Explore what you can do now and next with your scientific skillset.
Buffalo is one of the strongest life science hubs in New York State outside NYC, offering a wide range of entry-level roles, internships, and experiential opportunities for students in Biological Sciences, Biochemistry, Medical Laboratory Science, Public Health, Biotechnology, Neuroscience, and related fields. Whether you are interested in clinical work, research, lab support, data, or community health, there are meaningful pathways that build your skills and open doors to future graduate or professional programs.
Below is an overview of common job titles, where to find them, and tips to stand out.
Common Entry-Level Roles & Internships
Laboratory & Research Roles
Great for students who enjoy hands-on investigation, data collection, and scientific techniques.
Typical Job Titles:
- Research Assistant / Research Technician
- Laboratory Assistant / Laboratory Technician
- Biorepository Assistant
- Histology Technician (entry roles may require on-the-job training)
- Clinical Trials Assistant / Coordinator
- Quality Control Technician (QC)
- Microbiology Laboratory Technician
- Chemistry/Biochemistry Technician
Where You Might Work:
- University at Buffalo (SPPS, Jacobs School, SPHHP, Biology Department research labs)
- Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center
- Hauptmann-Woodward Institute (HWI)
- Thermo Fisher Scientific
- ZeptoMetrix / Antylia Scientific
- Bristol Myers Squibb (purchase, supply chain, and QC roles in manufacturing)
- Garwood Medical Devices, Forian, and other biotech startups via Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus (BNMC)
Clinical & Patient-Facing Opportunities
Ideal for students considering health professions or wanting direct experience in healthcare settings.
Typical Job Titles:
- Patient Care Technician (PCT)
- Medical Assistant
- Phlebotomist
- Sterile Processing Technician
- Public Health Outreach Assistant
- Infection Prevention Assistant
- Care Coordinator / Patient Navigator
- Behavioral Health Assistant
Where You Might Work:
- Kaleida Health (Oishei Children’s Hospital, Buffalo General Medical Center)
- Catholic Health
- Roswell Park
- Erie County Medical Center
- Private practices, community clinics, and public health agencies (EC Dept. of Health, NYSDOH)
Public Health, Data, & Community Health Roles
For students interested in population health, epidemiology, outreach, or health education.
Typical Job Titles:
- Public Health Assistant / Intern
- Epidemiology Assistant
- Health Promotion / Community Health Worker
- Environmental Health Technician
- Population Health Coordinator
- Health Equity Program Assistant
- Data Analyst (Health/Epi focus)
- Program Evaluation Assistant
Where You Might Work:
- Erie County Department of Health
- Roswell Park Office of Community Outreach & Engagement
- Buffalo Center for Health Equity
- Jericho Road Community Health Center
- Evergreen Health
- Community nonprofits and health grant programs
Biotechnology & Industry Roles
For students interested in product development, tools, diagnostics, and applied science.
Typical Job Titles:
- Manufacturing Technician (Biotech/Pharma)
- Process Development Technician
- Quality Assurance Assistant
- Bioinformatics Intern
- Regulatory Affairs Assistant
- Environmental Monitoring Technician
Where You Might Work:
- Athenex
- Pfizer (nearby region)
- ZeptoMetrix
- Thermo Fisher Scientific
- Garwood Medical Devices
- Local biotech startups on the BNMC
Skills Employers Look For
Regardless of your role or major, these come up consistently:
- Pipetting accuracy and lab technique (PCR, ELISA, gel electrophoresis, aseptic technique)
- Data collection, documentation, and analysis
- Attention to detail and quality control mindset
- Communication and teamwork
- Understanding of HIPAA, safety, and compliance requirements
- Adaptability and ability to learn processes and protocols quickly
- Proficiency in tools such as Excel, R, Python, or lab informatics systems (for data-focused positions)
How to Find Opportunities
Search using filters:
1. Handshake
- Biotech and Life Sciences
- Healthcare
- Research
- Public Health
- Laboratory Sciences
2. Connect-a-Bull
Use “Ask Anything” or browse alumni in:
- Public Health
- Biotech & Life Sciences
- Research & Development
- Healthcare
- Pharmaceuticals
Great for informational interviews, shadowing, and career exploration.
3. UB Faculty and Research Labs
Many students secure their first research role by exploring UB’s Project Portal in the Experiential Learning Network.
You may also want to consider these options:
- Taking a course with a faculty member who’s research intrigues you
- Expressing interest after class
- Emailing a professor to express your interest
4. Local Employers Career Pages
Search directly:
- Roswell Park
- UB Research Labs
- Kaleida Health
- Catholic Health
- Evergreen Health
- Thermo Fisher
- ZeptoMetrix
- Erie County Dept. of Health
Tips to Stand Out
1. Tailor your resume to the role.
Include:
- Lab techniques
- Relevant coursework (microbiology, immunology, molecular biology, biostatistics)
- Research experience or class-based projects
- Certifications (OSHA, CPR, phlebotomy, etc. if applicable)
2. Start gaining experience early.
Even part-time roles (PCT, MA, lab assistant) can give a competitive edge.
3. Don’t underestimate volunteer or community health experience.
Public health organizations value outreach and patient navigation experience.
4. Conduct informational interviews.
Connect-a-Bull alumni are extremely willing to share their stories and open doors.
5. Build your technical toolkit.
Depending on your path, consider learning:
- R or Python
- Data visualization
- Basic bioinformatics
- Lab software (LIMS systems)
Not sure which direction fits you best?
Meet with a UB Career Design Consultant (book an appointment through Bullseye Powered by Handshake) to explore:
- Career paths
- Graduate/professional programs
- Resume, cover letter, LinkedIn reviews
- Practice Interview s
- Networking strategies
You are not expected to have everything figured out. Start by exploring.
