Center for Life Sciences
Developing the life sciences workforce of the future.An established leader in life sciences education, Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (MCPHS) produces graduates who are ready to play essential roles in many different organizations, including in companies focused on discovering and developing medicines. The Center for Life Sciences coordinates and elevates initiatives across the University with the goal of preparing students for jobs in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, biomanufacturing, and related areas.
A Booming Industry
An explosion of investment in the research and development of vaccines and pharmaceuticals during the pandemic fueled unprecedented growth in the life sciences, especially in Greater Boston, a global hub for the industry. The biopharmaceutical research and development workforce in Massachusetts grew by 17.2% between 2020 and 2021 alone. In fact, the industry has been on a path of sustained growth for nearly two decades. The resulting jobs represent a major opportunity for students and professionals who are looking to establish or accelerate their careers. MCPHS is helping individuals seize the opportunity and organizations develop and retain talent. Together we are building the life sciences workforce of the future.
1st
Educational Partner for BioversityMCPHS is the first institution of higher learning chosen by MassBio to bring Bioversity—a life sciences workforce development initiative—to life.
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1000s
Of Alumni Working in the IndustryThe University has a track record of producing job-ready graduates as well as helping seasoned professionals advance in life sciences careers.
2nd
Largest Fellowship Program in the NationMCPHS partners with leading companies to offer a Biopharmaceutical Industry Fellowship program to more than 100 professionals with PharmDs each year.
Learn MoreCareers in Focus
Companies are eager to attract and retain talent as the life sciences industry expands. The Center for Life Sciences works across MCPHS programs to prepare students for rewarding careers in four areas.
Research & Development
Teams of therapeutic hunters—including biochemists, cell biologists, translational biologists and chemists—discover and test new therapies that could ultimately help patients with unmet medical needs.
Medical Affairs and Drug Safety
Professionals work across the R&D and commercial units of life sciences companies, providing a conduit to clinicians and protecting patients.
Business, Regulatory Affairs, and Policy
Business leaders must be equipped to operate in a complex, highly regulated industry, and they need specialists to help them navigate and shape the environment.
Innovation and Entrepreneurship
The life sciences ecosystem supports founders and entrepreneurs with bold ideas that have promise, providing capital for new companies.
Shaping Tomorrow's Life Sciences Leaders
Meeting Industry Needs
MCPHS has long-standing collaborations with key players in the life sciences and continues to pursue new partnerships with organizations based in the United States and across the globe. We are in constant conversation with industry leaders to ensure that our approach to preparing students is aligned with the needs of the marketplace—and to create custom programs for employers. The University is taking action on three fronts to address the shortage of skilled workers in the industry.
Creating an On-Ramp to the Life Sciences
MCPHS prepares students from many different backgrounds to succeed in entry-level jobs in the industry.
Steering Students Toward Industry
The University introduces students who are interested in science to career pathways in the life sciences.
Keeping Current Talent Engaged
MCPHS customizes curriculum and creates new programs in a matter of weeks to support the needs of employers.
News & Features
*Sources of employment stats: MassBio’s 2022 “Industry Snapshot” and MassBioEd’s 2022 “Massachusetts Life Sciences Employment Outlook.”