Following the Biotech Boom: Emmanuel's Approach

Boston isn't just Emmanuel's location - it's an extension of the classroom. As Boston's workforce evolves, Emmanuel's coursework and curriculum evolves with it, so that Saints graduate prepared to enter their field with the confidence to contribute on day one.

Biotechnology in Boston: Meeting New Demands

Massachusetts is home to more than 1,700 life science companies (MassBio, 2025), with major concentrations in Boston and nearby Cambridge. This ecosystem spans innovative startups developing targeted molecular medicines and global pharmaceutical firms such as Takeda and Sanofi, as well as clinical research organizations, biotech manufacturing facilities, and supporting sectors like regulatory affairs and medical diagnostics.

This concentration creates a competitive entry-level job market where employers need graduates who can contribute immediately, not simply follow protocols, but understand why lab processes work, adapt methods, and troubleshoot effectively.

Day-One Ready: The Entry-Level Market

An analysis of entry-level biotech job postings on Indeed.com in the Boston area (January 2026) shows that common first roles include Research Associate/Research Assistant, Lab Technician, Quality Assurance (QA) Associate, and Clinical Trials Assistant. Starting salaries in Boston typically range from $51,000 to $86,000 annually, higher than the national average of $48,000–$52,000 (PayScale; ZipRecruiter).

Across these roles, employers consistently seek candidates with both technical and professional skills.

  • Basic lab techniques (pipetting, sterile handling)
  • Standard assays (PCR, ELISA, gel electrophoresis)
  • Cell culture support
  • Lab documentation systems
  • Attention to detail and accuracy
  • Ability to follow SOPs and safety protocols
  • Communication and teamwork in lab settings
  • Data reporting and organization
“We want our students to be well-rounded and experience a lot of techniques, but also go into depth on some of them. We want them to understand the nuance and depth, rather than just following the kit instructions."

- Project CERTI Program Coordinator, Dr. Anna Payne-Tobin Jost

Emmanuel's Answer

Launched in Fall 2022, Emmanuel’s biotechnology major reflects the evolving demands of Boston’s life sciences economy. Project CERTI (Certified Employment Ready Training Initiative) provides hands-on training in industry-standard lab techniques while emphasizing iteration, reflection, and mentorship. 

This structure mirrors professional research environments and prepares students to contribute in the workforce from day one. 

The approach is especially timely given projections from the 2023 MassBioEd Life Sciences Employment Outlook, which anticipate a significant talent shortage in Massachusetts over the next five years.

Upon completing Project CERTI, students earn certification in industry-vetted skills and instrumentation. But it is the intangibles that distinguish Emmanuel graduates.

Learn more about Project CERTI here.

“

The program is huge for students' confidence. Explaining to a recruiter how they did an experiment is great, but being able to explain the significance of that small-scale sample, and how it broadly affects humanity, society or a specific institution is a whole step further: that's what Emmanuel graduates bring to the table."

Dr. Pádraig Deighan, Dean of the School of Science & Health

Real Experience, Real Connections

Every Emmanuel biotech student completes a required internship across Boston’s ecosystem. Recent internship locations include:

  • Industry: Sanofi, Novartis, Merck, Editas Medicine, Stealth BioTherapeutics, Manus Bio
  • Clinical Research: Dana-Farber, Brigham and Women’s, Massachusetts General Hospital
  • Academic Research: Harvard Medical School, MIT’s Broad Institute

Students work with the McCafferty Career Center for career counseling, resume review, and personal branding guidance. Its Industry Recruitment Series connects students directly with employers such as Boston Children’s Hospital and the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center. Faculty also advise students on how to identify and pursue opportunities within their discipline.

The Emmanuel Advantage

The result is a program that prepares students to enter Boston’s biotech workforce with confidence. Emmanuel graduates leave certified, connected, and confident to meet the region’s demand for skilled biotech professionals.