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CAREERS // SKILLS SHORTAGE PHOTO THE BIOINNOVATIO
N INSTITUTE “It takes time to establish these certifications. It takes time to educate people. So, it's very timely to start thinking about some of these things. In the end, it’s the universities that need to own this and drive this.” Next-generation needs Cell and gene therapies are complex to manufacture and suffer from lack of standardization and streamlining, noted a 2023 report by life sciences firm Cytiva. The report surveyed 1250 biopharma leaders worldwide, who identified manufacturing talent for GMP-certified facilities as the most difficult skill to attract and retain. A 2021 report funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation found that many universities do not have biopharma manufacturing expertise, and advised industry and educational institutions to collaborate on best practices and accreditation for next-generation needs. In 2022, the U.S. government created the National Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing Initiative, including mandates to bolster the workforce. Workforce needs will only increase as companies transition into commercialization. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration received 300 investigational new drug applications for cell and gene therapies in 2021, according to BioSpace, three-fold more than in 2012. Industry-supported program In the Seattle area, Shoreline Community College launched an industry-supported technical program in 2021. In one track, applicants are selected by BMS or Seagen, a Seattlearea company recently bought by Pfizer. The companies pay for a ten-week biomanufacturing certificate course and provide a paid follow-up internship. The program draws applicants from immigrant communities, people re-entering the workforce and local high schools. “Our certificate is becoming known, so students are getting hired even at other companies where they didn’t intern,” says program leader Rachel Rawle. The program communicates with industry to adjust its offerings, including for cell and gene therapy manufacturing. Marc Cummings, CEO, Trade Group Life Science Washington Bo Wiinberg, Chief Business Development Officer, Cellerator 66 | NORDICLIFESCIENCE.ORG