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Building the Life Sciences Workforce of the Future

As the nation’s life sciences industry navigates a new era in workforce dynamics, one challenge continues to surface across industry, education, and policy conversations: workforce readiness.

While overall employment growth has slowed, new opportunities are emerging in key areas of the industry. From skilled technicians to advanced manufacturing specialists, the growing shift toward upskilling and technology-integrated roles is placing new demands on the systems that support the life sciences workforce—both now and in the years ahead.

To help address this challenge, the Life Sciences Workforce Collaborative (LSWC) is launching its inaugural Best Workforce Strategies Roundtable, aligning workforce experts and key stakeholders around practical workforce solutions.

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From National Policy to Workforce Action

The first roundtable, Building the Life Sciences Workforce of the Future, will take place on January 30 and bring together national policy leaders and workforce experts to explore how biomanufacturing policy translates into practice at the state, regional, and industry levels.

The session features Caitlin Frazer, Executive Director of the National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology (NSCEB), who will provide an overview of the Commission’s workforce recommendations, legislative developments and insights from NSCEB’s national roadshows, as well as what’s next for the Commission. 

Workforce Leaders on What Works

John Balchunas, Workforce Director at the National Institute for Innovation in Manufacturing Biopharmaceuticals (NIIMBL), and Linnea Fletcher, Executive Director at InnovATEBIO—two organizations highlighted in the NSCEB report—will then share best-in-class approaches shaping the future biomanufacturing workforce, highlighting how workforce systems can move from concept to implementation and ensure that talent pipelines align with real industry needs.

Why This Conversation Matters

While national policies and investments are setting the direction for the future of biomanufacturing, implementation ultimately happens at the local and regional levels.

States, industry associations, educators, and training providers are tasked with translating high-level recommendations into programs that work on the ground. LSWC’s Best Workforce Strategies Roundtable is designed to bridge this gap by offering a space for shared learning, coordination, and alignment across the workforce ecosystem.

By connecting national priorities with proven workforce practices, the Roundtable aims to support more resilient, responsive, and future-ready talent pipelines.

Join the Conversation

The LSWC Best Workforce Strategies Roundtable will take place on January 30, from 9:00–10:00 AM PT / 12:00–1:00 PM ET, and will be held virtually.

Industry associations, workforce leaders, educators, policymakers, and industry partners are encouraged to join the conversation and help shape the next chapter of the life sciences workforce.

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To learn more about the Life Sciences Workforce Collaborative and how your organization can engage, visit: www.LifeSciencesWorkforce.org

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Paige Durham

SCbio is pleased to welcome Paige Durham to the team as communications coordinator to creatively and effectively communicate the value of the life science association’s programs and initiatives.

Durham will be responsible for developing and distributing high-quality content across multiple communications channels to build, advance and grow South Carolina’s life sciences industry, a key business sector for economic prosperity for the Palmetto State.

“SCbio is excited to welcome Paige to our team as our new communications coordinator. Paige brings fresh ideas and a strong background in communications that will be invaluable as we continue to strengthen our engagement with our audience,” said SCbio President and CEO James Chappell. “We are confident that her skills and experience will be crucial in advancing our communication strategies and supporting our mission.”

Before joining SCbio, Durham was the Membership and Communications Manager at the South Carolina Pharmacy Association (SCPhA), where she used her photography, design and writing skills to create content tailored to pharmacy professionals. Durham’s effective communication skills guaranteed the delivery of brand-specific material that captured the eye of her audience.

During her time at SCPhA, Durham created and edited the Palmetto Pharmacist Journal, using her creative vision to showcase members, educational institutions and industry news. Her communications efforts successfully gained new followers for the organization over the course of a year, increasing brand visibility and promoting the pharmacy profession.

Durham holds a Bachelor of Science in hospitality and tourism management and a Bachelor of Science in business administration from the College of Charleston.

Tamia Sumpter

Tamia is a driven senior undergraduate Bioengineering student currently enrolled at Clemson University. With a strong foundation in her field, she has honed her skills through hands-on experience in research and development at Eli Lilly & Company. During her time in the ADME department, Tamia contributed significantly by working on siRNAs and their applications in finding In Vitro-In Vivo Correlation (IVIVC). Looking ahead, Tamia has set her sights on a promising career in law. She aspires to specialize in Intellectual Property Law, with a particular focus on serving as in-house counsel for leading medical device or pharmaceutical companies. Her enthusiasm for this role is palpable as she prepares to embark on her legal journey! She is also a proud member of the Omicron Phi chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., PEER Mentor for Clemson PEER/WiSE, and currently serves as the President of Clemson Bioengineering Organization (CBO). With her unique blend of scientific knowledge and legal interests, Tamia is poised to make a meaningful impact in the healthcare and life sciences industries.