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Bioscience

Bioscience Competency Model

In collaboration with the Bioscience Community of Practice, the Employment and Training Administration (ETA) has worked with education, business, and industry leaders to develop a comprehensive competency model for bioscience. The model is designed to evolve along with changing skill requirements. The community of practice members have committed to working with industry partners to keep the model current.

The study "Technology, Talent and Capital: State Bioscience Initiatives 2008" defines the biosciences as a diverse group of industries and activities with a common link—they apply knowledge of the way in which plants, animals, and humans function. The sector spans different markets and includes manufacturing, services, and research activities. By definition, the biosciences are a unique industry cluster and are constantly changing to incorporate the latest research and scientific discoveries.

Bioscience Community of Practice Logo

The Bioscience Community of Practice (COP) is composed of a group of individuals who share a common interest in the bioscience industry and who interact voluntarily and regularly to exchange information related to workforce and economic development efforts. This group was formed in July 2007 by stakeholders from the bioscience industry, academia, and the workforce development communities.

In 2025, the foundational tiers of the model were updated to align with changes in the Building Blocks Model. For more information, download the Summary of Changes.

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Bioscience Competency Model

Bioscience Building Blocks Pyramid

'<strong>1.1 Interpersonal Skills</strong> Displaying skills to work with others.' '<strong>1.2 Integrity</strong> Displaying accepted social and work behaviors.' '<strong>1.3 Professionalism</strong> Maintaining a professional demeanor at work.' '<strong>1.4 Initiative</strong> Demonstrating a willingness to work.' '<strong>1.5 Dependability and Reliability</strong> Displaying responsible behaviors at work.' '<strong>1.6 Lifelong Learning</strong> Displaying a willingness to learn and apply new knowledge and skills.' '<strong>2.1 Reading</strong> Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.' '<strong>2.2 Writing</strong> Using standard English to compile information and prepare written reports.' '<strong>2.3 Mathematics</strong> Using principles of mathematics such as algebra, geometry, and trigonometry to solve problems.' '<strong>2.4 Science</strong> Knowing and applying scientific principles and methods to solve problems.' '<strong>2.5 Communication-Listening and Speaking</strong> Giving full attention to what others are saying and speaking in English well enough to be understood by others.' '<strong>2.6 Critical and Analytical Thinking</strong> Using logic, reasoning, and analysis to address problems.' '<strong>2.7 Basic Computer Skills</strong> Using information technology and related applications, including adaptive devices and software, to convey and retrieve information.' '<strong>3.1 Teamwork</strong> Working cooperatively with others to complete work assignments.' '<strong>3.2 Planning and Organizing</strong> Planning and prioritizing work to manage time effectively and accomplish assigned tasks.' '<strong>3.3 Innovative Thinking</strong> Generating inventive solutions.' '<strong>3.4 Problem Solving and Decision Making</strong> Applying critical-thinking skills to solve problems by generating, evaluating, and implementing solutions.' '<strong>3.5 Working with Tools and Technology</strong> Selecting, using, and maintaining tools and technology to facilitate work activity.' '<strong>3.6 Checking, Examining, and Recording</strong> Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic format.' '<strong>3.7 Business Fundamentals</strong> Knowledge of basic business principles, trends, and economics.' '<strong>4.1 Bioscience Fundamentals</strong> The bioscience industry and its interactions with society.' '<strong>4.2 Research and Development</strong> Investments toward the creation or discovery of new bioscience processes, methods, products, and services.' '<strong>4.3 Manufacturing and Production</strong> Processes for the manufacture of bioscience products.' '<strong>4.4 Quality Control and Assurance</strong> Practicing quality control and assurance, and operating under governmental regulations.' '<strong>4.5 Health, Safety, and Security</strong> Equipment, practices, and procedures which promote a healthy, safe, and secure work environment.' '<strong>5.1 Agricultural Feedstock and Chemicals</strong> Applies life sciences knowledge, biochemistry, and biotechnologies to the processing of agricultural goods and production of organic and agricultural chemicals. The subsector also includes the emerging activity around the production of biofuels.' '<strong>5.2 Drugs and Pharmaceuticals</strong> Produces commercially available medicinal and diagnostic substances. The subsector is generally characterized by large multinational firms heavily engaged in research and development activities to bring drugs to market.' '<strong>5.3 Medical Devices and Equipment</strong> Produces a variety of biomedical instruments and other health care products and supplies for diagnostics, surgery, patient care, and laboratories. The subsector is continually advancing the application of electronics and information technologies to improve and automate testing and patient care capabilities.' '<strong>5.4 Research, Testing, and Medical Laboratories</strong> Includes a range of activities; from highly research-oriented companies working to develop and commercialize new drug discovery/delivery systems, and gene and cell therapies, to more service-oriented firms engaged in medical and other life sciences testing services.' Click here to search for O*NET Occupational Competencies Profiles