Life Sciences, Biotech, Pharma

The life sciences industry—spanning biotech startups, global pharmaceutical companies, and medical device organizations—offers exciting opportunities for students from all academic backgrounds.

Whether you’re passionate about lab research or interested in business, finance, or strategy, this field offers many opportunities to innovate and make an impact on your community. Massachusetts’ life sciences sector is projected to grow 11.6% by 2029, adding over 16,000 new jobs.*

Examples of employers in the field:

Pharmaceuticals: Johnson & Johnson, Pfizer, Merck, Takeda, Novartis
Biotechnology: Moderna, Biogen, Wave Life Sciences, BioNTech, CRISPR Therapeutics
Medical Devices & Diagnostics: Abbott, Boston Scientific, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Medtronic
Life Sciences Consulting & Services: Trinity Life Sciences, Charles River Laboratories, Lumanity, ZS Associates

Finding Internships

Internships are a great way to explore your interests and gain hands-on experience. Consider joining a wet lab or dry lab during the academic year or summer. If you’re thinking about a PhD, early research experience is essential.

Beyond the lab, many companies offer internships in business, tech, and R&D. These roles typically open in late fall through early spring—just in time for our Biotech, Pharma & Healthcare Fair in January.

Finding Jobs

Graduates can pursue both research and non-research roles in the life sciences. Consider:

Leadership development or rotational programs – entry-level programs that allow employees to rotate through different areas of the organization, usually 1–2 years.
Entry-level research assistant or associate roles in biotech startups or big pharmaceutical companies
Positions in academic labs or research hospitals (e.g. clinical research assistant)
Life sciences consulting, which often has earlier recruiting timelines (i.e. summer, early fall)

Explore job boards like BioSpace and check Crimson Careers for postings. Networking is key—reach out to faculty, alumni, and peers to uncover opportunities.

Graduate and Professional Programs

While graduate school isn’t required for every role in life sciences, many organizations value advanced degrees for higher-level positions. Depending on your career goals, you might consider:

PhD programs in biology, chemistry, biomedical engineering, or related fields if you’re interested in academic research, drug discovery, or R&D leadership roles.
Master’s programs (e.g., MS in Biotechnology, Bioinformatics, or Regulatory Affairs) for specialized technical training and faster entry into industry roles.
MD or MD/PhD programs if you’re drawn to clinical research, translational medicine, or roles that bridge patient care and innovation.
MBA programs for careers in life sciences consulting, product management, venture capital, or corporate strategy. Many consulting firms actively recruit from MBA and other advanced degree programs.
JD programs for careers in intellectual property, regulatory law, or biotech patent strategy.

Talk with our advisors and your faculty mentors to explore which path aligns best with your interests. Faculty can also help connect you with alumni or colleagues in graduate programs across the country.