Biotech Boot Camp provides intensive training to help fill shortage in life sciences employees
Beginning Sept. 18, the PDI welcomes 15 Rhode Island residents interested in a career in the ever-expanding biotech industry to its labs in Avedisian Hall on the Kingston campus.
Trainees, who were selected
through an interview and evaluation process after applying, are trained in
aseptic techniques, clean-room gowning, document control, biopharmaceutical
manufacturing concepts, quality control systems, measurement and data
collection, troubleshooting, and report writing, among other
skills.
“Students will have the chance to learn face-to-face, ask questions, and practice skills hands-on with our industry professionals in our state-of-the-art laboratory setting over the 10-day boot camp,” said Kristen Riley, education & training coordinator at the institute.
“The PDI is
committed to enhancing and expanding the capacity and workforce development of
pharmaceutical and biotechnology firms by training them in our world-class
facility.”
The overall goal of the DLT-funded program is to help
fill a shortfall in skilled labor for life sciences firms around the state and
the region. The intensive training by the PDI’s and College of Pharmacy’s
experienced educators will provide the necessary skills and foundational
knowledge needed to gain access into entry-level jobs within the life sciences
industry.
“Rhode Island’s life sciences companies tell me a lack of trained talent is their number one challenge,” said Carol Malysz, RI Bio executive director.
“But what’s truly unique is the strategic partnership with
area life sciences companies and the amount of interest they have expressed in
hiring our graduates. Employers will gain a much-needed,
skilled workforce; graduates will learn sought-after skills and have
interview opportunities to land new, well-paying jobs; and both will lead to a
more sustainable workforce and expanded job growth in the
state.”
In addition to gaining marketable skills in
biotechnology, boot camp graduates will have an opportunity to participate in a
job fair with interested companies, including East Side Clinical Laboratory,
Brown Urology, Denison Pharmaceuticals, RISE/Thielsch Engineering, Cargill, and
others. Graduates will also have access to resumé writing and interview
preparation workshops to secure entry-level positions in biotech,
pharmaceutical and healthcare.
The boot camp comes on the heels of a $1.2 million federal grant the PDI received to strengthen teaching and training programs like the Biotech Boot Camp to increase innovation opportunities for biotechnology and biopharmaceutical ventures in Rhode Island.
U.S. Sen. Jack
Reed recently announced the grant and toured the PDI’s state-of-the-art
facilities, which include a 7,000 square-foot clean manufacturing lab, divided
into multiple process suites, and a 1,500 square-foot Analytical and Stability
Testing Laboratory.
The facility and equipment upgrades afforded by the grant
allow the Institute to strengthen its world-class teaching and training
capacity, and provide programs like the Biotech Boot Camp, according to Paul
Larrat, dean of the URI College of Pharmacy.
“Advanced training is critical for Rhode Island’s
contribution to the biotech corridor,” Larrat said. “This helps us prepare
workers for high-tech and high-paying jobs. It allows us to continue the
University’s and the College of Pharmacy’s efforts in pharmaceutical development and helps develop better therapies for the patients we all
ultimately serve.”