Drug Safety – UK Life Sciences Labour Market Trends, August 2025
AI Drives 10.5% Surge in Drug Safety Hiring Across Europe in 2025
Key findings include:
- Drug safety vacancies up 10.5% across Europe
- UK leads with 28.2% surge in life sciences hiring
- Biotech vacancies forecast to rise by 23.4%
- CROs drive growth through AI-powered trials
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AI Drives Renewed Demand in Drug Safety Hiring
Despite economic and political uncertainty, Europe’s life sciences sector is seeing renewed confidence, particularly in drug safety. Artificial intelligence is emerging as a hiring catalyst, not a threat. Rather than automating away roles, companies are seeking professionals with AI fluency. Pharmacovigilance is the most visible beneficiary, with hiring forecast to rise by 10.5% to reach a three-year high. Clinical oversight, though more regulated, is also showing signs of recovery. AI is now viewed as a strategic tool, especially among startups looking to scale operations. Hiring is shifting from volume to skill and AI is at the centre of that pivot.
UK Leads European Growth Amid Policy Ambitions
The UK remains the region’s top performer. Life sciences vacancies are forecast to jump 28.2%, with London and the South East posting over 30% increases. Government ambitions to become a science superpower appear to be landing, though sustained delivery remains in question. The country’s share of Europe-wide vacancies is projected to grow from 14% to 17.7%. France and Spain are losing momentum, while Poland’s Mazowieckie region and Madrid show resilience. Smaller markets like Belgium and Switzerland are also recording gains. As larger nations stall, agility and alignment with EMA reforms are becoming crucial levers in maintaining hiring competitiveness.
Clinical Operations Surges While Biotech Stays Resilient
Clinical operations roles are booming, with vacancies expected to surge nearly 70% as companies advance their pipelines. Clinical management is contracting, however, reflecting a shift away from oversight to execution. Pharmacovigilance is slowly rebounding, supported by careful regulatory approval of AI tools. Biotech remains the standout, forecast to expand by over 23%, driven by demand for innovation and AI-enabled research. Meanwhile, CROs are returning to cautious growth after a tough 2024. Pharma companies continue to downsize slightly but appear past the worst. A clear pattern is emerging firms with a focus on early development and digital agility are hiring.
CROs and Pharma Respond Differently to AI Pressures
Europe’s largest CROs are responding to AI in markedly different ways. Syneos Health expects a 27.5% rebound in hiring, powered by AI efficiencies in clinical site activation. PSI CRO is expanding even faster, with a 65.9% increase. Medpace is also accelerating, thanks to a sharp focus on biotech clients. IQVIA stands apart, projecting another decline as it automates functions others still staff. Among pharmaceutical companies, Johnson & Johnson is expanding hiring by 40.4%, driven by medtech and machine learning. AstraZeneca is pulling back amid UK pricing pressures. The divide is clear: those investing in AI are creating space to grow.
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