AN ESTABLISHED LEADER IN LIFE SCIENCES EDUCATION
MCPHS partners to support industry growth Center for Life Sciences at MCPHS helps build the workforce of the future
Expanding the talent pipeline, p. 4
DEVELOPING THE LIFE SCIENCES WORKFORCE OF THE FUTURE
BUILDING THE WORKFORCE OF THE FUTURE
1st
EDUCATIONAL PARTNER FOR BIOVERSITY
MCPHS is the first institution of higher learning chosen by MassBio to bring Bioversity—a life sciences workforce development initiative— to life.
6
CENTERS FOR EXCELLENCE
Founded in 1823, Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (MCPHS) offers more than 100 programs in fields ranging from biology and chemistry to healthcare business across three campuses and online. MCPHS graduates have gone on to play vital roles in many settings, including in biotechnology, biopharmaceutical, biomanufacturing, and medical device companies. The University has a track record of successfully preparing students for careers in the life sciences and partnering to help companies develop and retain talent. “This is an exciting time for the life sciences industry as it continues to expand and flourish, and MCPHS stands ready to support its sustained growth,” said MCPHS President Richard J. Lessard. “We collaborate with companies to create opportunities for our entire Community while simultaneously meeting industry’s evolving needs.”
These include a Center for Life Sciences that coordinates and elevates initiatives across MCPHS with the goal of preparing students for jobs in biotech, biopharma, biomanufacturing, and related areas.
1000s
OF ALUMNI WORKING IN THE INDUSTRY
The 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 NATION
MCPHS partners with leading companies to offer a Biopharmaceutical Industry Fellowship program to more than 100 professionals with PharmDs each year.
MASSACHUSETTS COLLEGE OF PHARMACY AND HEALTH SCIENCES
1
DEVELOPING THE LIFE SCIENCES WORKFORCE OF THE FUTURE
WHY THE LIFE SCIENCES INDUSTRY NEEDS A NIMBLE HIGHER ED PARTNER As the sector continues to expand, a skilled worker shortage must be addressed. 3 ife sciences companies in New England desperately need skilled workers and are going through a hiring boom. An explosion of investment in the research and development of vaccines and pharmaceuticals during the pandemic fueled unprecedented growth. The biopharma research and development workforce grew by 17.2% in Massachusetts between 2020 and 2021 alone. Biomanufacturing employment grew 15.2% over the same period. In fact, the industry has been on a path of sustained growth for nearly two decades. For example, biopharma employment has increased 131% since 2006. The outlook is strong for life sciences companies, even if venture capital funding returns to prepandemic levels. Yet they face a hurdle to continued expansion: a major talent deficit. Companies are already struggling to find qualified candidates for many roles,
and growth in degree candidates is not expected to keep up with the creation of new jobs over the next several years. A shortage of entry-level workers is particularly problematic. But companies are having trouble finding and keeping talent at all levels. The problem requires fresh thinking —and innovative solutions. It won’t be enough to simply scale up existing programs at colleges and universities and pump out additional graduates. Organizations such as Massachusetts Biotechnology Council (MassBio) are collaborating with higher education institutions including MCPHS to explore new models and programming with the magnitude of the challenge in mind, driven by data from employers. “Our deep experience with life sciences education, longstanding relationships with industry-leading companies, and our entrepreneurial culture make us the ideal partner for addressing the talent shortage,” said MCPHS President Richard J. Lessard.
MCPHS already maintains a vast network of contacts in the life sciences industry to support workforce development. The University prioritizes preparing students for jobs that exist in the real world, so administrators and faculty members regularly speak with industry colleagues as well as trade associations to keep abreast of trends and needs. MCPHS adjusts its approach and offerings in real time, supporting student success while doing its part to keep the regional economy humming. The shortage of skilled workers certainly presents a challenge. But it also represents an opportunity. Companies have a chance to think about the workforce that they would like to cultivate in a diverse region that’s brimming with possibilities. They can partner with MCPHS and other organizations to turn the vision into a reality. Sources of employment stats: MassBio’s 2022 “Industry Snapshot” and MassBioEd’s 2022 “Massachusetts Life Sciences Employment Outlook.”
MASSACHUSETTS COLLEGE OF PHARMACY AND HEALTH SCIENCES
DEVELOPING THE LIFE SCIENCES WORKFORCE OF THE FUTURE
EXPANDING M THE TALENT PIPELINE MCPHS can help industry attract, train, and retain skilled workers from many different backgrounds.
4
assBioEd predicts that as many as 11,000 life sciences jobs in Massachusetts may go unfilled over the next few years. Qualified candidates are already in short supply, with industry growth exacerbating the situation. Companies are also struggling to retain talent in a competitive job market. Something needs to change. New approaches have the potential to rapidly expand and diversify the talent pipeline. But organizations must overcome inertia and embrace change to make them a reality. Everyone involved—including academics and administrators in colleges and universities—must adopt an entrepreneurial mindset, ideating, testing, and iterating solutions together. Representatives from MCPHS speak regularly with leaders of life sciences companies across the state and region and deeply understand the factors contributing to the shortage of skilled workers. In collaboration with industry and other nonprofits, the University is taking action on three fronts: creating an on-ramp
to entry-level life sciences jobs for students from many different backgrounds, steering students who are already interested in science toward industry, and designing programs to keep existing talent engaged at companies. MCPHS can customize curriculum and create new programs in a matter of weeks. University faculty members take pride in preparing students for the workforce. They consistently cite a passion for teaching and commitment to student success as reasons for joining MCPHS, and, by extension, they are eager to partner with industry to ensure graduates have the knowledge and skills to thrive in the real world. “I am truly inspired by the dedication of our faculty, who prioritize the personal and professional development of students,” said Caroline Zeind, PharmD, RPh, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost of MCPHS. “The faculty bring great expertise in life sciences and maintain strong connections with industry to identify potential collaborations, contribute to advancements in the field, and position our students for the future.”
The University has made workforce development a priority for decades, adapting in real time as the healthcare marketplace evolves. Its Center for Life Sciences—established to coordinate life sciences workforce development activities across MCPHS schools and programs—is collaborating with industry to meet this current moment of opportunity. CREATING AN ON-RAMP TO THE LIFE SCIENCES One of the benefits of being based in Greater Boston and Worcester is the diversity of the surrounding community. Yet some populations continue to be underrepresented in the regional life sciences workforce. Companies can source talent from communities of color while simultaneously increasing equity within the industry. Bioversity, an ambitious workforce development initiative spearheaded by MassBio, aims to unlock opportunities for thousands of people in the state from many different backgrounds while supporting demand for new employees. Through this initiative, MassBio is opening a 4,000-square-foot lab training center in
5
DEVELOPING THE LIFE SCIENCES WORKFORCE OF THE FUTURE
6
Dorchester at the old Boston Globe headquarters. Based in an underserved community, the center—which is expected to open in early 2024—will provide an on-ramp to well-paid, entry-level jobs in scientific operations, biomanufacturing, and other areas. MCPHS is the first institution of higher learning chosen to help bring Bioversity to life. The University is designing the curriculum for the first cohort of trainees, incorporating requests from companies into learning modules and activities. In addition to teaching basic lab skills, MCPHS faculty members—and qualified students—will lead participants through interactive exercises on topics ranging from how to follow standard operating procedures to office professionalism. “We engage in substantive dialogue with industry partners and build programming quickly in response to identified needs,” said Carol Stuckey, Dean of the MCPHS School of Professional Studies, which is involved in the effort. The hope is that the Bioversity trainees will quickly secure jobs and then continue to grow as life sciences employees. They may even return to school at some point to complete associate and bachelor’s degrees that will help them advance. Undergraduates represent another important pool of talent for industry. But too few of them graduate with the knowledge and skills that companies need. MCPHS routinely adjusts its offerings and curriculum in response to feedback from industry contacts. The University recently bolstered hands-on lab training for students in a number of programs after analyzing job listings, speaking with life sciences leaders, and applying for and receiving a $630,000 grant from the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center to purchase cutting-edge equipment such as a high-field nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy instrument, a mass spectrometer (MS), high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) equipment, and a 3D printer for precision medication pill formulation. Students will graduate with the ability to operate these devices and be able to use them from day one in companies. MCPHS is also creating a toolkit of knowledge and skills (see page 8)—including fundamental lab techniques and experimental design—that will be offered to any undergraduate who is interested in pursuing a life sciences career. And an expanding set of industry internships provide a complementary vehicle for learning. Students can simultaneously prepare to thrive by honing their soft skills in an environment that encourages collaboration and teamwork. At MCPHS, they are surrounded by students focused on health and life sciences, and they routinely participate in interprofessional activities that give them a chance to listen, learn, and problem-solve with peers in different programs. The expertise of these peers is relevant yet distinct, with students studying dozens of disciplines across 14 schools. STEERING STUDENTS TOWARD INDUSTRY The life sciences industry employs more than 100,000 people in Massachusetts with an average annual wage of $201,549 as of 2022. Even entry-level jobs are well compensated. But many students do not realize that a career in the industry is an option.
MCPHS is doing its part to change that, including through the collaboration with MassBio, which includes outreach to communities of color. Faculty and staff also work to expose students to career pathways in the life sciences via core curriculum that fosters exploration as well as speaker series and events—including job fairs—that allow representatives from industry to engage directly with potential talent. They coach students to consider their full range of options, including programs and certificates designed to prepare them for industry jobs. “Many students change their career plans when exposed to their full range of options early in their studies,” said Robert DiCenzo, PharmD, BCPS, FCCP, FAPhA, Dean of the School of Pharmacy – Boston. “We highlight the exciting opportunities in the life sciences industry and give students a chance to add the credentials they need for success.” MCPHS offers graduate degrees in medicinal chemistry, pharmaceutical chemistry, pharmacology, and pharmaceutics, providing programs that are tailored to future employers’ needs. Similarly, the University’s longstanding Biopharmaceutical Fellowship program prepares professionals with PharmDs for careers in the life sciences industry. And MCPHS continues to expand its offerings, including through the recently launched Master of Science in Health Informatics and Graduate Certificate in Precision Medicine. Additional programming in the areas of data science and analytics—especially as they relate to drug development— is being launched. KEEPING CURRENT TALENT ENGAGED Companies are struggling to retain talent at all seniority levels, given the plethora of opportunities for individuals throughout the life sciences ecosystem. Leaders can provide an incentive for employees to stay by supporting their growth and professional development. MCPHS offers a number of programs to help working professionals advance through its School of Professional Studies as well as its School of Healthcare Business and Technology. For example, the Healthcare Management Graduate Certificate is a part-time, online program focused on enhancing leadership and strategic decision-making abilities. The University also collaborates with companies to design custom programs to upskill employees in key functions. For example, MCPHS partners with large pharmaceutical companies to create leadership development programs for top talent in regulatory affairs. The University is also directly tackling the problem of employee retention by creating a program for managers. Participants will get fresh ideas and perspectives about how to keep their teams engaged. MCPHS welcomes conversation about how to expand on these efforts. The University will continue to partner to develop the workforce of the future. Sources of employment stats: MassBio’s 2022 “Industry Snapshot” and MassBioEd’s 2022 “Massachusetts Life Sciences Employment Outlook.”
“ Being located in a life sciences hub, MCPHS maintains strong ties with its industry partners,” said Swati Betharia, PhD, Associate Professor of Pharmacology & Toxicology. “This allows us to monitor the changing needs of the field and adapt our programs accordingly. Recent emphasis on more hands-on training in using modern lab equipment and software has ensured that our graduates are workforce ready.”
MASSACHUSETTS COLLEGE OF PHARMACY AND HEALTH SCIENCES
DEVELOPING THE LIFE SCIENCES WORKFORCE OF THE FUTURE
A LIFE SCIENCES TOOLKIT Giving students the knowledge and skills to succeed at industry jobs.
8
Life sciences companies need more employees who know their way around a laboratory. They are also looking for individuals with a demonstrated ability to learn new skills and problem-solve in a research setting. MCPHS can deliver. The University continues to expand its lab space and acquire new equipment, creating fresh opportunities for students to get hands-on training and experience. For example, MCPHS is launching a course series on biotechnology that is being created by Joseph DeMasi, PhD, Professor of Biology and Chair of the Department of Math & Natural Sciences. It will focus specifically on preparing budding scientists for the life sciences industry. Along with amassing technical knowledge, students will learn to approach scientific work with a mindset of intellectual curiosity and develop a willingness to tackle challenges. Undergraduates from any MCPHS program will have the opportunity to register for the course series, and they will come away with a toolkit of knowledge and skills in five key areas.
DNA MANIPULATION AND ANALYSIS Using tools and techniques commonly found in company labs, students will be able to practice DNA manipulation. They will learn about restriction enzyme digestion, bacterial transformation, CRISPR-Cas9, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), gene cloning, and DNA sequencing. PROTEIN ANALYSIS Students will carry out a wide variety of lab procedures and learn advanced techniques for protein analysis with industry equipment. The course will cover protein quantitation, chromatography, polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE), western blotting, ELISA, and protein production. MICROBIOLOGY AND CELL CULTURING To succeed in microbiology labs, employees must understand standard operating procedures, including safety protocols. MCPHS graduates will have a head start after being trained in methods for culturing both human and bacteria cells, harnessing their natural curiosity and interests. KEEPING A LAB NOTEBOOK A lab notebook is a scientist’s best friend, and this skills course will put students in an industry researcher’s shoes as they come to understand the importance of carefully documenting their work and gain experience organizing records of their experiments for future reference. SCIENTIFIC LITERACY MCPHS students will learn how to read research articles and absorb key information. They will also practice designing their own experiments and sharing their f indings via posters and oral presentations. Communication skills are indispensable for scientists working in a fast-paced environment.
“ It has been a professional pleasure to partner with MCPHS on MassBio’s launch of Bioversity, our life sciences workforce development initiative. Their commitment to the local life sciences ecosystem and responding to its workforce needs is laudable. It is imperative that life sciences companies collaborate with academic institutions like MCPHS to ensure our local industry has the skilled talent to grow and thrive here.” — Kendalle Burlin O’Connell, CEO and President of MassBio
MASSACHUSETTS COLLEGE OF PHARMACY AND HEALTH SCIENCES
9
DEVELOPING THE LIFE SCIENCES WORKFORCE OF THE FUTURE
FUTURE FACING MCPHS students—who come from more than 90 countries—are preparing for jobs in the life sciences.
TRAN VAN
DIMPLE GANDHI
BS IN MEDICAL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY ’23
BIOPHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRY FELLOW ’23
Tran is on track to achieve her long-held dreams. A childhood spent helping out at her parents’ dental clinic spurred an interest in the medical field and science. After moving to the United States from Vietnam as a teenager, she attended Bunker Hill Community College before transferring to MCPHS. “I was intrigued by the small community,” said Tran, who still remembers the thank-you letter she received from the University after taking her first tour of campus in high school. Through a research internship at Boston Children’s Hospital, she learned from mentors and graduate students as she worked with stem cells in mice to study the aging process. She credits her time at MCPHS with teaching her how to communicate as a scientist. Tran plans to work as a researcher before continuing her education.
Dimple considered pursuing a career in the beauty industry and even started her own business as a makeup artist, but a healthcare class in high school unlocked her passion for science. She enrolled in the Doctor of Pharmacy program at MCPHS and discovered that the University was the perfect place to explore her interests and develop a network. In her second year, she completed an internship at Novartis, working in clinical operations. After receiving her PharmD, Dimple decided to continue her training by enrolling in the MCPHS Biopharmaceutical Industry Fellowship program. She was placed at Takeda, where she embraced opportunities and encountered challenges in the field of drug development. “It taught me that change is constant in the industry, and how to adapt and be flexible,” she said. She is currently pursuing an MBA in Healthcare Management at MCPHS.
TEMITOPE SOBODU
PHD IN PHARMACOLOGY ’23
Temitope chose to further his eduction at MCPHS because of its location in the Longwood Medical Area, its abundance of faculty with experience in the biotech industry, and the opportunities to collaborate while learning to think independently. He has practiced approaching problems from an experimental perspective. And he has adopted a new mental framework for facing challenges. “MCPHS has given me the confidence, the skills, and the audacity to say, ‘Bring it on. I can face any kind of problem.’ I can actually go into the world as a formed person, as a formed scientist,” he said. In addition to studying on campus, Temitope explores his interests in machine learning at Boston Children’s Hospital, where he is developing computational models for drug discovery as a doctoral fellow.
MASSACHUSETTS COLLEGE OF PHARMACY AND HEALTH SCIENCES
11
DEVELOPING THE LIFE SCIENCES WORKFORCE OF THE FUTURE
LOOKING AHEAD, EMBRACING CHANGE 12
The pace of innovation in the life sciences bodes well for humanity. We all stand to benefit from the tidal wave of discoveries that’s spurring new technologies and treatments. Let’s collaborate to maintain the momentum by building the workforce of the future. Contact the MCPHS Center for Life Sciences: lifesciences@mcphs.edu
MASSACHUSETTS COLLEGE OF PHARMACY AND HEALTH SCIENCES