One of the major challenges for our region’s booming life sciences industry is finding enough qualified workers. On Thursday, June 3, the Universities at Shady Grove (USG) and the Maryland Tech Council (MTC) convened for an online panel discussion on “Bridging the Life Sciences Workforce Gap,” which examined the challenges and the opportunities for job candidates with the right skills in biological research, diagnostics and manufacturing.
Hosted by USG Executive Director Anne Khademian and moderated by MTC’s CEO, Martin Rosendale, the panel included Brian Stamper from Kite Pharma, Aaron Vernon of TCR2 Therapeutics Inc., and Molly McGlaughlin of Vigene Biosciences. The discussion focused on the vital importance of a workforce that is experienced with industry-standard Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and aseptic technique, as well as developing the soft skills that make good managers and leaders.
Attendees included industry professionals, business leaders, students, and university faculty, who had their questions answered by the panel.
All of the participants voiced hope and excitement that USG and its academic partners can work to meet the needs of the industry in the region.
“It’s hypercritical,” said Vernon. “We all realize that we’re in this together and we’re going to come out of this together.”
The replay of the discussion is available for viewing below.