Download Resource Guide for the Bioscience Industry

RESOURCE GUIDE
for the
BIOSCIENCE INDUSTRY
In Partnership With:
Published April 2011. Tech Collective. All Rights Reserved.
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Tech Collective is the Rhode Island Industry Association for Bioscience and
Information Technology. Our initiatives focus on raising industry awareness,
workforce development, and community building. In alignment with our
mission, we are pleased to provide the Staff at the netWORKri Career
Centers with this Bioscience Resource Guide to offer insight into Rhode
Island’s growing Bioscience industry as well as to assist you in meeting the
needs of employers and clients.
This document provides an industry overview, glossary of terms, salary
projections, and career information. It uses careful research and analysis
from reviews, reports, interviews, forums, dialog sessions, and surveys to
further identify and detail the opportunities and challenges of Rhode Island’s
Bioscience industry.
Tech Collective gratefully acknowledges the Governor’s Workforce Board of
Rhode Island and its Industry Partnership program for providing the
resources to make this publication possible.
www.rihric.com
www.tech-collective.org
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Table of Contents
Bioscience Industry Overview
7-8
Bioscience Industry Highlights
9
Bioscience Skill Sets
10
LMI Data & SOCs
11
Bioscience Occupations & Wages at the Entry Level
12
Bioscience Careers
13
Additional Information & Resources
14
Glossary of Bioscience Terms
15-21
Appendixes
I – Rhode Island Bioscience Industry Wage Map
23
II – Bioscience Education & Training Programs
24-25
III – Rhode Island Bioscience Employers
26-27
Executive Summary:
Report of the Rhode Island Bioscience Industry Skills Gap Task Force
28
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Bioscience Industry Overview
The Bioscience industry is one of the most earnestly growing sectors in both the Rhode
Island and national economies. According to the Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO),
the Rhode Island Bioscience industry currently employs nearly 5,000 people and generates
an estimated revenue of $526M (direct and “multiplier effect.”) As such, the Bioscience
industry and our ability to provide a high-quality workforce are vital to the prosperity of
Rhode Island’s people, industries, economy, and future.
Definition
For the purpose of consistency, the following definition has been selected from: Technology,
Talent and Capital: State Bioscience Initiatives 2008, a report published by BIO, the world’s
largest biotechnology organization: (Note: bullets not italicized below have been added by
Tech Collective.)
The biosciences are a diverse group of industries and activities with a common link—they
apply knowledge of the way in which plants, animals and humans function. The sector spans
different markets and includes manufacturing, services and research activities. By definition,
the biosciences are a unique industry cluster and are constantly changing to incorporate the
latest research and scientific discoveries. The bioscience industry sector is defined as
including the following four subsectors:



Agricultural Feedstock & Chemicals

Applies life science knowledge, biochemistry, and biotechnologies to the
processing of agriculture goods, production of organic and agricultural chemicals,
and production of biofuels.

Examples: fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, corn and soybean oil,
ethanol and biodiesel fuels, biodegradable materials synthesized from plantbased feedstock

Local Companies: Newport Biodiesel
Drugs & Pharmaceuticals

Produce commercial medicinal and diagnostic substances. Mostly large
multinational companies which do research and development and manufacturing.

Examples: vaccines, biopharmaceuticals, tissue and cell culture media,
dermatologic/topical treatments, diagnostic substances

Local Companies: Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Amgen, Rhodes Technologies
Medical Devices & Equipment

Produce biomedical instruments, healthcare products, and supplies for
diagnostics, surgery, patient care and laboratories.

Examples: bio-imaging equipment, surgical supplies and instruments, prosthetic
implants
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

Local Companies: Biomedical Structures, Davol/Bard, Isis Biopolymer, Neurotech
USA
Research, Testing & Medical Laboratories

Includes highly research-oriented companies developing new drug
discovery/delivery systems and gene/cell therapies; and service-oriented
companies that do medical and other life science testing services.

Examples: preclinical drug development, drug delivery systems, diagnostic
imaging and testing, stem cell/regenerative research, and research/laboratory
support services

Local Companies: Dominion Diagnostics, EpiVax, Inc.
Industry Fields
Due the specialized nature of the industry, within each of the four subsectors above are
additional areas of focus, or industry fields. For Rhode Island specifically, they include:

Biopharmaceutical Manufacturing

Biotextiles

Bioprocess Design and Assembly

Medical Device Design and Manufacturing

Diagnostics

Biomedical Research and Design
Within each of these industry fields, as with any other industry or business, are specific
occupations and roles, such as technical, manufacturing, administrative, or managerial.
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Bioscience Industry Highlights
The largest bioscience subsectors in Rhode Island include Drugs & Pharmaceuticals (1,884),
Medical Devices & Equipment (1,505) and Research, Testing and Medical Laboratories
(1,565). However, all of Rhode Island’s bioscience sectors play a prominent role in the state
economy:
The Bioscience industry is a major employer in Rhode Island: It employs nearly
5,000 people. The biomanufacturing sector is the largest sector in the state and is as large
as its shipbuilding industry. In Rhode Island, bioscience workers are well compensated at an
average salary of $64,785 annually, earning 67% more than the average state Private
Sector salary of $38,732 (BIO/Battelle Bioscience ’08.) When the Bioscience and Healthcare
industries are combined, Rhode Island is home to 1,400 life sciences businesses employing
more than 35,000 people (www.riedc.com). Nationwide, “professional and related
occupations [in the Biotechnology industry] account for 59 percent of all jobs,” according to
the US Department of Labor (USDOL).
The Bioscience industry is a significant driver of Rhode Island’s economy: The
sector is responsible for direct wages of at least $270M and potential “multiplier effect
wages” of an additional $256M. In total, this amounts to an annual impact of $526M.
Studies suggest that each job in the Bioscience industry is linked to the creation of three
additional jobs in the state economy. The similar is true for academic research funding. For
each $167,000 in research funding, one academic research position is generated.
In conjunction with creating jobs, the Bioscience industry brings in tens of millions of dollars
to Rhode Island in commercial sales and public research funds. Rhode Island institutions
have won over $60M from major infrastructure grants including COBRE, INBRE and EPSCoR
over the past five years. And the number of awards granted to Rhode Island from the
National Institutes for Health (NIH) grew 40% faster for the period 2000-2004 than awards
made to other states. NIH funding reached an all-time high of $130M in 2007.
Rhode Island’s Bioscience industry is diverse: It includes sectors such as:
biopharmaceutical manufacturing, biotextiles, bioprocess design and assembly, medical
device design and manufacturing, diagnostics, basic biomedical research and design and
bioinformatics.
The Bioscience industry is a significant contributor to the state budget: Employees
of the sector generate at least $16M in income and sales taxes.
Rhode Island’s Bioscience industry is among the fastest growing nationwide:
According to the Milken Institute, Rhode Island’s Health and Life Sciences industries are
projected to triple from 2004-2014. From 2001-2006, employment in Rhode Island’s Drugs
and Pharmaceuticals industry sector grew an astounding 258.9%, whereas it grew 4%
nationwide. Rhode Island’s Research, Testing and Medical Laboratories industry sector grew
21.3% versus 17.8% national growth. Total Private Sector growth for both Rhode Island
and the United States dwindle to just 3.1% for the same period (BIO/Battelle Bioscience
’08).
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Bioscience Skill Sets
Skill sets required to be successful in the Bioscience industry include not only
Technical/Professional Skills, but also Basic Knowledge and Soft Skills. As identified in the
Report of the Rhode Island Bioscience Industry Skills Gap Task Force, 84% of Rhode Island
bioscience employers report there is a skills gap in these areas:

12% of survey respondents reported that applicants for open positions do not have
the “basic knowledge” skills that are required. The most critical basic knowledge
skills identified were Biology, Math, Chemistry, Oral Communications, Computer
Skills, and Writing.

40% of respondents reported that applicants for open positions do not have the
“professional/technical” skills that are required. The most critical
professional/technical skills identified were Regulatory Compliance, Business, General
Process Operations, Maintenance/Facilities/Engineering, Process Development,
Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Technology, Instrumentation Control and Automation,
and Unit Operations.

25% of respondents reported that applicants for open positions do not have the
“soft skills” that are required. The most critical soft skills identified were Teamwork,
Critical Thinking/ Problem Solving, Communications (verbal and written), Self
Organization, Time Management, and Cultural Awareness.
While applicants for positions do have adequate basic skills, many lack the
technical/professional and soft skills needed to succeed in this very technically specific and
public-facing industry.
What Skills Are Required to Work in Your Company?
84% of responding employers report a skills gap does exist in RI’s Bioscience industry.
Professional / Technical Skills
40% of employers report applicants
have inadequate professional skills,
including:
Soft Skills
25% of employers report
applicants have inadequate soft
skills, including:
Basic Knowledge
12% of employers report
applicants have inadequate
basic knowledge skills,
including:
o
Regulatory Compliance
o
Teamwork
o
Business
o
Critical Thinking / Problem
Solving
o
Biology
o
Mathematics
o
Written & Verbal
Communications
o
Chemistry
o
Oral Communications
Automation and Unit Operations
o
Self-Organization
o
Computer Skills
Process Development
o
Time Management
o
Writing
Pharmaceutical Manufacturing
Technology
o
Cultural Awareness
o
Instrumentation Control
o
General Process Operations
o
Maintenance/Facilities/Engineering
o
o
o
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LMI Data & SOCs
An important note to consider when learning about the Bioscience industry, or looking at a
candidate’s qualifications to enter into the Bioscience industry (particularly as a transitioning
worker bringing with them an already established skill set), is that Labor Market Information
for this industry stretches across numerous Occupational Sectors. The Bioscience industry
does not have its own Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) and is therefore
integrated into several other, sometimes seemingly unrelated SOC categories.
Examples:

17-0000 – Architecture and Engineering Occupations

19-0000 – Life, Physical and Social Sciences Occupations

29-0000 – Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations

31-0000 – Healthcare Support Occupations

51-0000 – Production Occupations
Transitioning Workers
As seen on the previous Skill Sets page, the foundation of the biosciences rests on the both
basic STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) skills, including: biology,
chemistry, and mathematics, as well as soft skills, including: customer service, teamwork,
communication, and critical thinking skills. This is a benefit to transitioning workers entering
the Bioscience industry. With some specialized training, workers possessing skills
established in non-bioscience-related education and careers can be successfully transition
into the biosciences.
For a list of available training opportunities, see Appendix II: Bioscience Education &
Training Programs on pages 20-21 of this Resource Guide.
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Bioscience Occupations & Wages at the Entry Level
The Bioscience industry as a whole offers its workers a highly competitive salary
compensation. As reported previously, the average wage of a Rhode Island bioscience
worker is $64,785 annually versus the average wage of $38,732 for a Private Sector
worker.
Determining hourly wages for entry-level bioscience workers is difficult due to the LMI Data
numerous SOC categories that comprise the industry. However, below are examples of the
average entry-level wages of several occupations from Rhode Island LMI data related to
2007. The Occupational Categories have been created to assist in breaking down areas of
work within the industry.
Occupational
Category
Occupational Title
Entry Level
Hourly Wage
Entry Level
Annual Salary
Technical
Biological Scientist
$ 26.87
$ 55,890
Chemical Engineer
$ 28.75
$ 59,800
Life Scientists
$ 20.55
$ 42,744
Chemists
$ 22.50
$ 46,800
Chemical Equipment Operator
$ 16.87
$ 35,090
Chemical Technician
$ 13.39
$ 27,850
Level I Manufacturing Technician
$ 15.47
$ 32,178
Quality Assurance Technician
$ 17.26
$ 35,901
Financial Analyst
$ 23.23
$ 48,318
Database Administrator
$ 26.92
$ 55,994
Purchasing Agent
$ 21.99
$ 45,739
Training and Development Manager
$ 31.72
$ 65,978
General and Operations Manager
$ 35.30
$ 73,424
Chief Executives
$ 58.62
$ 121,930
Manufacturing
Administrative
Management
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Bioscience Careers
70% of employers report they see the bioscience industry and talent needs expanding in
Rhode Island in the next 3-5 years, this includes within their own companies.
Career Attractions

High Skill

Engaging

Impactful

High Wage

Diversity

Life-Saving

High Demand

Challenging

Rewarding
Biotechnology, Biomedical & Nanotechnology Career Tree
June 2007
Source: this information attained from Career Trees: Planting Seeds in Growth Industries, a publication by the
Workforce Development Council Snohomish County, 2007. (www.wdcsc.org).
Advanced Degree
(6-8 years)
$35,000 – 240,000 per year
Bachelor’s Degrees
(4 years)
$25,000 – 150,000 per year
Associate’s Degree
(2 years)
$21,000 – 64,000 per year
Short-Term or
On-the-Job Training
(2-12 months)
$18,000 - $40,000 per year
Agricultural Scientists
Animal Scientists
Biochemists
Bioinformatics
Analysts/Programmers
Bioinformatics Scientists
Biologists
Biostatisticians
Business Development
Research Analysts
Chemical Engineers
Chemists
Clinical Data Managers
Clinical Research Managers
Directors of Project
Management
Directors of Quality
Directors of Regulatory Affairs
Environmental Scientists
Food Scientists
Hematologists
Marine Biologists
Medical Directors
Medical Scientists
Microbiologists
Pharmacologists
Physicists
Quality Control/Assurance
Managers
Senior Regulation Specialists
Toxicologists
Validation Managers
Veterinarians
Vice Presidents of Business
Development or Marketing
Zoologists
Administrators
Biological Technologists
Biomedical Engineers
Clinical Research Associates
Computer Scientists
Documentation Senior
Associate Assistants
Electrical Engineers
Environmental Engineers
Facility Managers
Geneticists
Managers of Regulatory Affairs
Marketing Researchers
Medical/Technical Writers
Molecular Biologists
Natural Sciences Managers
Purchasing Agents/Buyers
Product Marketing Managers
Project Managers
Quality Control Analysts
Quality Assurance
Documentation Specialists
Quality Control/Assurance
Supervisors
Regulatory Affairs Analysts
Research Associates
Safety Engineers
Software Engineers
Validation Specialists
Agricultural Food and Science
Technicians
Animal Technicians
Aseptic Fill Technicians
Biotechnology Laboratory
Specialists/Science
Technicians
Chemical Technicians
Clinical Data Associates
Documentation Associate
Assistants
Environmental Engineering
Technicians
Facilities Technicians
Laboratory Assistants
Manufacturing Instrumentation/
Calibration Technicians
Manufacturing Technicians
Medical Device/Biomedical
Repairers
Process Technicians
Quality Assurance
Documentation
Coordinators/Associates
Quality Control Technicians
Veterinary Technologists &
Technicians
Glasswashers/Technicians
Material Handlers
Medical Equipment Preparers
Shippers/Receivers
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Additional Information & Resources
Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) – www.bio.org
Global bioscience industry organization: research, lobbying, and state of the industry
Governor’s Workforce Board of Rhode Island – www.rihric.org
Workforce investment board, collaborates with industry, academia, and government
New England Biotechnology Association (NEBA) – www.newenglandbiotech.org
New England regional industry association: industry support, lobbying, and overview
Medical Device Manufacturers Association (MDMA) – www.medicaldevices.org
National trade association: education, advocacy, and public policy
Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training – www.dlt.ri.gov
Statewide labor market and occupational information
Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation – www.riedc.com
Rhode Island-based business and economic development services
Slater Technology Fund – www.slaterfund.com
Provides support and seed stage capital to Rhode Island technology entrepreneurs
Tech Collective – www.tech-collective.org
Rhode Island Bioscience and Information Industry Association
US Department of Labor and Training – www.dol.gov
National labor market and occupational information
Reports and Publications
Battelle/BIO State Bioscience Initiatives 2010 http://bio.org/local/battelle2010/main.asp
State-by-state detailed look into the status and statistics of the bioscience industry
Guide to Biotechnology 2008 - http://bio.org/speeches/pubs/er/
Published by BIO, a comprehensive reference
Health Science Career Cluster Brochure –
www.careerclusters.org/resources/web/16ccall.php?action=brochures
Introduction to career opportunities and pathways in the health science industry
Report of the Rhode Island Bioscience Industry Skills Gap Task Force –
www.tech-collective.org
Research, analysis of, and recommendations for matching workforce skill sets with
Rhode Island bioscience employer needs
All BIO publications - http://bio.org/news/publications
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Glossary of Bioscience Terms
This glossary of terms has been compiled in with input from the Bioscience industry and
leading resources. It has been designed specifically for the staff of the netWORKri centers.
Its purpose is to provide a resource that explains or defines the words and fields most
commonly used in and associated with the Bioscience industry as well as to offer counselors
an increased bioscience knowledgebase they can refer to in reviewing employer work orders
and client resumes.
Sources:
AboutBioscience.org / North Carolina Association for Biomedical Research http://www.aboutbioscience.org/pd_whatisbioscience.html#C
BIO - http://www.bio.org/speeches/pubs/er/glossary_a.asp
_________________________________________________________
A
Antibiotic - Chemical substance formed as a metabolic byproduct in bacteria or fungi and
used to treat bacterial infections. Antibiotics can be produced naturally, using
microorganisms, or synthetically.
Autoimmune Disease - A disease in which the body produces antibodies against its own
tissues.
Autoimmunity - A condition in which the body mounts an immune response against one
of its own organs or tissues.
B
Biochemical - The product of a chemical reaction in a living organism.
Biochemistry - Biochemistry is the study of the substances found in living organisms and
the chemical reactions underlying life processes. Considered one of the molecular sciences,
biochemistry is a branch of both chemistry and biology. The main goal of biochemistry is to
understand the structure and behavior of biomolecules. These are the organic (carboncontaining) compounds that make up the various parts of the living cell and carry out the
chemical reactions that enable it to grow, maintain and reproduce itself and to use and
store energy.
Bioinformatics - The science of informatics as applied to biological research. Informatics
is the management and analysis of data using advanced computing techniques.
Bioinformatics is particularly important as an adjunct to genomics research, because of the
large amount of complex data this research generates.
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Biologic - A therapeutic or prophylactic derived from a living source (human, animal or
unicellular). Most biologics are complex mixtures that are not easily identified or
characterized, and many are manufactured using biotechnology. Biological products often
represent the cutting-edge of biomedical research and are sometimes the most effective
way to prevent or treat a disease.
Biomaterials - Biological molecules, such as proteins and complex sugars, used to make
medical devices, including structural elements used in reconstructive surgery.
Biomedical Engineering - Biomedical engineering is application of traditional
engineering principles and design procedures to analyze and solve problems in biology and
medicine. Biomedical engineers may be called upon in a wide range of capacities, including
designing instruments, devices and software; bringing together knowledge from many
technical sources to develop new procedures; and conducting research needed to solve
clinical problems.
Biophysics - Biophysics, also known as biological physics, is an interdisciplinary science
that applies the principles of physics and chemistry and the methods of mathematical
analysis and computer modeling to understand how the mechanisms of biological systems
work. It seeks to explain biological function in terms of the molecular structures and
properties of specific molecules.
Bioprocess - A process in which living cells, or components thereof, are used to produce a
desired product. Bioreactor Vessel used for bioprocessing.
Biotechnology - The use of biological processes to solve problems or make useful
products.
Botany - Botany is the scientific study of plants, or multicellular organisms, that carry on
photosynthesis. As a branch of biology, botany sometimes is referred to as plant science or
plant biology. Botany includes a wide range of scientific subdisciplines that study the
structure, growth, reproduction, metabolism, development, diseases, ecology and evolution
of plants.
C
Cell Biology - Cell biology is the academic discipline that studies the basic unit of living
things, cells. Cells are the smallest independently functioning unit in the structure of an
organism and usually consist of a nucleus surrounded by cytoplasm and enclosed by a
membrane. Cell biology examines, on microscopic and molecular levels, the physiological
properties, structure, organelles (such as nuclei and mitochondria), interactions, life cycle,
division and death of these basic units of organisms. Cell biology research extends to both
the great diversity of single-celled organisms, such as bacteria and the many specialized
cells in multicellular organisms, such as animals and plants.
Clinical Studies - Human studies that are designed to measure the efficacy of a new
drug or biologic. Clinical studies routinely involve the use of a control group of patients that
is given an inactive substance (placebo) that looks like the test product.
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Computational Biology - A subdiscipline within bioinformatics concerned with
computation-based research devoted to understanding basic biological processes.
Cyto - Referring to cell.
Cytogenetics - Study of the cell and its heredity-related components, especially
chromosomes.
D
Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) - The molecule that carries the genetic information for
most living systems. The DNA molecule consists of four bases (adenine, cytosine, guanine
and thymine) and a sugar-phosphate backbone, arranged in two connected strands to form
a double helix.
DNA Sequence - The order of nucleotide bases in the DNA molecule.
DNA Vaccines - Pieces of foreign DNA that are injected into an organism to trigger an
immune response.
Double Helix - A term often used to describe the configuration of the DNA molecule. The
helix consists of two spiraling strands of nucleotides (a sugar, phosphate and base) joined
crosswise by specific pairing of the bases.
Diagnostic - A product used for the diagnosis of disease or medical condition. Both
monoclonal antibodies and DNA probes are useful diagnostic products.
Drug Delivery - The process by which a formulated drug is administered to the patient.
Traditional routes have been oral or intravenous perfusion. New methods deliver through
the skin with a transdermal patch or across the nasal membrane with an aerosol spray.
E
Ecology - Ecology, or ecological science, is the branch of biology that studies the
relationship of plants and animals to their physical and biological environment. The physical
environment includes light and heat or solar radiation, moisture, wind, oxygen, carbon
dioxide, nutrients in soil, water and atmosphere. The biological environment includes
organisms of the same kind as well as other types of plants and animals.
Enzyme - A protein catalyst that facilitates specific chemical or metabolic reactions
necessary for cell growth and reproduction
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F
Food Science - Food science is a discipline concerned with all technical aspects of food,
beginning with harvesting or slaughtering and ending with cooking and consumption. It
integrates and applies knowledge within the disciplines of chemistry, engineering, biology,
and nutrition to preserve, process, package, and distribute foods that are nutritious,
wholesome, affordable, desirable and safe to eat.
Forensic Science - Forensic science is the application of a broad spectrum of sciences to
answer questions of interest to the legal system. Forensic science uses highly developed
technologies to uncover scientific evidence in a variety of fields. Forensic science is science
used in public, in a court or in the justice system; so any science, used for the purposes of
the law, is a forensic science.
Functional Genomics - A field of research that aims to understand what each gene
does, how it is regulated and how it interacts with other genes.
G
Gene - A segment of chromosome. Some genes direct the syntheses of proteins, while
others have regulatory functions. See also Operator gene; Structural gene; Suppressor
gene.
Gene Mapping - Determination of the relative locations of genes on a chromosome.
Gene Sequencing - Determination of the sequence of nucleotide bases in a strand of
DNA.
Genetic Code - The code by which genetic information in DNA is translated into biological
function. A set of three nucleotides (codons), the building blocks of DNA, signifies one
amino acid, the building blocks of proteins.
Genetics - Genetics is the study of the function and behavior of genes. Genes are the
basic units of heredity, biochemical instructions comprised of DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid)
found inside the cells of every organism, from bacteria to humans. An organism’s genes,
which reside in one or more chromosomes, determine its characteristics, or traits.
Genomics - The study of genes and their function. Recent advances in genomics are
bringing about a revolution in our understanding of the molecular mechanisms of disease,
including the complex interplay of genetic and environmental factors. Genomics is also
stimulating the discovery of breakthrough health-care products by revealing thousands of
new biological targets for the development of drugs and by giving scientists innovative ways
to design new drugs, vaccines and DNA diagnostics. Genomic-based therapeutics may
include "traditional" small chemical drugs, as well as protein drugs and gene therapy.
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I
Immune System - The combination of cells, biological substances (such as antibodies)
and cellular activities that work together to provide resistance to disease.
Immunology - Immunology is the study of the immune system, which is composed of a
complex network of cells, tissues and organs that employs an elaborate and sensitive
communications network. A variety of white blood cells and antibodies continuously are on
the look-out for pathogens, ready to spring into action by sending out chemical messages
through the bloodstream. Sometimes immune cells communicate by direct physical contact,
other times they do it by releasing chemical messengers.
Investigational New Drug Application (IND) - An application to begin studies of a
new drug or biologic on humans. The IND gives the plan for the study and contains
formulation, manufacturing and animal test result information.
M
Microbiology - Microbiology is the study of microorganisms (also known as microbes),
which are unicellular or cell-cluster organisms and infectious agents too small to be seen
with the naked eye. This includes eukaryotes (organisms with a nucleus), such as fungi and
protists, and prokaryotes (organisms without a nucleus), such as bacteria. Microorganisms
are extremely important in our everyday lives. Some are responsible for a significant
proportion of the diseases affecting not only humans, but also plants and animals, while
others are vitally important in the maintenance and modification of our environment. Still
others play an essential role in industry, where their unique properties have been harnessed
in the production of food, beverages and antibiotics.
Molecular Biology - Molecular biology is the study of the structure function, and
makeup of the molecular building blocks of life. It focuses on the interactions between the
various systems of a cell, including the interrelationship of DNA, RNA and protein synthesis
and how these interactions are regulated. The youngest of the biosciences, molecular
biology is closely interrelated with the fields of biochemistry, genetics and cell biology.
P
Pathogen - Disease-causing organism.
Peptide - Two or more amino acids joined by a linkage called a peptide bond.
Pharmacogenomics - The science that examines the inherited variations in genes that
dictate drug response and explores the ways these variations can be used to predict
whether a patient will have a good response to a drug, a bad response to a drug, or no
response at all.
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Pharmacogenetics - The study of inherited differences (variation) in drug metabolism
and response.
Preclinical Studies - Studies that test a drug on animals and in other nonhuman test
systems. Safety information from such studies is used to support an investigational new
drug application (IND).
Proteomics - Each cell produces thousands of proteins, each with a specific function. This
collection of proteins in a cell is known as the proteome, and, unlike the genome, which is
constant irrespective of cell type, the proteome varies from one cell type to the next. The
science of proteomics attempts to identify the protein profile of each cell type, assess
protein differences between healthy and diseased cells, and uncover not only each protein’s
specific function but also how it interacts with other proteins.
R
Rational Drug Design - Using the known three-dimensional structure of a molecule,
usually a protein, to design a drug molecule that will bind to it. Usually viewed as an
alternative to drug discovery through screening many molecules for biological activity.
Regeneration - Laboratory technique for forming a new plant from a clump of plant cells.
S
Systems Biology - A hypothesis-driven field of research that creates predictive
mathematical models of complex biological processes or organ systems.
T
Technology Transfer - The process of transferring discoveries made by basic research
institutions, such as universities and government laboratories, to the commercial sector for
development into useful products and services.
V
Vaccine - A preparation that contains an antigen, consisting of whole disease-causing
organisms (killed or weakened) or parts of such organisms, that is used to confer immunity
against the disease that the organisms cause. Vaccine preparations can be natural,
synthetic or derived by recombinant DNA technology.
Virology - Study of viruses.
Virus - A submicroscopic organism that contains genetic information but cannot reproduce
itself. To replicate, it must invade another cell and use parts of that cell’s reproductive
machinery.
20
X
Xenobiotics - Synthetic chemicals believed to be resistant to environmental degradation.
A branch of biotechnology called bioremediation is seeking to develop biological methods to
degrade such compounds.
Z
Zoology - Zoology (or animal science) is the branch of biology devoted to the study of
animal life. It covers areas ranging from the structure of organisms to the subcellular unit of
life. Some zoologists are interested in the biology of particular groups of animals. Others are
concerned with the structure and function of animal bodies. Still others study how new
animals are formed and how their characteristics are passed on from one generation to
another. Zoologists study the interactions of animals with one another and their
environments, as well as the significance of the behavior of animals.
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Appendix I –
Rhode Island Bioscience Industry Wage Map
Source: Technology, Talent and Capital: State Bioscience Initiatives 2008. Published by
Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) and Battelle Technology Partnership.
Bioscience Industry Base, 2006
Industry Subsector
Rhode Island
United States
2006
2001-6
Change
2006
2001-6
Change
3
40
-24.1%
49.70%
2,183
105,846
3.80%
-6.10%
Agricultural Feedstock & Chemicals
Establishments
Employment
Location Quotient
Direct-Effect Employment Multiplier
Total Employment Impact
Average Annual Wage
0.10
3.72
n.a.
11.22
149
$64,115
1,214,709
$67,870
Drugs & Pharmaceuticals
Establishments
Employment
Location Quotient
Direct-Effect Employment Multiplier
Total Employment Impact
Average Annual Wage
16
23.10%
2,654
1.90%
1,884
1.16
258.90%
317,149
n.a.
4.00%
5.84
11,001
9.92
2,880,242
$80,725
$86,892
Medical Devices & Equipment
Establishments
Employment
74
1,505
Location Quotient
Direct-Effect Employment Multiplier
Total Employment Impact
Average Annual Wage
-4.40%
-6.40%
15,215
422,993
0.97
2.47
n.a.
4.85
3,719
$46,037
1,980,128
$59,441
0.30%
-0.90%
Research, Testing, & Medical Laboratories
Establishments
Employment
Location Quotient
Direct-Effect Employment Multiplier
Total Employment Impact
Average Annual Wage
137
1,565
58.60%
21.30%
22,857
449,991
0.94
1.98
n.a.
3.25
3,093
$68,266
1,440,500
$71,284
32.70%
17.80%
Total Private Sector
Establishments
35,278
7.00%
8,575,730
10.20%
Employment
Average Annual Wage
417,704
$38,732
3.10%
113,463,842
$42,272
3.10%
Note: n.a. = metric is not applicable
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Appendix II –
Bioscience Education & Training Programs
Rhode Island boasts several comprehensive industry training programs for entry-level,
incumbent, and transitioning workers, and on levels ranging from one course to certificate
programs to bachelors and masters degrees. Below, education and training opportunities
available are broken out by certificate programs, undergraduate programs, graduate
programs, and incumbent worker training programs.
Certificate Programs
Community College of Rhode Island – Biotechnology Certificate – The Biotechnology
Certificate Program at CCRI offers hands on, competency-based instruction designed for
entry-level students and transitioning workers. This 18 credit certificate program provides
an overview of the field of biotechnology explores related scientific concepts and skills and
emphasizes hands-on training in industry techniques. The multidisciplinary program includes
coursework in chemistry, biology and engineering and technology departments and will
enable a highly motivated individual to acquire the knowledge and skills needed for a
smooth transition into the biotechnology workforce.
University of Rhode Island – Biotechnology Manufacturing Certificate – The
Biotechnology Manufacturing Certificate Program at URI is offered as the first year of a 1+ 3
year curriculum format. This first year involves two semesters of full time academic training
including: biology, chemistry, microbiology, issues in biotechnology, biotechnology
manufacturing methods, technical writing and a summer internship in the biotechnology
industry. Following their internship, students are encouraged to secure employment in the
biopharmaceutical manufacturing industry and continue an additional 3 years of academics
to complete a BS in Clinical Laboratory Sciences.
Undergraduate Programs
Brown University – The Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Physiology and
Biotechnology is a basic science department within Brown Medical School, and is a full
participant in the undergraduate-based Program in Biology within the Division of Biology
and Medicine at Brown University. The department supports graduate and postdoctoral
education by providing a highly interdisciplinary framework for individual and thematic
training programs within both classical and newly emerging areas in the biomedical
sciences.
Bryant University – Offers a Minor in Biotechnology.
Roger Williams University – Offers a Bachelors of Science Degree in Biology with a
Certificate in Biotechnology. The multidisciplinary scope of the program is designed to
combine a 40year Bachelors Degree with a practical certificate in Biotechnology that
graduates with critical/analytical skills in biotechnology.
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Appendix II –
Bioscience Education & Training Programs
University of Rhode Island – Offers Bachelor of Science Degrees in Clinical Laboratory
Sciences, Biotechnology, Microbiology and Plant Science (Agricultural Biotechnology).
Graduate Programs
Brown University – Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Physiology and Biotechnology
offers Masters of Science and Ph.D. Programs in Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology,
Artificial Organs, Biomedical Engineering and Biomaterials and Cellular Technology.
University of Rhode Island – Professional Science Masters (PSM) Degree Program in
Biotechnology; Masters Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science with specializations in either
Biotechnology or Cytopathology.
Incumbent Worker Training
Community College of Rhode Island – Courses from CCRI’s Biotechnology Certificate
Program are available to be taken by incumbent workers (technical and non-technical) from
area companies. Examples include Orientation to Biotechnology, Intro to Biotechnology
Laboratory Skills, Chemical Technology, Cell Biology for Technology and Intro to
Instrumentation.
Roger Williams University – Offers intensive short-term “boot camps” in biotechnology
intended for industry top officials, financial managers, executives, marketing professionals
and patent attorneys associated with the Biotechnology industry. The program is offered in
four modules that range from 1 – 5 days. An online program to earn a Certificate in
Biotechnology is pending.
Tech Collective – Rhode Island’s industry association for the Bioscience and Information
Technology industries. Provides workforce development and training activities and funding
resources for the Bioscience industry through a variety of state and federal grant initiatives.
University of Rhode Island/Providence Biotechnology Center – Through its
Biotechnology Training Initiative, the Center offers short course lectures and hands-on
workshops on the entire spectrum of critical unit operations used in upstream and
downstream processing. Programs are taught by experts from industry, research, private
practice and regulatory groups. These training programs are held in the Center’s new
biomanufacturing laboratory with the latest commercial equipment at the Feinstein
Providence Campus. They can also be customized and conducted for industry on-site at
their own facilities.
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Appendix III –
Rhode Island Bioscience Employers
Rhode Island may be small, but it has many diverse bioscience offerings. Below is a brief
sampling of the bioscience employers in the state, representing a variety of industry sectors
and focus, from biopharmaceuticals and clinical research to computational immunology and
biomedical textiles.
Alexion Pharmaceuticals - www.alxn.com - A global biopharmaceutical company that
combines groundbreaking science with a steadfast commitment to meeting the needs of
patients living with severe, life-threatening and often ultra-rare diseases.
Amgen - www.amgen.com - A leading human therapeutics company in the biotechnology
industry. For more than 25 years, the company has tapped the power of scientific discovery
and innovation to advance the practice of medicine.
Biomedical Structures - www.bmsri.com - Utilizes resorbable and non-resorbable fibers
to manufacture braids, knits, woven, or non-woven structures to meet various application
needs.
Cardiorobotics, Inc. - www.cardiorobotics.com - Develops advanced robotic technologies
for use in a wide range of applications, including: medical, industrial, military, and law
enforcement.
Collegium Pharmaceuticals - www.collegiumpharma.com - Focused on late-stage
development and commercialization of prescription pharmaceuticals for the treatment of
central nervous system ("CNS"), respiratory, and skin related disorders.
Concordia Medical - www.concordiamedical.com - Specializes in the development and
GMP manufacture of fiber based medical implants and scaffolds for regenerative medicine.
Davol / Bard, Inc. - www.davol.com - Specializes in comprehensive soft tissue
reconstruction, delivering trusted products and techniques for hernia repair, specialized
surgical procedures, fixation, and biologic implants.
Dominion Diagnostics - www.dominiondiagnostics.com - Provides comprehensive clinical
quantitative urine drug testing, medication monitoring, and support services nationwide.
Serving hundreds of clients in a variety of medical specialties.
EpiVax - www.epivax.com - Uses cutting edge bioinformatics and immunoinformatics tools
to improve the efficacy and safety of vaccines and biologic products; and to reengineer
therapeutic proteins and to design new vaccines for autoimmune diseases and infectious
diseases.
Genexion - www.genexion.com - A “full service” Clinical Research Organization that has
developed a high-performance, reliable and efficient services platform to support
challenging clinical development programs and trials.
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Appendix III –
Rhode Island Bioscience Employers
InCytu, Inc. - www.incytu.com - A therapeutic device engineering company developing
immunotherapeutic and tissue regeneration products to transform personalized medicine.
Isis Biopolymer - www.isisbiopolymer.com - A medical device company pioneering active
transdermal drug delivery (TDD) patches and systems to ensure reliable and effective drug
administration over an extended period of time.
Myomics - www.myomics.com - Uses tissue engineered muscle-based drug screening
technology to discover and develop new therapeutics for improving or attenuating muscle
function and disorders.
NABsys - www.nabsys.com - A life science company working at the intersection of physics,
biology, and computer science to revolutionize medicine through clinical-grade wholegenome DNA sequencing.
Neurotech USA - www.neurotechusa.com – A biotechnology company dedicated to the
development of sight-saving therapeutics for chronic retinal disease.
Polaris Medical Management - www.polarismedical.com - A Management Service
Organization providing independent physician practices with operational support and
expertise.
Rhodes Technologies and Rhodes Pharma - www.rhodestec.com - Offers a complete
range of active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) production capabilities, including process
development, synthesis, drying, and advanced micronization suites and dosage form
manufacturing suits.
Tedor Pharma - www.tedor.com - Provides high quality, innovative pharmaceutical drug
development, manufacturing and commercialization services.
Ximedica - www.ximedica.com - Provides integrated research, design, development,
regulatory and manufacturing services to leading medical device makers, consumer
healthcare companies, and healthcare providers.
27