Life Science Sector Leader
Life Science Washington

Sector Leader Contacts:

Employer-Identified priority occupations for Career Connected Learning:

  • Lab Research Technicians & Clinical Research Coordinators
  • Biomanufacturing Technicians
  • Quality Control Associate and Scientist

Career Connected Learning programs needed to address those workforce priorities:

  • Regional program replication: Employers value replicating successful programs statewide—like adapting Shoreline’s 10-week biomanufacturing certificate to Spokane in partnership with Jubilant HollisterStier—to meet local labor market demands.
  • Hands-on technical training programs: Employers emphasize the need for real-world lab and biomanufacturing experience integrated into 2-year and 4-year programs. This includes programs like Shoreline Community College’s Biotechnology Lab Specialist program and the proposed Technical Residency model with non-profit research institutes like Fred Hutch.
  • Scalable credentialed pathways: There is a clear need to develop and scale modular, stackable credentials tied directly to high-demand occupations (e.g., biomanufacturing, quality control), such as the upcoming Biomanufacturing Technician and QA/QC credentials at UW Bothell’s CBIT.
  • Career awareness: Employers repeatedly cite a lack of awareness and career navigation as a barrier. Programs like the Mobile Bus at Seattle Children’s Research Institute are vital to connect and increase accessibility for students with pathways.
  • DEI-focused internships: Expanding programs that prepare and place underrepresented students in internships (e.g., Life Science Washington Scholars Internship Program) is critical to address equity gaps and employer diversity goals.

High-impact sector programs supported by CCW and the Sector Leader:

  • Shoreline Community College’s Biotechnology Program: A Career Launch-endorsed program offering a 2-year degree and 1-year certification for lab biotech specialists, with strong industry engagement from companies like BMS, Pfizer, and Inventprise. “It’s one of the few programs that directly aligns with what we need on the floor.” -Hiring Manager  
  • Fred Hutch’s Lab Launch Program: A first-of-its-kind hands-on training initiative in partnership with Shoreline CC, providing direct pathways into lab technician roles. “Every Lab Launch cohort student is considered for an interview—this helps us fill talent gaps with ready-to-work professionals.” – Jeanne Chowning, Associate Vice President, Science Education at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center
  • UW Bothell Center for Biotechnology Innovation and Training (CBIT) – On-campus Internship: CBIT is developing curricula for five of nine high-demand life sciences roles in collaboration with 16 life science companies and offers on-campus internships. “This is a model we want to scale—curriculum designed with our industry in mind and reduced barriers for small companies to participate in the internship.” Srikant Iyer, Workforce Development and Education Partnerships, Life Science Washington.
  • Jubilant HollisterStier (JHS) and Shoreline’s Biomanufacturing Certificate (Spokane): A 10-week training program adapted to meet JHS’s hiring needs as it adds 200 biomanufacturing jobs.

Learn More: Explore detailed recommendations in the 2025 Life Science Sector Strategy. You can also view a brief sector strategy summary, discover how to get involved as an employer, or contact the Sector Leader directly for more information.