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Turning scientific discoveries into real-world products
Careers in biomanufacturing focus on the development of products, such as vaccines, biologics, and biofuels, using cutting-edge technologies.
People Who Work In Biomanufacturing
- Use living cells to make products including medical therapies, food ingredients, plastics, and cosmetics.
- May do many things, including growing cells in large bioreactors and designing new manufacturing processes.
- Are interested in how things are made, have good mechanical skills and work well as part of a team.
- May work at a Contract Manufacturing Organization (CMO), Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO), Biotech or Biopharma Company.
Insights from Manufacturing
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“I may not be a medical assistant now but I get to help patients in a different way. I get to help create a way to allow people with Type 1 Diabetes to make their own insulin. Working on a treatment for Type 1 Diabetes is kind of personal to me. Some of my family have diabetes. I love to think that working in this field actually helps keep families together.”
Julissa Cetina-Hernandez
MassBioEd BMT Apprenticeship Graduate and Senior Manufacturing Associate at Vertex Pharmaceuticals
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“MassBioEd not only taught me the technical knowledge to succeed at Thermo Fisher Scientific, but it also ignited my passion for biotech. Knowing that our work can lead to life-saving treatments keeps me motivated every single day.”
Hem KC
MassBioEd BMT Apprenticeship Graduate and Formulation Technician at Thermo Fisher Scientific
Highlighted Careers
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Formulation Technicians
Formulation Technicians help to create and test products like medicines to make sure they are safe and effective.
Pharmaceutical Formulation, Biomanufacturing Technician
Apprenticeship, certificate or associate degree or higher in a related field
$51K – $71K/yr; $60K/yr Median total pay *Annual Wages are from Glassdoor for Boston, MA in the Biotechnology & Pharmaceutical Industry
- Mix raw ingredients to create products such as medications, cosmetics, and food ingredients.
- Follow detailed instructions to make sure the products are safe and effective.
- Keep detailed records of batches and processes.
- Use biomanufacturing processes including buffer preparation, cleaning, stocking, disinfectant prep, decontamination, fumigation, waste management, and equipment maintenance.
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Supply Chain Associate
Supply Chain Associates make sure that all the materials and supplies for manufacturing or research are organized, delivered on time, and ready for use.
Buyer
Apprenticeship, certificate or associate degree or higher in a related field
$66K – $97K/yr; $79K/yr Median total pay
- Manage inventory and keep track of supplies like medicines, equipment, or lab materials.
- Order materials and track deliveries to make sure work continues without interruptions.
- Receive and organize shipments.
- Work with different teams, like research or production, to make sure they have the materials they need when they need them.
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Biomanufacturing Technician
A biomanufacturing technician works in a lab or factory to help make products using living things, like bacteria or yeast.
Formulation Technician, Production Associate, Upstream/Downstream Technician, Media Specialist, Quality Control Associate
High school diploma with training, apprenticeship, certificate or associate degree or higher in a related field
$50K – $68K/yr; $58K/yr Median total pay
- Prepare the nutrients and equipment needed to grow organisms in controlled environments.
- Operate and maintain specialized biomanufacturing equipment, such as bioreactors and centrifuges.
- Conduct tests to make sure that the products meet safety and quality standards.
- Document each step of the manufacturing process including procedures and results and note any changes to protocols.
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Process Engineer
Process Engineers make sure the methods used to create biological products are well-designed, efficient, and safe.
Industrial Engineer
Bachelor’s degree or master’s degree in a related field of study
$103K – $157K/yr; $126K/yr Median total pay
- Create step-by-step plans for how products should be made in the factory.
- Look for ways to make the production process faster, cheaper, or safer, while keeping the products high-quality.
- Make sure that every step of the manufacturing process meets safety and quality standards to make safe and effective products.
- Troubleshoots problems during production and figures out how to fix them.
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Quality Assurance Specialist
Quality Assurance Specialist make sure that products are safe, reliable, and meet the standards required for their intended use.
Quality Control Associate
Bachelor’s degree or master’s degree in a related field of study
$70K – $108K/yr; $86K/yr Median total pay
- Make sure that every step in the production process follows the correct steps and meets all required safety and quality guidelines.
- Inspect and test products at different stages of production to ensure they are safe and work as expected.
- Keep detailed records to make sure that products are made according to company guidelines, industry regulations, and safety requirements.
- Identify any defects or potential problems in products and work with other teams to solve the problems.
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Mechanical Engineer
Mechanical Engineers work on designing, building, and improving machines and equipment used to make biological products.
Bachelor’s degree or master’s degree in a related field of study
$105K – $162K/yr; $130K/yr Median total pay
- Design machines and systems that are used in the manufacturing process.
- Find ways to make the manufacturing process faster, cheaper, and more reliable while keeping the products safe and high-quality.
- Troubleshoot problems with the equipment or the manufacturing process and find solutions.
- Make sure all equipment is safe to use, following health and safety regulations to protect workers and the quality of the product.
Navigate Your Pathway
Depending on your background, you may need to gain specific knowledge in life sciences. Explore degree programs or job training opportunities that will provide you with a deeper understanding of your chosen field.