Roundtable:
Tomorrow’s Life Science Workforce

Roundtable: Tomorrow’s Life Science Workforce
Integrating Biotech Facilities and Training, June 2022

“We have to avoid the old traps of telling the new folks to get in line because the wave is too big that ain’t going to happen anymore. The new incoming talent is telling us how it’s going to be, and we need to be adaptable and recognize the value because they get it.”

Bill Deckert, President of Capital Services has designed biotech/pharmaceutical facilities for more than 40 years, and has seen changes in approach that are opening opportunities for young companies and the burgeoning workforce. Still, “the knowledge employees gain through understanding biotech facilities is more valuable than the knowledge gained through training. By sharing their experience and crucial knowledge to students, leaders can push their students farther ahead to truly understand how to become better employees.”

“A companies’ purposes and motives affect its workers. Whether a company is interested in creating life saving drugs or if a company is only interested in building its reputation to be bought out makes a difference.”

These approaches can alter how a company operates, grows, and motivates its employees. “Students should look around at what other team members are doing, not just what’s in front of them.”
Students should understand the many sequences of knowledge that come with utilizing facilities and equipment. Additionally, he advises listing lessons earned while performing a position on resumes rather than just listing positions. 

“Understanding is more than just knowing about something. True understanding is being able to use that knowledge and experience to support your own growth, your company’s growth, and to be able to teach others.”

Regarding the potential for building a regional laboratory resource he says, “The money is available, the space is available, the people are available, we just have to find a way to get them all together.”

Harry Benson, Global Director of Commissioning Agents, Inc., shares an alarming statistic: “The number of life science positions grew 79% between 2001 and 2021 compared with 8% growth over the same period for all US occupations.” Simply, the need for a trained workforce isn’t keeping up with the growth of jobs. Therefore, it is harder for startup companies to reach their goals.

Currently, lab analyst roles are in high demand for biotech companies. “As little as six months experience can position a new employee for an attractive, progressive career.”
Benson has designed the GMP Bootcamp Program, for the state of Ohio, offering a blended learning model with instructor-led classes, online elements, and hands-on lab practice. This high leveled curriculum leads to economic development and job flexibility. For instance, tiered level certifications and employee pathways can become interchangeable, leading to employees receiving new jobs and promotions more efficiently.

“We have to avoid the old traps of telling the new folks to get in line because the wave is too big. The new incoming talent pool is telling us how it’s going to be, and we need to be adaptable and recognize their value.”

“The future is just so incredibly bright.”
Matt Oravetz, Director for Technical Services at Commissioning Agents, Inc., recaps the importance of integrating facilities and employees for critical training. By providing in-depth knowledge, inquisitive attitudes, and an innovative drive, workers tend to feel more motivated for development in the workplace. Oravertz also discusses a report demonstrating the New York Metro Area as the largest workforce in the country and global finance capital. This is important for companies looking for newly experienced and motivated workers in the area. 

He shares data from a database demonstrating the number of North American projects under construction. Optimistically, Oravetz says that “the next 10 years or more will be an extremely exciting time for the medical industry because of the many cell and gene therapies that are currently in advanced clinical trials.”

Additionally, he asserts that Westchester is a perfect region for the future of the biotechnology industry, and suggests a holistic view of building the biotech ecosystem. “The Westchester Biotech Project has created a foundation based on collaboration, fostering communication and coordination. The region offers flexibility by accommodating the dynamic market, and enjoyment by balancing the amenities of work and life.”

“The future is just so incredibly bright.”