The Biotech Career Foundations classes take place at one of Bioversity’s training centers: In Boston, our center is in Dorchester at 135 Morrissey Blvd. In Lowell, our training takes place on the UMass Lowell campus.

No, the training program is free.

Students admitted to Bioversity’s training program – Biotech Career Foundations – will be provided a weekly stipend payment while they are participating in the program. Our intention is that this generous stipend payment can help students cover the costs of things like childcare or transportation that could be a barrier to participation in this program.

Classes run Monday through Thursday from 9am to 3pm for eight weeks.

In Boston, faculty from the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences will be teaching this course. In Lowell, the instruction is provided by UMass Lowell faculty. Their work will be supplemented by people who work in the life sciences industry who are volunteering their time to help train and provide professional development.

Bioversity ran five cohorts in 2024. We are currently recruiting for 2025 cohorts in both Boston and Lowell. The first cohort in each location starts in the early part of the year. You will receive more information about timing during your application process.

Students accepted into the program are expected to attend every day for the full duration of the program (32 total class days). Excused absences will be considered on an individual basis. Unexcused absences are not permitted and may result in students being asked to leave the program. If students miss more than 4 days for any reason, they will not be in line to graduate.

Bioversity can loan students a laptop for use during the time they are in the training program.

There is some homework. The program is designed to be done mostly in-person at the training facilities. There will be some additional learning required outside of the Monday – Thursday (9am – 3pm) window.

Students who successfully complete the program will be awarded a Certificate of Completion. To earn the certificate, participants will need to adhere to program policies and pass a series of assessments woven throughout the program.

The first step of the process is to apply through the application form on this website. Everyone who applies will be sent a link to an online assessment from Bioversity staff. This assessment measures basic math, reading, and computer comprehension. For those scoring well on the assessing, Bioversity staff will reach out individually to discuss the program in more detail and learn more about why the person is interested in the class via a 15 minute virtual meeting. If Bioversity staff and the applicant agree it could be a good fit, the next step is for the applicant to come in-person to Bioversity’s site in Dorchester or Lowell, depending on which location they have applied to, in order to have an in-person interview.

Absolutely. Bioversity is always looking for great students. Sometimes classes fill up but we will consider you for future classes if we think you’ll be a good fit for the program.

Class sizes vary depending on the current level of demand from our employer partners in the life sciences industry. Generally, classes are between 10 – 15 students.

Students must be at least 18 years old to participate but there is no maximum age.

No. Candidates to join Bioversity’s training program only need to be 18 or older and have a high school degree or equivalent – no scientific background required. We are looking for people who are eager to join a growing industry and pursue an exciting career in scientific operations.

Absolutely. If you are interested in joining the training program after you graduate high school, please consider applying as we get nearer to your graduation date and include a note in the application form about your circumstances and timing.

We welcome people with criminal records to apply for the training program with the understanding that each life sciences employer treats criminal records differently when considering whether or not to hire an individual candidate. Of note, due to Massachusetts’ “Ban the Box” law there are strict rules about what Massachusetts employers can and cannot ask of candidates during the hiring process. This law in designed to encourage more employers to hire people with a criminal record. Learn more about those details here.

While graduates are not guaranteed a job after completing the Biotech Career Foundations program, Bioversity does provide career placements services to graduates to assist them in finding suitable positions in the local life sciences industry. Bioversity is busy gaining commitments from local employers to include Bioversity graduates in the recruitment plans for relevant entry-level talent.

This certificate training program is designed to prepare people with a high school degree to be work-ready upon graduation in scientific operations roles at local life sciences companies. These jobs, such as lab operations associate, support the operations of scientific laboratories through work including experiment prep, supply chain, inventory and procurement, facilities management, and hazardous waste removal. These mission critical jobs pay on average $26 an hour and include comprehensive benefits.

Yes! Many companies promote entry-level talent with only a high school degree into more advanced positions. However, if Bioversity graduates want to continue their educational journey, we fully encourage that. To make paying for the 1^st semester of college easier, we offer a $2,000 tuition voucher upon acceptance to a partnered educational institution. And there’s a new state law making community college free for residents over 25 years old.