
California Edges Out Massachusetts as Top Spot for Biotech R&D Jobs
California claimed the top spot for biotech R&D jobs, a title held by Massachusetts for more than a decade. According to research by the trade group MassBio, biotech research and development jobs in the Golden State rose to more than 39,000 last year, which was 3,300 more workers than in Massachusetts.
Both states’ friendly rivalry over biotech industry dominance underlies the strength, growth and role each play in the overall job sector growth. MassBio notes the sheer size of California’s population may have helped drive its growth edge.
South San Francisco-based trade group California Life Sciences Association notes its upcoming November report is expected to show that California is continuing to outpace other states’ life science-related economic growth.
MassBio’s report shows that California experienced a 15% increase in R&D workers from 2016 to 2017, as it slowly chipped away at the East Coast rival’s lead over the past decade. Meanwhile, biotech R&D jobs in Massachusetts grew 4% between 2016 and 2017. Since 2008, California R&D job numbers grew 84%.
* Pictured Genesis North and South Towers in South San Francisco
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