Key areas within the life sciences industry include:

  • Biotechnology: This field uses living organisms or cells to create new technologies and products, such as gene therapies, stem cell research, and personalized medicine. Biotech advancements are revolutionizing the way we treat and prevent diseases.
  • Biopharmaceuticals: The development and manufacturing of medicines produced biologically from living cells that prevent and treat diseases. Biopharmaceuticals play a critical role in addressing public health concerns globally.
  • Medical Devices: The design and production of tools that diagnose, treat, or monitor diseases. Examples include pacemakers, prosthetics, surgical instruments, and diagnostic equipment.
  • Diagnostics: The development of cutting-edge technologies and tests to diagnose diseases accurately and efficiently. This includes medical imaging, DNA-based tests, and laboratory diagnostics that play a vital role in early detection and treatment.
  • AgriTech: Life sciences applied to agriculture and food production, focusing on innovations like genetically modified crops and techniques for sustainable farming to ensure food security and environmental sustainability.
  • Environmental Life Sciences: The use of life sciences to protect and preserve the environment. This includes efforts in pollution cleanup, conservation of plant and animal species, and studying impacts on climate and ecosystems.

Careers in Life Sciences in Massachusetts

Note: Employment data for the Colleges & Universities and the Hospital subsectors represent an estimate of the share of life sciences and clinical research-related jobs and lab functions, rather than the total subsector employment​
Note: Industry employment totals for 2024 are based on preliminary estimates of annual totals by Lightcast through Q2.​
Source: TEConomy Partners’ analysis of Lightcast QCEW Data, 2025.1

Massachusetts is a hub for life sciences careers, with a thriving ecosystem of biotech companies, pharmaceutical firms, and healthcare institutions such as hospitals and research centers. Professionals in this field come from diverse backgrounds and possess a variety of skills, including research, engineering, data analysis, and regulatory knowledge.

With opportunities in research and development, manufacturing, and clinical trials, there are numerous pathways in Massachusetts to contribute to groundbreaking advancements in the life sciences industry.

Insights from the Industry

  • I love that through my work, I am able to contribute to a bigger team that is working to develop treatments that can help to improve the lives of our patients, and I am able to grow my knowledge in my career through the vast number of growth opportunities that are available to me.

     

    Sedna Darkey

    Quality Control Analyst IV at Alnylam Pharmaceuticals

  • I’ve been privileged to contribute to the creation of a life-saving vaccine. Learning the pharmaceutical and bio manufacturing aspects of medicine has shown me the profound impact we have on patient care. Knowing our work directly saves someone’s life is truly a blessing. I’m truly grateful!

    Crystal Langone

    MassBioEd BMT Apprenticeship Graduate & Fermentation Process Technician at Pfizer