H.R. 8938: Biotechnology Workforce Alignment Act of 2026

The Biotechnology Workforce Alignment Act of 2026 aims to enhance the biotechnology workforce in the United States by ensuring that workforce development is aligned with federal research investments in biotechnology. The bill outlines several key activities and responsibilities for the Director of the National Science Foundation (NSF) to support this alignment.

Key Components of the Bill

• Integration of Research and Workforce Development: The NSF Director, in collaboration with other federal agencies, will work to integrate federal biotechnology research budgets with workforce development initiatives.
• Identification of Workforce Priorities: The bill requires the Director to identify key areas within biotechnology that are in high demand. These areas include:
  • Biomanufacturing and bioprocess engineering
  • Synthetic biology
  • Bioinformatics and computational biology
  • Omics (e.g., genomics and proteomics)
  • Regulatory science and quality assurance
  • Other areas as determined by the Director
• Development of Workforce Frameworks: The bill emphasizes creating a comprehensive framework that will define workforce categories, roles, and necessary competencies in biotechnology.
• Educational Pathways: It promotes multiple educational pathways for students and early-career professionals, facilitating access to credentials and degrees in biotechnology. This includes sharing information on available opportunities.
• Hands-on Training: The NSF Director will encourage participation in practical training experiences, such as internships, apprenticeships, and cooperative education programs.
• Partnerships: The bill calls for the establishment of partnerships among higher education institutions, federal labs, nonprofit organizations, and private sector companies to enhance workforce development.
• Dissemination of Best Practices: It mandates sharing successful strategies for workforce development.
• Coordination with Industry: The bill requires the NSF Director to coordinate with private entities engaged in biotechnology to ensure workforce training aligns with industry needs.
• Metrics and Evaluation: The Director will develop metrics to assess workforce gaps, obstacles to entry, and the effectiveness of partnerships and initiatives.
• Integration with Existing Programs: Implementation will occur in conjunction with current NSF programs wherever possible.
• Reporting Requirements: The NSF Director must submit reports every two years for six years, evaluating workforce gaps, activities undertaken, outcomes achieved, and the U.S. global position in biotechnology.

Definitions

The bill defines several key terms, including:

• Biotechnology: The use of biological systems, organisms, or derivatives to develop or manufacture products.
• Director: Refers to the Director of the National Science Foundation.
• Workforce Development Activities: Activities aimed at preparing individuals for employment in biotechnology careers, such as internships and training programs.

Goals of the Bill

The main goals of the Biotechnology Workforce Alignment Act are to close workforce gaps in biotechnology, enhance job readiness, foster partnerships between educational institutions and industry, and ensure the U.S. remains competitive in the global biotechnology sector.

Relevant Companies

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