The life sciences sector in the UK and Ireland is poised for significant growth and transformation over the coming years, driven by technological advancements, evolving regulatory landscapes, and increased investment. So, understanding what these changes may look like could directly influence the staffing landscape in the sector. We’ve looked at the short-, medium-, and longer-term outlook is for the primary sectors we cover Pharmaceuticals, Food Science, MedTech, and Biotech.
Short term (1-3 years)
In the immediate future, the life sciences industry in the UK and Ireland will continue to experience high demand for skilled professionals, particularly in response to the rapid integration of digital technologies and automation. Within the pharmaceutical sector, roles in regulatory affairs and quality assurance will be in high demand as companies navigate increasingly complex regulatory requirements and strive to maintain compliance while accelerating time-to-market for new drugs.
The rise in clinical trials and investment in R&D, driven by government initiatives such as The UK Government 2023 announcement of over £1 billion of funding to support a thriving life sciences sector, building on a decade of sustained investment into this key growth sector, this will further increase the need for professionals in clinical research and bioanalysis.
Life Sciences companies are also investing heavily In Ireland, making the Island the world’s third-largest pharmaceuticals exporter. In January 2023, Eli Lilly announced plans to invest over €400 million in a new manufacturing facility in Limerick, while in Dublin, Takeda Ireland, opened a production facility in May, part of a €36.4 million investment commitment by Takeda announced in 2021, the facility will supply cell therapy treatments to patients in Europe and North America.
The MedTech sector will likely also see a surge in demand for professionals with expertise in data analytics and AI-driven diagnostics, as the industry focuses on improving patient care through advanced technologies. Companies will need to attract and retain talent skilled in biomedical engineering and product development to support the ongoing innovation in medical devices.
In Food Science, there will be a growing need for roles related to food safety and quality control, as well as sustainability-focused positions such as packaging technologists and compliance managers. The integration of AI and machine learning into food production processes will also create opportunities for professionals with expertise in these areas.
Medium term (3-7 years)
In the medium term we will likely see a continuation of these trends, with a deeper integration of AI and automation across all life sciences sectors. In the Biotech sector, there will be an increasing demand for specialists in bioinformatics, genomics, and bioprocessing. These roles will be crucial as companies focus on developing more personalised medicine and advancing gene therapies. The growing emphasis on sustainability and environmental biotechnology will also drive demand for professionals in agricultural biotech and environmental research.
The MedTech industry will continue to evolve, with significant advancements expected in wearable technology and remote patient monitoring. These innovations will require new roles in health informatics and telemedicine, as well as continued growth in regulatory affairs to ensure compliance with evolving health regulations. The intersection of tech and health will also create opportunities for professionals with cross-disciplinary skills in both IT and healthcare.
In the Food Science sector, roles in R&D and process development will become more critical as companies focus on creating innovative, sustainable food products. The emphasis on health and wellness will drive demand for professionals in nutrition science and functional foods. Additionally, the ongoing challenges related to supply chain management will necessitate roles in logistics and supply chain optimisation.
Long term (7+ years)
In the long term, the life sciences sectors in the UK and Ireland will likely be transformed by the full realisation of digital and biotechnological advancements. Pharmaceuticals will see an expansion in roles related to precision medicine and AI-driven drug discovery, as companies leverage big data and AI to develop highly targeted therapies. There will also be a significant increase in demand for digital health specialists who can integrate new technologies into patient care pathways.
The Biotech sector will continue to push the boundaries of what is possible, with roles emerging in areas such as synthetic biology and bioengineering. Professionals with expertise in CRISPR and other gene-editing technologies will be particularly sought after as these technologies become more widely adopted in both therapeutic and agricultural applications.
Looking at MedTech, the development of smart implants and AI-enhanced diagnostic tools will require a workforce skilled in nanotechnology, machine learning, and robotics. The convergence of MedTech with other sectors, such as IT and telecommunications, will create a demand for professionals who can work across these disciplines to develop integrated health solutions.
Finally, the Food Science industry will likely see the emergence of new roles focused on sustainable food systems and alternative protein sources. As the global population continues to grow, there will be increasing pressure to develop more efficient and sustainable methods of food production, driving demand for innovation in this sector.
The life sciences sector in the UK and Ireland is on the cusp of profound change, driven by technological innovation and evolving industry needs. The roles within Pharmaceuticals, Food Science, MedTech, and Biotech will evolve significantly, requiring professionals to continuously adapt and acquire new skills. For businesses in these sectors, staying ahead of these trends will be crucial to securing the talent necessary to drive future growth and innovation.
As always, the team at SEDA Talent are available to discuss any aspect of life science recruitment in the UK and Ireland. We’ll continue to share our insight into life sciences careers and how we see them developing, so make sure you follow us on LinkedIn to keep abreast of future updates and articles we publish.
