* Adesis
* BASF
* Chemours
* Incyte
* Prelude Therapeutics
Did You Know?
Delaware is home to The National Institute for Innovation in Manufacturing Biopharmaceuticals (NIIMBL). It offers The NIIMBL eXperience, an all-expenses-paid immersion program for students to gain real-world insight into biopharma industry careers. Learn more at niimbl.org/workforce/niimbl-experience.
Introduction
Delaware is known worldwide for its leadership in the chemical and biopharmaceutical sectors, where companies such as Adesis, Incyte and Prelude Therapeutics lead the way. In addition, the University of Delaware is counted among the country's top 3% of U.S. universities for research activity. Furthermore, Delaware's reputation as a hub for bioscience has attracted new employers such as WuXi STA and Merck in recent years. Both companies are set to create hundreds of jobs in the state.
As for technology, it underpins nearly all of Delaware's major growth sectors -- from financial services to biopharmaceuticals and professional services. And the barrier of entry for tech jobs may be lower than you think: Delaware organizations like Zip Code Wilmington, Tech Impact and Code Differently offer skills training at minimal cost and with high job placement rates.
Information Technology
The pace of technology innovation continues to accelerate, meaning the tech sector offers great career prospects. In addition, technology skills are in demand across many different industries, enabling job seekers to combine tech work with other interests and skills. Here's a closer look at some jobs in information technology that offer a good outlook in Delaware.
* Software Developers
* Information Security Analysts: These professionals plan, implement, upgrade or monitor security measures for the protection of computer networks and information. They assess system vulnerabilities for security risks and propose and implement risk mitigation strategies.
* Database Administrators: Database administrators administer, test and implement computer databases, applying knowledge of database management systems.
* Computer Systems Analysts: Computer systems analysts analyze data processing problems to develop and implement solutions.
* Network and Computer Systems Administrators: These professionals install, configure and maintain an organization's local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), data communications network, operating systems and physical and virtual servers.
* Web Developers
* Computer User Support Specialists: These specialists provide technical assistance to computer users. They answer questions or resolve computer problems for clients in person, via telephone or electronically.
Outlook and Pay
Sources: Delaware Department of Labor, onetonline.org
Salary data is national. Note that pay can vary considerably based on location, experience level and training. Note that the minimum education requirement is stated here and that some positions/employers may have different requirements.
Key: B = bachelor's degree, H = high school
Scientific Research
While scientific research -- whether in academia or with a private company -- often requires graduate study, there are positions, such as for technicians, where the barrier of entry is considerably lower. At the same time, positions in scientific research offer the satisfaction of making a difference, e.g. by developing new medicines for chronic diseases. Read on for some possible career paths.
* Materials Scientists: These researchers study the structures and chemical properties of various natural and synthetic or composite materials, including metals, alloys, rubber, ceramics, semiconductors, polymers and glass.
* Chemists: Chemists conduct chemical analyses or experiments in laboratories for quality or process control or to develop new products or knowledge.
* Biochemists and Biophysicists: These scientists study the chemical composition or physical principles of living cells and organisms, their electrical and mechanical energy, and related phenomena.
* Microbiologists: They investigate the growth, structure, development and other characteristics of microscopic organisms, such as bacteria, algae or fungi.
* Chemical Technicians: Chemical technicians conduct laboratory tests to help scientists analyze the properties of materials.
* Biological Technicians: They assist biological and medical scientists. They also set up, operate and maintain laboratory instruments and equipment, monitor experiments, collect data and samples, make observations, and calculate and record results.
Outlook and Pay
Sources: Delaware Department of Labor, onetonline.org
Salary data is national. Note that pay can vary considerably based on location, experience level and training. Note that the minimum education requirement is stated here and that some positions/employers may have different requirements.
Key: A = associate degree, B = bachelor's degree, P = PhD or professional degree
Where to Get the Skills
Vo-Tech Options
Many organizations in Delaware offer tech training at low or no cost, including:
* Code Differently (codedifferently.com)
* Tech Impact (techimpact.org)
* Zip Code Wilmington (zipcodewilmington.com)
Biomedical Science Pathway
This Pathway engages students in open-ended problem solving as they study concepts of human medicine, physiology, genetics, microbiology and public health. Learn more at delawarepathways.org/pathways/biomedical-science.
Also take a look at the courses offered by Delaware's three vocational-technical school districts:
* nccvotech.com/apps/pages/careerprograms (Adult Education: nccvtadulteducation.com, deskillscenter.org)
* polytechpanthers.com/apps/departments (Adult Education: polytechworks.com)
* sussexvt.org/course-catalog (Adult Education: sussexvt.org/adult-education)
College Options
Associate Degree in Biological Sciences at Delaware Technical Community College
The Biological Sciences degree provides a career path for students with an interest in science and how things work. It's designed for students who intend to transfer to a bachelor's degree program after graduation. Learn more at dtcc.edu/academics/programs-study/biological-sciences. DTCC also offers degrees in:
College of Agriculture, Science & Technology at Delaware State University
Delaware State's college devoted to science and tech provides a wide range of degree programs at all levels, including in biological sciences, chemistry, bioengineering and information technology. Learn more at cast.desu.edu.
College of Earth, Ocean & Environment at the University of Delaware
All of the University of Delaware's colleges are renowned for their academic research, but a particularly unique asset is this downstate college that studies the planet's natural systems. Learn more about degree programs at udel.edu/academics/colleges/ceoe.
STEM Programming at Wilmington University
Wilmington University offers more than 50 degree and certificate programs in diverse disciplines of science and technology that prepare students to innovate solutions to complex challenges. Options range from Artificial Intelligence & Cybersecurity to Biotechnology & Chemistry, and from Fintech & Data Analytics to Applied Mathematics & Forensics. Learn more at wilmu.edu/academics/science-technology-engineering-math.aspx.
New Initiative Offers Training, Financial Help for Life Science Careers
With major life science companies like WuXi STA and Merck relocating to Delaware and creating jobs here, hundreds of positions are set to open up in the years to come. To support the creation of qualified candidates for these jobs, the Delaware Bioscience Association has launched a new initiative: BioConnectDE.
The initiative's website, bioconnectde.org, allows job seekers to learn more about the life sciences and about training programs available for those interested in entering the sector.
The flagship program of BioConnectDE is the eight-week Biomanufacturing Training Program, which is open to individuals with a high school diploma or GED. It's designed to provide accessible training and hands-on experience, setting participants up for success in bioscience manufacturing roles. The training is free to accepted participants, the curriculum is informed by employer needs, and online and hybrid formats are available for convenience. Career coaching and job placement assistance are also available.
Stay up to date on upcoming class sessions at bioconnectde.org/biomanufacturing.
Another important part of the initiative is the Delaware STEM Talent Advancement and Retention (STAR) Fund, which offers up to $6,000 to help STEM graduates reduce their student debt. Learn more at bioconnectde.org/star-fund.