Some key statistics:
- The state is home to more than 500 biotechnology companies employing more than 226,823 people, making North Carolina the country's third-ranked state for biotechnology in terms of employment.
- North Carolina ranks No. 1 in contract research organizations (CROs) in the US, plus:
- No. 2 in agricultural biotechnology research, No. 3 in biomanufacturing, and No. 3 in pharmaceutical manufacturing
A decades-long tradition of policies and infrastructure favoring agriculture. Two major land-grant institutions featuring colleges of agriculture and veterinary science. The presence of the Research Triangle Park and its neighboring trio of research universities. These are just a few reasons why biotechnology and agriscience employers have chosen–or will choose–to lay down roots in North Carolina.
In addition:
- In 1986, North Carolina became the first state in the country with a state-supported nonprofit dedicated to growing and supporting the biotech industry with the establishment of the North Carolina Biotechnology Center in Research Triangle Park.
- Agriculture–including food, fiber and forestry– is still the No. 1 industry in North Carolina, contributing approximately $70 billion to the state's economy and employing 700,000 people in 2007, the last year for which figures were available.
- North Carolina is home to the Golden LEAF Biomanufacturing, Training and Education Center (BTEC) at NC State University, a unique public-private venture that provides training and skills development for people aspiring to biomanufacturing process positions.
A win-win for students and employers
Companies in these industries–and auxiliary businesses that support them–need scientifically and technically literate employees. In some cases, they require specialized vocational training, while in others they need engineers and scientists with bachelor's degrees or higher.
Then there are young people, who need secure, well-paying jobs that will reward their interests and skills. That's where North Carolina's network of STEM schools with a focus on biotechnology and agriscience come in. These schools are dedicated to preparing hundreds of young North Carolinians for successful lives that in many cases will include careers in biotechnology and agriscience.
Career opportunities in biotechnology and agriscience
Students who love biology, want to help people or animals, are good at solving problems, enjoy the laboratory, and like being in nature or getting their hands dirty might be a good fit for jobs in these industries. Job categories in biotechnology and agriscience include engineers, maintenance and instrumentation technicians, programmers, lab technicians, physicians and veterinarians, research scientists, industrial designers, extension agents, and farming and forestry consultants. Almost all jobs in these areas require post-secondary degrees or training, and some–such as scientists, engineers, physicians and veterinarians–require a four-year degree or higher.
Student resources for biotechnology and agriscience careers:
- Biotechnology Institute: Helpful career information and education/scholarship resources
- Agricultural Research Service: Comprehensive career information/opportunities from the U.S. Department of Agriculture
- NC Biotechnology Center: Guide to biotech careers and education pathways with a North Carolina emphasis.
- NC State University: Information on agricultural careers and opportunities offered by the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at NC State University.
Opportunities and resources for companies in these industries
STEM schools in the biotechnology and agriscience network need input from companies in these industries in order to design cutting-edge curricula and create engaging and relevant learning opportunities.
In addition to serving on one of the Industry Innovation Councils , company executives can contribute to the success of STEM schools by offering student internships and teacher externships; providing job shadowing opportunities; and contributing real-world problems for students to tackle in class.
Considering locating in North Carolina or new to the state? Here are some helpful resources related to biotechnology and agriscience:
- Agribusiness Center: Resources and outreach activities sponsored by the Lois Britt Agribusiness Center at Mount Olive College.
- NC Biosciences Organization: The website of the trade association for bioscience R&D and manufacturing companies.
- Thrive in North Carolina: Industry-specific resources and statistics from the North Carolina Department of Commerce.
- NC Biotechnology Center: The website of the North Carolina Biotechnology Center.
- NC State University: Extension and research news/resources, courtesy of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at NC State University.
- NC Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services: Statistics and services, courtesy of the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
As the best teachers know–and as the North Carolina New Schools puts into practice–students learn best when they can apply classroom knowledge. For teachers looking to inject more relevance into their science and math curricula or pursue professional development options, the biotechnology and agriscience fields are ripe with opportunity:
- NC Agriculture: Curriculum and activity guides related to agriculture.
- The Science House and NC Museum of Natural Sciences: Modules and curriculum support for instruction in the natural sciences.
- NC Biotechnology Center: Training and continuing education opportunities for science teachers.
- Teach Ag: Lesson plans from the National Association of Agriculture Educators.
Current and soon-to-open STEM high schools in North Carolina with a biotech and agriscience focus:
- Atkins School of Biotechnology
- Bertie STEM High School
- Brunswick County Early College High School
- North Carolina Research Campus Academy of Biotechnology and Agriscience (in planning)
- Northeast Regional School of Biotechnology and Agriscience (in planning)
