Biotech & Life Sciences

The life sciences encompasses a broad spectrum of industries that cross each other's paths—from bioinformatics, biotechnology, health care, genome sciences, and chemistry, to manufacturing, nanotechnology, engineering, and physics.

In 2005, the WDC partnered with the Puget Sound Regional Council, Prosperity Partnership, and the Washington Biotechnology and Biomedical Association to bring together a panel of 30 leaders in the life sciences industry, the education system, employers, local government and economic and workforce development.

• Just updated for 2010! Map a career in the life sciences with this diagram showing occupations, wages and training required. (see all pathways in Map Your Career)
• Read Washington State High Demand Jobs in Life Sciences,a brochure developed by the WDC for students and others.
• For more information on Life Sciences sector efforts and careers, see below.

Life Sciences Sector Organizations and Resources

• WASHINGTON BIOTECHNOLOGY & BIOMEDICAL ASSOCIATION
  The WBBA is a not-for-profit association of Washington state biotechnology and biomedical companies, research firms and related organizations. The biotechnology organizations use living organisms and biological research to develop medical, environmental and agricultural products. Biomedical firms develop and manufacture diagnostic and electronic devices or components for use by medical researchers and health care providers.
• CAREER TREE
  This helpful chart developed by WorkSource Snohomish County shows occupations and educational requirements for biotechnology, biomedical, and nanotechnology careers.
  
• GLOBAL HEALTH COUNCIL CAREER NETWORK
  Jobs are posted on this site by non-governmental and governmental organizations, academic institutions, foundations, and private corporations. Consultancies, internships and volunteer opportunities are also posted here.
• SCIENCE CAREERS
  This site offers career resources, job forums and links to search for jobs around the globe.
  
• HEALTH PROFESSIONS INFORMATION
  This American Medical Association page offers information on dozens of health professions from the AMA's annual Health Professions Career and Education Directory.
  
• WHERE ARE YOU GOING? CAREER GUIDE This guide to choosing and charting any career is published every two years by the Washington State Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board.