Launch Your Career in Biotech
A Pathmaker certified training program prepares you for high-demand jobs in the life sciences
Jumpstart Your Career in Biotech
Enroll in our Pathmaker-certified training program and gain the skills needed for high-demand roles in the life sciences.
Fully-funded training for the duration of program
Start as soon as December
Open to individuals without a science background
Living expense stipend available
How it works
This is a free training program for individuals who already have a high school degree or equivalent, and who are looking to receive training and develop some basic skills to enter the Biotech arena. No other previous experience is required.
Massachusetts is home to some of the most innovative life sciences businesses in the world. The demand for skilled individuals to work in this field continues to grow with talent increasingly harder to find.
This new program is a certified MLSC Pathmaker program, designed to expand training programs that address critical skills and talent supply gaps facing the state’s life science industry. It gives individuals, particularly those from historically underrepresented communities, the opportunity to gain critical hands-on training necessary to pursue careers in this exciting field.
You don’t need a background in science to join this exciting training program. If you have a genuine interest in the biotech field and can demonstrate transferable skills—such as attention to detail and a commitment to safety protocols, often gained in industries like food services, manufacturing, or healthcare—you could be an ideal candidate.
Experience in science isn’t required; what matters most is your passion for the field and the relevant skills you bring.
Four Cohorts of Classes
Cohort 1: Course 1C
Lab Skills
December 1, 2025 – February 6, 2026
This program offers a comprehensive introduction to laboratory practices, covering essential skills like safety protocols, quality systems, and hands-on techniques such as pipetting, chromatography, and aseptic procedures. It prepares students for careers in both small molecule laboratories focused on chemical synthesis and analysis, and large molecule laboratories dealing with complex macromolecules like proteins and polymers.
This 8-week program consists of two in-person classes per week and one remote class per week.
Location: Northeastern University’s Biopharmaceutical Analysis Training Laboratory (BATL) in Burlington
Remote: Wed, 9am – 1pm
In-Person: Tues and Thurs, 9am – 1pm
No class December 22, 2025 – January 2, 2026
Cohort 2: Course 1B
Biomanufacturing of Cell and Gene Therapies
February 17 – April 9, 2026
This program offers students holistic exposure to the scientific concepts underlying Cell and Gene Therapy within the biotechnology industry. Students will develop a thorough understanding of how these cutting-edge therapeutic approaches are utilized to treat and potentially cure human diseases, while also learning about the profound impact these treatments have on patients’ lives and overall healthcare outcomes.
This 8-week program consists of two in-person classes per week and one remote class per week.
Location: Northeastern University’s Biopharmaceutical Analysis Training Laboratory (BATL) in Burlington
Remote: Wed, 9am – 1pm
In-Person: Tues and Thurs, 9am – 1pm
Cohort 3: Course 1A
Biomanufacturing Technician
May 18 – July 10, 2026
This course provides students with a broad-based introduction to biotech industry essentials, including cGMP principles, FDA regulations, safety protocols, and hands-on training in clean room operations, cell culture, bioreactor monitoring, and biomanufacturing processes. It is designed for learners seeking entry-level positions in biopharmaceutical production, such as Upstream BMT, Downstream BMT, Media Prep Technician, and Buffer Prep Technician roles.
This 8-week program consists of two in-person classes per week and one remote class per week.
Location: Northeastern University’s Biopharmaceutical Analysis Training Laboratory (BATL) in Burlington
Remote: Wed, 9am – 1pm
In-Person: Tues and Thurs, 9am – 1pm
Cohort 4: Course 2A
CMC Specialist
May 18 – July 10, 2026
This course is designed for aspiring Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Control (CMC) specialists who need to understand the critical intersection between pharmaceutical development, manufacturing, and regulatory requirements.
This intensive 8-week training program consists of three 4-hour virtual sessions per week, combining didactic lectures, interactive case studies, and hands-on non-laboratory experiences to build practical skills and regulatory knowledge.
Location: Zoom
Remote: Mon, Wed, Fri 4pm – 8pm