Life Sciences & Healthcare

More career opportunities than microorganisms in a petri dish await in Greater LEX, making it an ideal destination for professionals seeking dynamic careers with room for growth.

Take Space Tango for example, which creates unique microgravity testing environments for bioscience research and manufacturing — paving the way for groundbreaking discoveries in microbiology, cell culture, plant science and more. Meanwhile, Kindeva Drug Delivery —  born out of research from the University of Kentucky — recently expanded its manufacturing facility, opening doors to around 80 new jobs.

Funai Microfluidics Solutions also relocated its headquarters from Japan to Lexington in 2023. With their focus on digitally controlled dispensing technology and a wealth of over 450 microfluidic patents, the employer offers a vibrant atmosphere for close to 50 professionals making their mark in the industry. And if you’re on the lookout for jobs in quality control or a career as a production operator, global pharmaceutical developer Catalent is eager for high-potential biologists and chemists to work at their facility in Winchester.

And let’s not forget Kentucky’s world-renowned equine culture, which is at the heart of Greater LEX’s bioscience industry. Through research and commercialization efforts in this region, innovative solutions are being developed to address the evolving needs of agriculture and animal husbandry, contributing to the overall sustainability and productivity of the sector.

Alltech, headquartered in Nicholasville with a workforce of 350 employees, specializes in producing additives and supplements that enhance the health and performance of people, animals and plants. Neogen — with its animal safety division specializing in manufacturing and marketing animal diagnostics, pharmaceuticals and related products — has been a prominent presence in Greater LEX for over three decades. In 2023, the company announced a $6 million expansion plan, set to create over 70 full-time jobs.

In Greater LEX, aspiring biologists and life scientists have a plethora of higher education options that create pathways to enhanced careers. The University of Kentucky Department of Biology stands at the forefront, offering both undergraduate and graduate programs that are widely regarded as the best in the Bluegrass State. With a strong emphasis on research integrated into all programs, University of Kentucky healthcare students have ample opportunities to delve into their chosen fields.

Additionally, Berea College boasts the third-best ranked Biology program in Kentucky, offering specialized tracks in neurobiology, microbiology, parasitology and more — preparing students for various career paths in research and laboratory assistance. Meanwhile, Transylvania University’s Biology program, ranked fourth in the state, equips graduates with the skills needed for both traditional and emerging fields such as biophysics, bioinformatics, and molecular genetics.

For those seeking more affordable options, Bluegrass Community and Technical College provides several degree programs in biotechnology and environmental science. The college caters to the diverse educational needs of the community and recently opened a new, state-of-the-art 64,000 square-foot facility.

Want to assist in finding solutions to the world’s decreasing yields of wild fish? Kentucky University’s School of Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences allows students to gain valuable insights about aquaculture species and their environments through hands-on experience — preparing them for careers in in-demand fields.

Join the 20,000+ healthcare workers and medical practitioners in Greater LEX providing a diverse variety of top-notch services for the community. Baptist Health, a prominent player in the region, employs over 3,000 individuals and has earned accolades as one of the Top Places to Work in 2023. CHI Saint Joseph Health in and UK Albert B. Chandler Hospital are also pillars of the healthcare system, with the latter serving as a teaching hospital featuring the only Level I Trauma center in Central and Eastern Kentucky, ensuring residents have access to comprehensive emergency care and specialized treatments.

The Lexington Clinic stands out as one of Kentucky’s oldest hospitals and Central Kentucky’s largest multi-specialty medical group, employing nearly 1,000 professionals. With a rich history of medical innovation and more than 30 specialties offered throughout the region, the Clinic is synonymous with excellence in patient care and continues to be a trusted healthcare provider for individuals and families in Central Kentucky.

Whether it’s routine check-ups, advanced treatments or specialized care, Greater LEX’s medical facilities provide abundant well-paying careers for healthcare providers.