Mercer County Community College (MCCC) has officially launched its highly anticipated Aseptic Biomanufacturing Program and unveiled a new, cutting-edge Aseptic Mobile Laboratory. The launch is a significant step toward addressing the surging demand for skilled professionals in New Jersey’s fast-growing life sciences sector.
The initiative, supported by Johnson & Johnson, the MCCC Foundation, and NJBioFutures, was celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and tour at MCCC’s James Kerney Campus in Trenton.
The centerpiece of the new program is the 30-foot clean lab trailer, which is equipped with brand-new, state-of-the-art equipment including a biosafety cabinet, cell counter, incubator, centrifuge, and vortex mixer.
“We are beyond excited to offer students access to the latest and greatest in workforce training in biotechnology and biomanufacturing,” Deborah Preston, MCCC president said. “We are fortunate that Johnson & Johnson and NJBioFutures have chosen to support our College and the MCCC Foundation in launching this important endeavor.”
Program aims to meet 75% growth in demand
The new, non-credit program begins this fall, offering students year-round enrollment through the College’s Workforce Training website. Options range from five days to several weeks and include specialized certificates in:
- Good Manufacturing Practice Professional
- Pharmaceutical Aseptic Cleaning
- Aseptic Biomanufacturing
Upon completion, students receive a non-credit certificate and the opportunity to secure employment in the high-paying biomanufacturing industry.
Gonzalo Perez, assistant vice president of Academic Affairs, Workforce Education and Innovation at MCCC, highlighted the urgency of the program: “New Jersey is leading the way in the cell and gene therapy revolution, with demand for skilled professionals expected to jump 75% over the next two years.”
The mobile lab is designed not only to train MCCC students but also to travel and meet high school students where they are, sparking early interest in life sciences.
Kimberly Lounds Foster, vice president, Advanced Therapies Supply Chain at Johnson & Johnson, emphasized the role of the mobile lab in building a talent pipeline. “By bringing hands-on science and manufacturing learning directly to high school students in communities across New Jersey, this program can spark interest in life sciences early and prepare our future workforce,” she said.
The biomanufacturing program is also intended to act as a catalyst for students to pursue an Associate of Science in Biotechnology or Biology. Plans are underway to launch a full Biotechnology Program at MCCC in collaboration with partner colleges through NJBioFutures, an innovative public-private partnership focused on workforce development in the Garden State.
