Best states for a laboratory technician

Expert opinions on the best states for laboratory technicians

• Are there any particularly good places in the United States for laboratory technicians to find work opportunities?

  Dr. Roger S. Greenwell, Jr.

  Associate Professor, Biology Department Co-Coordinator, Undergraduate Biotechnology Program, Worcester State University

  The United States is the world leader in biotechnology. Many biotechnology hubs are found throughout the country, with some of the largest regions being the northeast and the west coast.
  Consistently, the top two states for the biotechnology industries (based on # of positions per capita) are Massachusetts and California. The opportunities available range from positions in start-up companies to established, world-class biotechnology companies and research institutions.
  
  The reasons that these two states are the leaders in the industry is in part due to the academic institutions that develop new ideas, train and educate students for employment, and acquiring federal funding and other grants that support both the basic and applied research needed. This provides the brainpower and workforce needed for medical, industrial, and agricultural biotechnology. Additionally, there is significant state support for companies to come and establish in those states. There are also extensive collaborations between academia, industry, and non-profit organizations that also make these areas stand out for providing career opportunities to graduates interested in biotechnology.
  
  While large cities like Boston and Cambridge in Massachusetts, and San Diego, San Francisco, and Los Angeles in California have numerous opportunities, many companies are moving their research and production facilities to other locations due to the high costs associated with the spaces in those cities. In Massachusetts, companies are expanding to locations north of Boston and around the Worcester area.
  
  That said, I want to emphasize that there are also a large number of opportunities outside of these states. Cities with large or multiple academic institutions will have opportunities in campus research laboratories; often, there are also companies at or nearby those locations. No matter where you are located, you should focus on any networking opportunities (particularly with alumni) and career events held with various company and research lab representatives to get your foot in the door!