About Life Sciences Careers in North Carolina

Over two days, program participants learn essential technical skills, such as Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), aseptic and sterile gowning techniques, the importance of documentation, and the fundamentals of producing solid dose medicine.

With a strong support system, Rheanna Galyean’s journey—from a nervous first-generation college student to a confident full-time technician at one of the world’s leading pharmaceutical companies—is a testament to what happens when enthusiasm and curiosity meet opportunity.

At a recent NCBiotech Career Development Network event, Aileen Wilson, candidate experience manager at Pfizer, shared her firsthand perspective on what recruiters look for when reviewing resumes. In this article, you will find clear, actionable things you can do to improve your resume.

At the 2026 BioGrow event, attendees learned what it takes to get hired from both recent hires who launched their careers in biopharma manufacturing and from hiring managers. Key takeaways included the power of networking, persistence, and continuous learning.

Since its launch in 2012, NCBiotech’s Industrial Internship Program has bridged the gap between college life and full-time careers in the life sciences. To date, the program has awarded $1 million and created over 250 internship opportunities across more than 100 companies and organizations.

Bria Yates’ journey, from community college to Quality Control Specialist at Merck, was far from straightforward. Her story is a testament to self-discovery, resilience and resourcefulness. For Bria, working at Merck provides both professional growth and profound purpose. 

On Veterans Day, the North Carolina Biotechnology Center honors those who have served our nation and those who continue to serve in manufacturing life-saving medicines, vaccines, and bioproducts that improve lives around the world.

The Life Sciences Manufacturing Ambassador Program, part of the Accelerate NC Coalition’s grant-funded programs to promote awareness and enrollment in life sciences manufacturing careers, has surpassed its goal of training 250 ambassadors in 79 North Carolina counties.

Life sciences manufacturing spans many products, from the latest flu vaccine to innovative diagnostic tests or the production of household necessities such as sleep aids. Across North Carolina, 840 life sciences companies employ 75,000 people. And many of these companies are also actively hiring.

Secure salaries, the ability to grow and meaningful work are just a few reasons biopharma manufacturing companies are recruiting talented workers across North Carolina. While biopharma manufacturing may seem like a science-heavy field, employees are needed on a variety of levels. 

The life sciences sector in North Carolina is thriving. Established companies are growing, and global companies are choosing the state for additional facilities and offices to benefit from the state’s business-friendly climate, lower operating costs, and world-renowned training infrastructure. 

People take several avenues to find a job in the life sciences sector, from taking classes to connecting with a recruiter. One of the most effective strategies, though, is attending a career fair. They offer access to many companies in one location and enable connections with hiring managers.

North Carolina has 840 life sciences companies employing 75,000 people. This directory includes those companies and 2,500 support and related companies.

This LinkedIn group brings together life sciences job seekers, industry representatives, and educators to network and share career resources.

Our Career Center connects North Carolina's life sciences employers with highly skilled talent. Job seekers can apply for jobs and submit their resumes in the portal.

The Career Development Network helps job seekers learn important job search skills and meet other job seekers, recruiters, and company representatives.