Why the Carolinas Are a Hotspot for Pharma Talent
North Carolina and South Carolina provide comprehensive educational opportunities and training infrastructure to develop skilled talent in the life sciences industry. Programs in high schools, community colleges, and universities encourage pharmaceutical careers in the Carolinas.
The rapid growth of biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and healthcare in North Carolina and South Carolina increases the need for a highly trained workforce to fill pharmaceutical jobs. Developing an academic program aligned with the pharmaceutical manufacturing industry’s needs prepares students for pharmaceutical careers in North Carolina and South Carolina. Courses focused on process optimization, quality, and compliance taught by industry experts, provide real-world knowledge to support pharmaceutical hiring in North Carolina and South Carolina.
North Carolina’s Biotechnology Center
The North Carolina Biotechnology Center collaborates with training partners to deliver talent for pharmaceutical jobs and other life sciences hiring needs:
- NCGrads2Work, part of the Accelerate NC initiative funded by a federal Build Back Better Regional Challenge grant, teaches Pitt County high school graduates the skills required for entry-level biomanufacturing jobs in Greenville and surrounding areas.
- Military Outreach and Veterans Engagement (MOVE) helps place transitioning service members, honorably discharged veterans, and military spouses into biomanufacturing training and internships potentially leading to pharmaceutical careers in North Carolina and South Carolina.
- Education, industry, and government collaborations increase workers’ financial stability and the state’s economy.
North Carolina’s Research Triangle Park
Research Triangle Park (RTP) is North America’s largest high-technology research and science park.
Founded in 1959, over 375 companies in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and other industries offer more than 60,000 jobs. Businesses in the park have produced groundbreaking innovations such as the antiretroviral drug AZT and 3D ultrasound.
RTP represents innovation and advancement from North Carolina’s three Tier 1 research universities: Duke University, North Carolina State University, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Nearby North Carolina Central University, also part of the Triangle, is home to the Biomanufacturing Research Institute and Technology Enterprise (BRITE), which helps meet the workforce needs of life science industries and clinical research sectors. Many graduates help fill pharmaceutical hiring in North Carolina and South Carolina.
South Carolina’s Newberry College
In response to the increasing demand for skilled professionals in South Carolina’s life sciences industry, the Ritedose Corporation, the largest contract development manufacturing and organization (CDMO) in the United States specializing in sterile blow-fill-seal (BFS) production of unit dose solutions for the ophthalmic and respiratory markets, partnered with Newberry College to launch a Pharmaceutical Manufacturing program. Combining both institutions’ strengths helps prepare students for pharmaceutical careers in the Carolinas.
North and South Carolina’s Pharma Landscape
North Carolina is a global leader in life sciences. The state ranks among the top US life sciences hubs because of its 75,000 highly skilled workers, 840+ life sciences companies, and 2,500 businesses supporting the life sciences industry.
North Carolina’s business-friendly climate
North Carolina’s business-friendly climate offers low operating costs and a favorable legal and regulatory environment, making the state an ideal place to build and expand a company:
- Competitive tax structure: North Carolina has a low corporate tax rate and tax incentives for job creation and investment.
- Energy availability and costs: The state offers competitive industrial electricity rates and robust electrical infrastructure.
- Ongoing state investments: Scientific education, workforce training, research, and technological innovation help North Carolina attract and grow life sciences companies that create high-paying jobs.
North Carolina’s business-focused awards
- Area Development rated North Carolina fourth in the Top States for Doing Business in 2024. Subcategories included first in Access to Qualified Labor and fifth in Overall Cost of Doing Business.
- CNBC ranked North Carolina the Top State for Business in 2023. Subcategories included first in Workforce, third in Economy, sixth in Technology and Innovation, and sixth in Access to Capital.
- Fierce Biotech ranked Research Triangle Park the fourth-leading hub in US biotechnology activity in 2022.
South Carolina is a top destination for the life sciences industry. The skilled and innovative workforce, top research institutions, world-class hospital systems, and ongoing expansions of leading biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies contribute to the growing biotech infrastructure.
South Carolina’s life sciences industry
South Carolina is strong in life sciences manufacturing. The 2023 statistics include:
- $25.7 billion was the annual economic impact of South Carolina’s life sciences industry
- $958 million was earned fromexport sales of medical instruments and pharmaceutical products
- 1,033 life sciences companies operated in the state
- 6,124 new life sciences jobs were announced from 2017-2023
- 87,773 South Carolinians were employed in the life sciences sector
Diverse companies contribute to South Carolina’s cutting-edge life science industry:
- Bulk manufacturers
- Chemical processors
- Generic and proprietary pharmaceutical developers
- Hygiene product producers and packagers
South Carolina’s business-friendly climate
CNBC ranked South Carolina as the second-best place for doing business in 2024. Subcategories include first in Business Incentives, first in Cooperative and Responsive State or Local Government, first in Favorable Regulatory Environment, and sixth in Cost of Business:
- The LocateSC program performs due diligence to ensure businesses can quickly find ready-to-develop sites.
- Performance-based tax incentives reward companies for job creation and investment.
- South Carolina’s Coordinating Council for Economic Development streamlines business processes and provides government support.
- The Rapid Response program offers a comprehensive online portal to simplify business application processes, prioritize permit approvals for high-impact projects, and increase efficiency and cost-effectiveness in regulatory compliance.
- South Carolina offers competitive industrial electricity rates and robust infrastructure.
South Carolina’s tax incentives for life sciences manufacturers
South Carolina offers performance-based tax incentives to reward companies for job creation and investment and maximize return on investment. The statutory tax incentives include:
- No state property tax
- No inventory tax
- No sales tax on manufacturing machinery, industrial power, or materials for finished products
- A favorable corporate income tax structure
- No local income tax
South Carolina offers strong tax incentives to encourage research, development, and growth in the life sciences industry. Pharmaceutical companies, biomedical manufacturing companies, and medical device manufacturers benefit from the state’s pro-business policies:
- Diverse methods to potentially eliminate corporate income taxes
- Sales tax exemptions reducing startup and operating costs
- Customized property tax incentives to meet a company’s needs
- State discretionary incentives to meet specific needs
- Grants and incentives to support business investments
- Workforce development programs involving tax credits
In-Demand Roles
Pharmaceutical hiring in North Carolina and South Carolina faces growing demand for the following roles:
- Clinical Research Associate: A clinical research associate oversees clinical trials to test new medical treatments and ensure compliance with regulatory standards and patient safety. Companies face challenges finding candidates with technical expertise and practical experience.
- Bioinformatics Scientist: A bioinformatics scientist develops and applies computational tools to analyze biological data essential in genomics and personalized medicine. The interdisciplinary nature increases the challenge of finding candidates experienced in biology and computer science. Rapid technological advancements require continuous skill development.
- Medical Science Liaison: A medical science liaison connects pharmaceutical companies with the medical community by sharing information about products and research.The specialized nature means candidates must possess scientific expertise and exceptional communication skills.
- Biomedical Engineer: A biomedical engineer designs and develops medical devices and equipment.The stringent regulatory environment and high cost of research require the right fit.
- Genetic Counselor: A genetic counselor assesses individual or family risk for inherited conditions, such as genetic disorders and birth defects. The specialized field and extensive educational requirements increase the challenge of finding qualified candidates.
- Quality Assurance Specialist: A quality assurance specialist ensures products meet regulatory and company standards for safety and quality. Thoroughly understanding complex, evolving regulations increases the difficulty of finding qualified candidates.
- Pharmaceutical Scientist: A pharmaceutical scientist helps discover, develop, and test new drugs and therapies. The competitive industry increases the difficulty of attracting top talent.
What’s Driving Growth
North Carolina’s location, skilled workforce, business-friendly environment, and economic strength make it appealing to life sciences companies. The state’s educated workforce, diverse research and development facilities, and modest cost of living contribute to its desirable business environment:
- NC Biotech provides grants for university research, supports loans for startups, and invests in economic development. These investments support extensive biomanufacturing education and training facilities and help develop the latest research and therapies.
- Research Triangle Park includes over 170 life science companies, 39,000 full-time employees, and 10,000 contract workers. The park is home to the Biomanufacturing Research Institute & Technology Enterprise Center for Excellence, ranking North Carolina among the top three US hubs for bioscience employment and a world leader in vaccine research and manufacturing.
South Carolina’s ongoing investments in leading biotech and pharma companies make it a top destination for the life sciences industry. The innovative workforce, research institutions, and world-class hospital systems support a competitive biotech infrastructure:
- The University of South Carolina, Clemson University, and the Medical University of South Carolina are home to state-of-the-art research and development centers essential to manufacturing biotech and pharmaceutical products. Students access the best courses and facilities in the country, generating a strong talent pool to fill pharmaceutical jobs and other hiring needs.
- The South Carolina Biotechnology Industry Organization (SCBIO) leads state-wide economic development initiatives to attract life sciences companies. The organization also strengthens the life science ecosystem, helping established organizations collaborate and grow. Plus, SCBIO partnered with the South Carolina Hospital Association and several large health systems to improve the state’s overall health outlook.
Future Outlook
As both states continue becoming national leaders in the life sciences industry, pharmaceutical careers in North Carolina and South Carolina will grow in popularity. The hundreds of companies and thousands of employees contribute billions to the states’ economies.
The following trends are shaping pharmaceutical careers in the Carolinas:
- Geographic company expansion: Counties experiencing biopharmaceutical manufacturing growth offer job creation and economic development.
- Surging workforce demands: Investments from major companies add billions of dollars in facilities and create thousands of jobs.
- Expanding entry-level job market: Recent graduates can secure pharmaceutical jobs offering competitive pay and advancement opportunities.
- Growing salaries: Incomes for specialized roles like biostatistics, cell and gene therapy, and process engineering are high to attract top talent.
- Prioritizing diversity, equity, and inclusion: Emphasizing DEI strengthens innovation.
- Increasing workforce training: Community college and university life sciences programs equip students with the knowledge and skills required to pursue pharmaceutical careers in North Carolina and South Carolina.
Partner with a Scientific Recruitment Firm
Whether you are a pharmaceutical company seeking top talent or a skilled professional looking for your next job opportunity, make Element Staffing your trusted partner. Contact us to discuss your hiring needs or visit our job board to apply for a role today.
