Biotechnology Career Accelerator Program
FAST-TRACK YOUR CAREER IN BIOTECH!
The Biotechnology Career Accelerator Program is a 10-week, intensive training designed for individuals with strong English, math, and digital literacy skills who are ready to enter sustainable careers in lab support and biomanufacturing.
The program builds on Just A Start’s 30+ years of success in biotechnology training while introducing a condensed, advanced curriculum tailored to meet industry demands. Our state-of-the-art lab, funded by two Massachusetts Life Sciences Center grants, allows trainees to gain hands-on experience using industry-standard equipment.
Hands-on training. Industry connections.
A career that makes an impact.
Hands-on lab experience
Trainees receive 10+ hours per week of hands-on training in our state-of-the-art Bio Lab, working with industry-standard equipment.
Career
preparation
The program includes 3+ hours per week of career development, covering job readiness skills such as resume writing, interview techniques, and workplace communication.
Industry
exposure
Trainees gain valuable insight into biotechnology career pathways through guest speakers, company tours, and skill-building workshops.
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
PROGRAM AT A GLANCE
Participants must be available for the following.
DATES: June 8th to August 12 (Graduation: August 17)
LOCATION: In-person training in Cambridge, MA
SCHEDULE: Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday from 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
TOTAL TRAINING: 135 hours
ELIGIBLE PARTICIPANTS MUST
- Be ready to start a biotech career in Fall 2026
- Pass the entrance exam, which tests English, math (algebra), and digital literacy skills
- Be 18 years or older
- Have low to moderate household income
- Be Massachusetts resident eligible to work in the U.S.
- Have a high school diploma (or equivalent)
APPLY NOW
READY TO TAKE THE NEXT STEP?
We encourage applicants of all backgrounds, regardless of prior experience in STEM.
2026 registration is now open. Please register using our inquiry form below.
The first step in the application process is attending an information session. Information Sessions available in the Spring.
We consider applications on a rolling basis. “Rolling” registration means that applications are reviewed as they are received, and decisions are made on an ongoing basis throughout the application cycle.
For additional questions, please contact us at [email protected] or 617-752-3867.
Frequently Asked Questions
This accelerated program requires higher levels of English, math, and computer skills and is a good fit for someone that has recently been in school (high school or college). The types of jobs graduates will qualify for are similar to those in our regular program.
English and math tests will be the same as for our regular programs but will require higher scores. In addition, we will test computer skills and require a high level of proficiency with all computer basics such as email, Microsoft Office, Google Suite, and more.
Yes, there is no cost for eligible program participants. In fact, participants will receive a total of $2000 during the program, split into biweekly payments.
If you pass your Accuplacer placement exams, the next step is to interview with an Adult Career Training staff member. Your interview is a chance for us to learn more about your goals, interests, and readiness for a new career.
We don’t expect you to have experience in the field yet. We just ask that you come prepared to talk about why this program feels like the right fit for you and your opportunity to demonstrate that you’ve thought about why Biotechnology is the right career pathway for you.
Click here for more information on how you can prepare for your interview.
Just A Start Adult Career Training Programs uses Accuplacer to evaluate trainees’ skill level in reading and math. Biotechnology trainees must pass math and reading. To prepare for these tests you can download and practice with free sample questions.
ESL Reading | Math | Advanced Arithmetic
You can find other resources to prepare for the exam on the Accuplacer website.
The program covers both biotechnology skills and career readiness training, including:
- Lab Basics and Operations: Lab safety, PPE, waste management, aseptic techniques, instrument use and calibration, buffers and solutions, SOPs, cGMP
- Molecular Biology and Sample Analysis: PCR, DNA and protein gel electrophoresis, gel imaging equipment and software, ELISA, basic spectroscopy, Nanodrop and Qbit machines
- Prokaryotic cells: bacterial cultures and staining, basic microscopy, transformation and cloning, small scale bioreactors, FPLC purification
- Eukaryotic cells: mammalian cell culture, cell sampling and analysis, flow cytometry
- Biomanufacturing Associate/Tech
- Lab Support Associate/Tech
- Quality Assurance Roles
- Quality Control Roles
- Other Biomanufacturing Related Roles
This program will be free for you and we provide all the materials you’ll need for class and studying.
- This training does not include direct monetary support.
- If we are able to offer you financial assistance through a special program, we will let you know directly.
- This kind of money is not always available.
Participating in this training program doesn’t increase your chances of getting an affordable housing unit in Cambridge or any other city.
We do not provide childcare or preschool. The Pre-Kindergarten program in our building is not run by Just A Start.
We provide a lot of support to help you with your job search after graduation and trainees that take full advantage of that support are likely to secure jobs.
- A job is not guaranteed at the end of the program. Things like the market and your flexibility around location and schedule will impact the number of jobs available.