Bioversity Why a Life Sciences Career?
Change your professional life while making a difference in people’s lives
A career in the life sciences offers anyone the opportunity to improve people’s lives and deliver innovative solutions to human challenges while working in the fastest growing industry in Massachusetts. The reality is that you can enter the life sciences with any background and a high school diploma. You don’t need a college degree to get in the door and you absolutely don’t need to be a scientist –30%-40% of jobs at life sciences companies are not in laboratories.
Your entry into the life sciences will challenge and reward you. You will be proud of your job and welcome the lifetime of success it unlocks.
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Bring Solutions to People
Showing up to work is more rewarding when you’re playing a role in the creation of something that could prevent diseases, treat illnesses, make healthier foods, or improve the environment.
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Working as a Team and Collaborating Across Sectors
Teamwork and partnerships are at the very foundation of life sciences careers. As science and technology continue to advance rapidly, collaboration with fascinating industries like artificial intelligence and robotics will make for exciting workplaces.
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High Wages, Great Benefits, and Career Advancement
No matter how you enter the life sciences, you can expect to earn excellent wages, access comprehensive benefits that you and your family can count on, and lay a foundation you can build on.
There are more than 1,000 biopharma companies located across Massachusetts.
Entry Level Salary: $50K – $100K
Average Salary at All Levels: $201,000
Regardless of entry point, you can expect competitive salaries and ample jobs.
Percentage of Scientist vs. Non-Scientist Roles: 65% vs. 35%
Not everyone in the life sciences is a scientist. More than a third of employees have essential support roles.
This is My Career in the Life Sciences.
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Hello, I’m a Senior Lab Manager
"My entry into this industry was attending the Just A Start Biomedical Certificate Program. This was my first time learning about the Biotech industry and how amazing and rewarding a career in this field could be. " Read more
Rasheedah Malik
Senior Lab Manager, Assay Development, Foundation Medicine, Inc. -
Hello, I’m a Healthcare Entrepreneur
"I have always been passionate about science and technology. From building simple robots and cars with the engineering kit my aunt got me when I was 9 years old, to assessing optimal soccer striking techniques for my 8th-grade science fair project; the scientific method has always been a framework I’ve used." Read more
Michael Aflakpui
Healthcare Entrepreneur -
Hello, I’m a Medical Director
"When I started in school, I never imagined doing what I am now. In fact, I did not know it was something to consider. My advice is to never assume there is one path to any career, be open to learning new skills, take advantage of unfamiliar opportunities." Read more
Cherie Butts
Medical Director - Therapeutics Development Unit at Biogen -
Hello, I’m a Medical Affairs Publications Manager
"I wanted a career that allowed for an opportunity to develop skill sets, learn, and apply knowledge that had the possibility to create a positive impact on my children’s world." Read more
Ronnie Guyton
PharmD, Manager, Medical Affairs Publications -
Hello, I’m a Senior Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Specialist
"During my undergrad, I was on a health career track in pursuit of going to medical school. Although I didn’t become a nurse as I thought in the 3rd grade, nor did I continue the path of going to medical school, my innate passion to help save patients’ lives is what attracted me to a career in the life sciences industry. " Read more
Crystal R. Davis
Sr. Specialist, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion; Alnylam
Find Education and Training to Advance Your Career
From short-term training programs to associate degree programs or directly into a job, explore your path into well-paying careers in Massachusetts’ fastest growing industry.
What is the Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Anyway?
Life sciences is an umbrella term covering companies in the fields of biotech, pharmaceuticals, med tech, healthcare, crop sciences, and more. What life sciences industries all have in common is they apply scientific knowledge to the development of new medicines, chemicals, or technologies to advance human health. In Massachusetts, the core of our life sciences cluster are biopharma and biotech companies. These companies are built to research, develop, and bring to patients new medicines, vaccines, and cures. Most biotech companies in Massachusetts are focused on early-stage research into medicines for patients with the most difficult and complex diseases.