CPaCE News

According to a 2023 editorial in the journal Nature Biotechnology, women comprise nearly half of the employees at biotech companies in the United States and Europe, but only about 20% of them hold executive leadership positions. Despite this disparity, the article reports that companies with greater gender diversity on executive teams are 25% more likely to have above-average profitability and are also more likely to make better business decisions. 

With that potential in mind, the CSU Biomanufacturing Consortium recently hosted a free online webinar, Empowering Women for Careers in Biotechnology, to explore the career pathways available in this emerging field. A panel of industry experts gathered to discuss specific opportunities in related sectors, the in-demand skills needed for a wide range of roles, and some of the innovative companies that are actively seeking qualified employees—particularly in Los Angeles and Orange County.

The webinar featured an introduction from Vicki Brannock, Senior Director of Workforce Strategy and Innovation at Biocom California Institute, who presented the latest findings from the company’s 2023 Life Science Economic Impact Report. California has especially benefitted from substantial growth in the life science industry over the past decade, with the state attracting over $6 billion in funding, generating over $413 billion in overall business output, and employing skilled workers in over 26,000 jobs. 

“Many companies today are adjusting after the pandemic,” Brannock explained. "Having pivoted their focus towards the development of Covid testing and drug manufacturing, they significantly ramped up hiring to acquire expertise in these critical areas. As they transitioned back to their pre-pandemic business models, a discernible trend of resizing became apparent. We anticipate that 2024 will be a strong year for our industry."

Brannock presented a state-of-the-art overview of the life science industry, clearly explaining its six major sub-sectors:

1. Biotechnology: cellular and molecular processes that are harnessed to develop technologies and products, including everyday foods like yeast, beer, and yogurt.
2. Biopharmaceuticals: complex medicines made from living cells and organisms, often produced using newly discovered methods.
3. Medical devices and equipment: all aspects of fabrication, from designing a manufacturing process to scaling up for mass production (for example: knee replacement parts or contact lenses).
4. Research and testing: the latest work being done in medical laboratories or colleges and universities.
5. Scientific/research tools: the manufacturing of test tubes, microscopes, and other specialized instruments.
6. Food and agriculture: new food product development and manufacturing, as well as traditional agriculture and fertilizer development in biofuels.

Insightful career advice was also provided throughout the webinar by other women leaders who hold top roles at companies including OneLegacy, Grifols Biologicals, Eli Lilly and Company, Edwards Lifesciences, and Takeda Pharmaceuticals. Each dove into details about their own experiences in the industry, the skills needed for their positions, the importance of creating a network of contacts, and practical job search tips.

To provide an entry point for the next generation of professionals in this cutting-edge field, the consortium of three Cal State campuses (Fullerton, Los Angeles, and Long Beach) and the Biocom California Institute developed the online Biomanufacturing Sciences and Applications (BSA) program, which is designed to prepare individuals for entry-level positions in biomanufacturing in just six months.