Something is in the water when it comes to Northeast Florida’s thriving life sciences industry. If you’re exploring life science jobs in Florida, this region offers a steady, high-opportunity path for experienced and early-career professionals alike — built around patient care, innovation, specialty manufacturing and administration.
Life Sciences
Innovation Flows Through JAX
Jacksonville strengthens the job market with one of only three Mayo Clinic Florida locations, plus global pharmaceutical leaders like Johnson & Johnson and medical device companies like Medtronic. With top-notch industry-focused higher education and one in seven jobs tied to healthcare, Northeast Florida offers both stability and upward mobility.
Facts & Rankings
1 in 7
Jobs in Northeast Florida are tied to the Healthcare Industry
JAXUSA Partnership (opens in new window)$91,000
Median Salary for Biomedical Engineers in the Region
JAXUSA Partnership (opens in new window)~123,000
Currently Employed in Northeast Florida Region, Outpacing National Average
JAXUSA Partnership (opens in new window)Northeast Florida Life Science Employers
Drift into Work You’ll Love
Fortune 500 employers and smaller firms are hiring from fintech to fabrication. Find a full-time role you’ll love in Northeast Florida and start enjoying the ideal work-life balance.
Find Your Career Path in the Life Sciences
From medical device employers to pharmaceutical manufacturers, Northeast Florida is home to thousands of good-paying life science jobs — whether you're just starting your career journey or are a seasoned professional.
Florida’s medtech sector is booming — and Northeast Florida underscores the industry’s expansion. Biotech companies in Florida are expanding rapidly, creating opportunities for everyone from recent graduates to experienced professionals seeking cutting-edge work in life sciences and medical technology.
Medtronic (opens in new window) brings a 25-plus-year legacy to the Jacksonville area, employing more than 660 professionals focused on product innovation and manufacturing. From medical needles to complex medical devices, this healthcare technology leader is consistently building medtech breakthroughs and pushing the industry forward.
If you’re looking for entry-level roles in the life sciences, Northeast Florida has plenty. IQVIA (opens in new window), a global powerhouse in advanced analytics, technology solutions and clinical research services for life sciences. The life sciences company is actively hiring, with opportunities that span field nurses, clinical educators and Clinical Laboratory Support Specialists.
Additionally, Turner Scientific, a Jacksonville-based biomedical company, recently earned a patent for groundbreaking laboratory monitoring technology (opens in new window).
Whether you’re drawn to hands-on manufacturing, clinical research or tech-driven healthcare solutions, the region’s life sciences ecosystem offers a career path where your work directly impacts lives.
Life science jobs in Florida span from research and development to distribution and patient care, with major players establishing significant operations in the region. Here are a few of Northeast Florida’s pharmaceutical employers that are hiring now:
- Johnson & Johnson Vision (opens in new window) – A global leader in eye health and vision care innovation, J&J Vision operates in the Jacksonville area with roles spanning research, manufacturing, quality assurance and commercial operations. Their work on contact lenses, surgical technologies and vision correction solutions means your career directly improves how millions of people see the world.
- McKesson (opens in new window) – One of the largest pharmaceutical distributors in North America, McKesson’s Northeast Florida presence creates opportunities in supply chain management, pharmaceutical distribution, data analytics and healthcare IT. Their logistics operations keep medications flowing to patients across the region and beyond.
- Optum Rx (opens in new window)– Part of UnitedHealth Group, Optum Rx combines pharmacy benefit management with cutting-edge technology to improve medication access and affordability. Roles range from pharmacists and pharmacy technicians to data scientists and customer care specialists.
Johnson & Johnson Vision
Half of all contact lenses produced by Johnson & Johnson are made in Northeast Florida. Hear from the Jacksonville, FL based life sciences company and their contribution of 3,500+ life science jobs to the region.
Dive into More of JAX
Find a Job
With thousands of new job openings in Northeast Florida, you’ll be swimming in the career possibilities.
Upskilling & Higher Education
Eight colleges and universities and countless upskilling opportunities in the region create clear career pathways that flow from one opportunity to the next.
Communities
Living in Northeast Florida is a refreshing take on life. Check out unique communities and find the one that floats your boat.
The Current
Blog Posts
Fall in JAX
While the summer heat may still be lingering, Northeast Florida is ready to embrace all things fall. From pumpkin patches and festive treats to haunted adventures and seasonal décor, there’s no shortage of ways to get into the Halloween spirit across the region. Ready to make fall 2026 your best one yet? Keep reading to […]
Blog Posts
Who’s Hiring in Jacksonville Right Now?
Jacksonville and Northeast Florida’s job market is growing, with full-time and part-time roles opening across financial services, life sciences, advanced manufacturing, transportation and technology services. Some of that growth comes from homegrown companies expanding, and some from businesses that chose the region as a hub for new operations. Either way, it’s good news if you’re eyeing your next career move! The market shifts year […]
Blog Posts
Why Jacksonville is the Best City in Florida for Young Professionals
Jacksonville is the strongest choice in Florida for young professionals building a career. On take-home pay, cost of living, commute and a job market with real depth, it holds its own against Miami, Tampa, Orlando and more, all without giving up what makes the Sunshine State worth living in! Those cities might have name recognition, […]