Life Science Industry in Washington Continuing to Grow and Hire Amid COVID-19

Life Science Washington announced today the launch of “Find Your Best Life in Washington,” a campaign to encourage top talent nationwide to learn more about the abundant job opportunities across the more than 1,100 life science companies in Washington state. The campaign kicks off with a new jobs site designed specifically to raise awareness and educate jobseekers about the region’s pioneering spirit and rich history of biomedical innovation, while showcasing Life Science Washington member companies hiring across a variety of life science sectors and local employees sharing why they chose to move to Washington.

Over the past decade, the life science industry in Washington has established itself as a top emerging cluster with a vibrant ecosystem of global life science corporations, innovative startups, top-ranked universities, and world-renowned research institutions – all tackling some of the world’s most difficult medical challenges. According to Life Science Washington’s latest Economic Impact Report, from 2014 to 2017 Washington’s life science industry experienced its strongest job growth in a decade at 13 percent. With over $17.4 billion in equity, debt, M&A and IPO investment in the industry since January 2018, Washington’s life science industry continues to experience strong economic growth – leading to substantial job opportunity for top talent.

“Bristol Myers Squibb is proud to be part of the thriving Washington life sciences community,” said Teri Foy, Senior Vice President, Research and Early Development Immuno-Oncology and Cell Therapy at Bristol Myers Squibb and Life Science Washington Board Member. “This new campaign gives us the opportunity to come together to showcase the incredible work and growth happening in Washington. Our company is proud to collaborate with our partners across the life sciences ecosystem in Washington to not only attract new talent to our region through this campaign, but also support local workforce development as we look to expand our diverse and inclusive teams with open roles across research, development, biomanufacturing, and more.”

Washington life science companies are hiring across a range of roles, including – but not limited to – scientists, engineers, project managers, and clinical researchers. Data scientists and seasoned professionals with commercial experience are highly sought after. Additionally, Washington’s growing biomanufacturing sector is in need of talent ranging from entry-level technicians to highly experienced quality, regulatory, production, and supply chain professionals.

Top Place to Work and Live

Bolstered by a thriving life science ecosystem, Washington also offers jobseekers a world-class place to live. While taking in the mountains and waterfront views, life science innovators also enjoy Washington’s farm fresh produce, craft breweries, world-class restaurants and wineries, and outdoor activities for every season.

“As someone who moved from across the country to join this vibrant cluster, I encourage others to experience the pleasure of living and working in Washington as a life science professional,” said Dr. Leslie Alexandre, President and CEO of Life Science Washington. “Not only has this region pioneered cutting-edge solutions and innovations to address extraordinary medical challenges and global health crises like COVID-19, it also offers a beautiful place to live, work, and play.”

Hiring Amid COVID-19, Life Science Industry Growing

Amid the uncertainty surrounding COVID-19, life science companies in Washington—both emerging and established—are hiring across multiple disciplines and sectors. Historically, during past recessions, life science employment has remained steady compared to other industries. According to Life Science Washington’s 2019 Economic Impact Report, from 2001-2017 life science job creation in Washington greatly outpaced private sector job growth, providing a buffer against the past two recessions.

As the first state to identify and report a positive case of COVID-19, Washington’s life science industry has emerged as a leader in responding to the pandemic. Deemed “essential” by the state, the industry’s activity has remained strong with local biotech companies forging powerful partnerships with leading research institutes, technology companies, and healthcare systems to better understand the COVID-19 virus and develop new tests, therapies and vaccines to diagnose, treat, and prevent future outbreaks. As a result, Washington life science companies continue to hire to keep up with the steady activity.

To meet the growing demand for talent and to offer new pathways for displaced workers exiting sectors impacted by COVID-19, Life Science Washington also has spearheaded new workforce training programs with community and technical colleges in Western Washington. Shoreline Community College is expanding its certificate and two-year degree programs to support the growing biomanufacturing sector and Lake Washington Institute of Technology is offering a new biomedical device assembler certificate program. These programs are ready to welcome newcomers and help them gain qualifications to build careers in the life science industry, well-regarded for its entry-level family-wage jobs. Programs offering entry-level on-ramps into the industry are currently open for enrollment.

“Washington’s life science industry is particularly important in times like these. Our community is motivated by a common mission to improve individuals’ health, regardless of the challenging circumstances,” said Patricio Massera, CEO of Bothell, Washington-headquartered AGC Biologics. “At present, our common enemy is COVID-19. As AGC Biologics ramps up to produce a potential vaccine and treatment for COVID-19, we are hiring as quickly as we can to meet the demand. It has never been more important than now to bring the best talent to this region to join us in this fight.”

For more information and to see some of the life science job opportunities in Washington, please visit: https://lifesciencewajobs.com/.

About Life Science Washington

Life Science Washington connects its hundreds of members to each other and to funding, talent, partnerships and essential business services. Life Science Washington elevates the industry by promoting policies that strengthen the environment for ground-breaking research and product development that improves and saves lives.

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