Virginia will be home to a workforce training and education center preparing thousands of people each year for a career in the pharmaceutical industry.
The Virginia Center for Advanced Pharmaceutical Manufacturing is a collaboration between community colleges and higher education institutions to develop certifications and degrees to allow students to grow from a technician to associate, bachelor, master and Ph.D. programs.
The VCAPM will provide hands-on, simulated GMP training, demonstration, and education in drug substance and product development, serving as a hub for innovation, workforce development and advanced manufacturing. The center aims to position Virginia as a national leader in biopharma talent generation and commercialization.
AstraZeneca, Eli Lilly and Merck will commit a combined $120 million toward the center; each will contribute up to $40 million in investment, technical expertise and personnel to establish shared infrastructure while preserving independence and confidentiality.
The Memorandum of Understanding includes:
- Commonwealth of Virginia
- Virginia Innovation Partnership Corporation
- Hampton University
- James Madison University
- University of Virginia
- Virginia Commonwealth University
- Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
- Virginia Community College System
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The Virginia Center for APM will be a neutral, industry-led workforce training and education center network spanning the Richmond-Petersburg-Charlottesville Central Virginia region – a designated technology and innovation hub for advanced pharmaceutical manufacturing.
“Virginia is building a world-class training hub for advanced pharmaceutical manufacturing and AstraZeneca is proud to help power it,” said AstraZeneca Chief Executive Officer Pascal Soriot. “This partnership will unlock a diverse pipeline of highly skilled talent, strengthen U.S. supply chains and accelerate the delivery of innovative medicines to patients.
“By working with Virginia’s leading universities and community colleges, we’re creating clear pathways from classroom to career while also advancing health for patients across America.”
Pharma pay by role in US
- Pharmaceutical science professional: Average base salary of $191,800
- Pharmaceutical manufacturer: Average base salary of $52,383
- Pharmaceutical sales representative: Average yearly salary of $97,778, with a typical range of $47,207 to $202,523
- Median total pay for pharmaceutical jobs: $140,000 per year
- Director level (pharmaceutical sciences): Earn $200,000 or more
- Manager level (pharmaceutical sciences): Base salary typically maxes out at $140,000
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Crystal Graham
