Keck Graduate Institute of Applied Life Sciences (KGI), located in Claremont, California, stands as a premier institution dedicated to bridging the gap between scientific discovery and practical application in healthcare and biotechnology. Founded in 1997 as the first higher education institution in the United States focused solely on applied life sciences, KGI is part of the renowned Claremont Colleges consortium. This unique position allows its employees to thrive in a collaborative academic environment while contributing to cutting-edge programs in pharmacy, bioscience, and business for the life sciences.
Jobs at Keck Graduate Institute of Applied Life Sciences attract professionals passionate about translational research—work that moves lab innovations into real-world solutions like new drugs or medical devices. Whether you're eyeing faculty positions, research roles, or administrative opportunities, KGI offers a dynamic setting in the heart of Southern California, near Los Angeles, where the biotech industry booms.
The institute was established with a visionary gift from the W.M. Keck Foundation, aiming to address the need for professionals who can apply life sciences to industry challenges. Since its inception, KGI has grown to offer professional master's degrees, a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program, and dual-degree options combining science with business acumen. This history shapes its job landscape, prioritizing hires who embody innovation and practicality.
In 2023, KGI celebrated over 2,000 alumni impacting global healthcare, underscoring its role in workforce development. Employees contribute to this legacy by teaching future leaders or conducting research in facilities like the KGI Center for BioProcessing.
KGI's curriculum centers on professional degrees such as the Master of Science in Applied Life Sciences (MS in ALS), Master of Business for the Life Sciences (MBS), and Doctor of Pharmacy. These programs create demand for faculty in pharmacology, bioinformatics, and medical device engineering, as well as support staff in student services and labs.
Research jobs often tie to initiatives in genomic medicine and biomanufacturing, with faculty leading projects funded by NIH grants exceeding $5 million annually. For those interested in research jobs, KGI's emphasis on industry partnerships with companies like Amgen offers unique avenues.
Careers at KGI span faculty, staff, and executive roles. Common positions include:
To learn more about university job types, explore our detailed guide. Salaries are competitive, with faculty earning around $120,000-$180,000 based on experience, per professor salaries data for California institutions.
To understand jobs at KGI, key terms include:
Jobs at Keck Graduate Institute require specific credentials tailored to life sciences.
Required Academic Qualifications: A PhD in biology, chemistry, pharmacology, or related fields for faculty and research roles; PharmD for pharmacy positions. Postdocs need a recent PhD with strong publication records.
Research Focus or Expertise Needed: Expertise in biotechnology, genomic sequencing, drug discovery, or regenerative medicine. KGI prioritizes those with experience in FDA-regulated processes or biotech startups.
Preferred Experience: 3-5 years post-PhD, peer-reviewed publications (10+ ideal), grant funding (e.g., NSF or NIH), and teaching at graduate level. Industry experience from pharma firms boosts candidacy.
Skills and Competencies:
Check postdoctoral success tips for thriving in such roles.
Applying to jobs at KGI starts with monitoring their careers page or platforms like AcademicJobs.com university jobs. Submit a tailored CV, cover letter highlighting KGI alignment, transcripts, and three references. Interviews involve research presentations and faculty panels.
Actionable tips:
Timeline: Applications reviewed year-round, with peaks in spring for fall hires.
KGI champions diversity through the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, offering scholarships for underrepresented minorities and unconscious bias training. In 2022, 45% of faculty identified as women or minorities. Programs like the KGI Women in STEM Network and partnerships with HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) foster inclusive hiring. Employees benefit from mentorship for first-gen professionals, aligning with California's diverse talent pool.
KGI supports balance with flexible scheduling, parental leave exceeding state minimums, and EAP (Employee Assistance Programs) for mental health. The Claremont campus features modern labs, a fitness center, and proximity to hiking in the San Gabriel Mountains. Employees enjoy collegial culture, with events like wellness fairs and biotech seminars. Living in Claremont offers a safe, village-like atmosphere with LA's vibrancy 35 miles away—ideal for families or professionals seeking Southern California lifestyle. Average commute is under 20 minutes, per local data.
Read about employer branding in higher ed to see how KGI attracts talent.
KGI combines rigorous academics with industry impact, offering growth in a supportive consortium. For broader opportunities, explore higher ed jobs, higher ed career advice, university jobs, or post your profile via recruitment and post a job.
In summary, jobs at Keck Graduate Institute of Applied Life Sciences provide meaningful contributions to healthcare innovation in beautiful Claremont, California. Start your journey today.
