The life sciences industry is fueled by exciting, cutting-edge science and technology.
However the task of translating new technologies and discoveries into cures, therapies, diagnostics, and medical devices is not straightforward. The realities of process and product development within this highly regulated business environment require that employees have industry-specific skills and expertise. As a result, life science industry professionals need to stay up to date and gain expertise in regulatory affairs, quality assurance, and project management, among many other industry-specific topics.
To better publicize biotechnology programs and timely industry-relevant courses, the California State University (CSU) has gathered information here about degree programs and courses offered at CSU campuses. We feature programs that pertain to current life sciences industry workforce needs, as reported by industry partners and associations.
We also post general items of interest related to life science careers on Facebook.
CSU Fullerton, CSU Los Angeles, Cal Poly Pomona and San Diego State University partnered to offer a new online (four course) certificate in Clinical Trials Project Management. The courses have been developed by regulatory and industry professionals to teach about managing product development for FDA approval.
San Diego State University and its partners on the BRIDGE program have a new website for students and professionals interested in biotechnology education and training.
San Jose State University, CSU Los Angeles and Cal Poly Pomona received federal Department of Labor support to increase the number of licensed CLS professionals in California. SJSU's Clinical Laboratory Sciences (CLS) program now incorporates a program for Clinical Genetic Molecular Biologist Scientists (CGMBS). CSU Los Angeles now offers both CLS and CGMBS programs, jointly with Cal Poly Pomona.
CSU Northridge is recruiting students for a Professional Science Masters degree program in Assistive Technology Engineering. Contact Jess Knepper (jesse.knepper@csun.edu) and visit the website.
(May 4, 2012) The 15th Annual FDA-OCRA Educational Conference will be June 6-7, 2012, at the Irvine Marriott. There are special rates for full-time regulatory affairs and quality assurance students! Register here.
(May 1, 2012) Howard Root writes about the workforce need for employees who can develop, manufacture and market medical devices, especially quality engineers.
(Feb. 27, 2012) The BioJobBlog features survey results about regulatory affairs careers and compensation, hosted by RAPS. Interesting read for those of you considering clinical trials management and regulatory affairs career paths.
(Feb. 3, 2012) SpencerStuart has a nice overview of Health IT workforce needs and drivers in their latest Life Sciences Monitor newsletter.
(Jan. 12, 2012) CSUPERB is happy to announce the winning team for the pilot CSUPERB-I2P Early-Stage Biotechnology Commercialization Challenge is CSU Sacramento. Congratulations to Jose Camacho, Rebecca Dalton, Neil Gee, and Michael Hebert!
(Nov. 15, 2011) Check out the Bioentrepreneur Blog at Nature. They are describing career paths and providing information about working in an early stage biotech companies as well!
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