Last Updated on
January 16, 2025
By
Excedr
New Jersey may be famous for its beaches, but it’s also a thriving hub for pharmaceutical laboratories and biotech companies. According to a 2019 US Bureau of Labor Statistics report, the state is home to many lab technicians, assistants, and research facilities, contributing to the local economy and providing stability for its residents. In this guide, we’ll explore the laboratory equipment available in New Jersey and address key considerations for those looking to open a dry or wet laboratory in the region.
New Jersey’s lab industry spans academia, biotech, and pharmaceuticals, with some of the biggest names in research and development based here. The state’s robust ecosystem makes it an ideal location for setting up a lab or joining the thriving biotech industry.
Founded in 1954, the New Jersey Academy of Science plays a pivotal role in advancing STEM education. The academy works closely with high school and college students, preparing them for careers in science and research. By fostering a strong scientific community, NJAS has become a cornerstone of the state’s educational and research efforts.
One of the oldest institutions in the United States, Princeton University (chartered in 1746) offers a wide array of natural science programs. Princeton is home to several state-of-the-art labs that contribute to research in microscopy, genomics, imaging & analysis, proteomics, nanotechnology, and more. These laboratories make Princeton a hub for cutting-edge research.
Another prestigious institution, Rutgers University (chartered in 1771), has a storied history in research and innovation. The university’s 175 centers and institutes, as well as its 86 startup companies, have made it a leading research institution in North America. Rutgers continues to foster biotech startups through partnerships and collaborations.
Based in New Jersey, Johnson & Johnson is a leader in pharmaceuticals and biotechnology. With incubator laboratories and shared equipment resources, J&J provides essential infrastructure for researchers and startups. Their facilities include tissue culture labs, cold rooms, BioLabs, and ChemLabs, making it a valuable resource for the biotech industry.
For startups, BioNJ offers networking programs and partnerships that help entrepreneurs gain access to critical resources. Additionally, The Institute for Life Science Entrepreneurship in Union, NJ, serves as a key accelerator for biotech and life science companies.
Biotech startups in New Jersey benefit from a strong ecosystem of support, but there are several key factors to consider when setting up a lab in the state:
Buying used lab equipment can be an excellent cost-saving strategy, especially for startups that need to stretch their funding. However, there are important considerations to keep in mind to ensure you’re getting quality equipment:
Understanding the history of the equipment is crucial. Who owned it? Where was it used? This information is vital for assessing the equipment’s condition, especially if it has changed hands multiple times.
Ask for maintenance and servicing records if possible. These documents can give you insight into how well the equipment was cared for and its potential lifespan. Reputable sellers will have these records available and may also follow OSHA’s Laboratory Safety Guidance.
The serial number and manufacture year are important for tracking warranties and sourcing replacement parts. If the original manual is unavailable, the manufacturer can often provide one with this information.
It’s important to know where the reseller acquired the equipment. Was it purchased directly from the manufacturer, or was it bought from another party? Knowing the source can help with repairs and parts in the future.
Leasing lab equipment is an alternative to buying that offers significant benefits, particularly for startups with limited capital. Here are some of the key advantages:
Leasing with companies like Excedr can provide the flexibility and cost-efficiency needed to scale your biotech startup while maintaining access to high-quality lab instruments.
To ensure you’re making a smart investment, here are some common mistakes to avoid when purchasing used lab equipment:
If you’re upgrading your lab or have old equipment that you no longer need, selling used lab equipment can be a great way to recoup some of your initial investment. Here are some ways to sell your old equipment:
Purchasing used lab equipment isn’t just a smart financial decision—it’s also an environmentally conscious one. Here’s how buying used equipment benefits the environment:
The world of lab equipment is constantly evolving. Here are some of the key trends shaping the future of lab technology:
Finding high-quality used lab equipment in New Jersey isn’t as challenging as it may seem. In addition to lab auctions and university sales, the following NJ-based companies specialize in used and refurbished lab equipment:
LBR Scientific, Inc. has been in the business since 1984. They provide quality machinery with a caring team. Their focus is on remanufactured table-top sterilizers and brand new equipment. They also offer service contracts and preventative maintenance inspections. All of their used equipment goes through a rigorous cleaning and a tester to ensure it’s ready for use.
Scientific Surplus has been in business since 1999. Their focus is on buying and selling refurbished lab instruments and machinery. They offer a wide variety of centrifuges, bioreactors, incubators, shakers, washers, and water baths. The company offers essential lab equipment, such as autoclaves, glassware, instrumentation, hot plates, microplates, and more. They offer new equipment as well, but their specialty is in refurbished goods. What sets them apart is their service contracts. They will work with any laboratory to service, maintain, and repair their equipment and machines. One important aspect to consider: They focus on servicing machines bought from online surplus sales that many equipment dealers host.
If you want an affordable and easy option, working with Garden State Scientific should be at the top of your list. They offer a variety of new and used lab equipment, including spectrometers, chromatographs, PCR thermal cyclers, DNA sequencers, and oligo synthesizers. They provide preventative and service maintenance coverage as well. Buying from Garden State Scientific works in your favor because you can also sell your equipment back to them when you upgrade. They are always looking for equipment and keep a running list of desirables on their website. If, at first, you can’t find the right spectrophotometer, fluorometer, semiconductor, synthesizer, or fume hood, try your luck with Garden State Scientific.
When you want to work with a company with a long history of business in the area, HiTech Trader is the company you are looking for. Since 1982, they have provided reactors, laboratory vacuum pumps, and gas chromatographs. They have thousands of items currently listed on the website and even feature various big-name manufacturers at acceptable prices. Additionally, they offer a 30-day warranty on any used item you purchase from them, giving you a little breathing room on making the purchase.
As you can see, it’s entirely possible to get a lab started in the great state of New Jersey. With many accelerators and incubators in the area, you can network and build a lab with plenty of colleagues and like-minded professionals. Getting used, but high-quality equipment is also extremely accessible. Want to be sure that you’re getting everything you need? Here’s a quick breakdown of some categories you might need in your lab:
If you’d like to consider other cost-effective means of getting lab equipment, contact Excedr to learn more about leasing new or refurbished instruments and devices for a fraction of the upfront price compared to purchasing.
