. Delivering a host of media campaigns, virtual and live workshops, and career coaching, this unique initiative will connect local companies with a new pool of job candidates. Supported by multiple employers and schools committed to broadening interest in and access to biomanufacturing careers, the program will serve as a model that can be replicated in other regions and states.
About MassBioEd:
Our mission is to build a sustainable life sciences workforce in the region through educational programs that engage and excite teachers, inspire and propel students, and illuminate the pathway from the classroom to career.
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Contact: Katie Daigle-Alexander
[1] This work is performed under financial assistance award #70NANB21H086 from the U.S. Department of Commerce, National Institute of Standards and Technology.