Putting Lab Skills to Work in Biotech Jobs

Biotech Outcomes 2007-2010 181 enrolled in training 152 completed training 95 were placed in biotech jobs

Biotechnology is a major area of job growth as well as public and private investment—and New York City, with its wealth of academic health centers and medical research institutions, is poised to become a major biotech center.

To build biotechnology in New York City, the State University of New York Downstate (SUNY Downstate) and Hunter College developed a training program with support from the New York City Sectors Initiative. The New York City Bioscience and Biotechnician Program Workshop, an intensive, one-month program held at Hunter College, trains upper-level bachelor’s and master’s degree students for biotech jobs.

The goal is to provide a pool of skilled workers for current employers and attract biotech companies to New York City. Faculty at Hunter and SUNY Downstate are committed to building New York’s biotech industry and have raised millions of dollars towards this effort.

Students in the Workshop learn basic laboratory and research techniques and perform experiments—all skills that prepare them to work in the industry. Faculty from both institutions present the latest and most relevant biotechnical discoveries and practices, lecturing on molecular biology, DNA, RNA, cloning, and other important topics. Upon successful completion of the program, students qualify for placement in a biotech internship and receive assistance in finding employment.