Year in Review – UK Life Sciences Labour Market Trends, January 2025
Key findings include:
- Big Pharma remained the most significant force in life sciences recruitment, accounting for 52.2%
- IT roles maintained a 20.7% share, underscoring the essential role of digital infrastructure
- Across all IT functions London remains flat (+0.7%) but regions decline (-12.8%)
- Ipsen leads hiring search sector growth with a 118.4% increase in scientific vacancies
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After a subdued 2023, the UK’s life sciences industry saw stabilised recruitment in 2024, with vacancies rising 5.2% year-on-year to 7,521. London led the recovery, recording a 29% surge in openings—its share of national scientific jobs climbed to 27.9%, up from 22.8% in 2023. Yorkshire and the Humber also stood out with 32.9% growth, highlighting its growing biotech relevance. While the South East retained the second-highest vacancy total, it saw an 11.5% decline due to funding shifts. The “Golden Triangle” hubs, including Cambridge, began to stabilise amid streamlined clinical trial reforms. Looking ahead, falling interest rates and increased VC activity could fuel major gains in 2025, particularly in R&D and CROs.
Big Pharma Dominates Hiring, But Biotech Emerges as Fastest-Growing Sector
In 2024, Big Pharma remained the largest force in life sciences recruitment, accounting for 52.2% of all scientific vacancies with 3,924 roles—a modest 5.6% year-on-year increase. London and the South East led regionally, confirming their dominance as industry hubs. October marked the peak hiring month, while Q3 delivered the strongest quarterly performance. However, a 16% decline in Q4 highlighted sector volatility. Contract Research Organisations (CROs) saw a slight 4.3% decline, reflecting ongoing delays in clinical trial approvals, though government reforms may support recovery. In contrast, biotech outpaced all sectors with 23.7% growth, reaching 1,366 vacancies. If sustained, this surge positions biotech as a key driver of future life sciences hiring momentum.
Post-Pandemic Skills Demand Shifts as Compliance and Project Roles Surge
In 2024, the life sciences sector experienced notable shifts in skills demand, with both scientific and non-scientific roles reflecting evolving industry priorities. Sales professionals led non-scientific hiring, accounting for 20.8% of vacancies and growing 17.1% year-on-year—emphasising the sector’s renewed commercial focus. IT roles maintained a 20.7% share, underscoring the essential role of digital infrastructure. Engineering jobs rose 14.3%, mirroring increasing production demands. Among scientific roles, laboratory positions grew 18%, while Quality Assurance and Regulatory Affairs rose 23.9% and 34.8%, respectively, highlighting mounting compliance pressures. Most notably, Project Management saw a 57% surge—the largest year-on-year increase—reflecting the sector’s need for structured oversight in a complex, fast-evolving post-pandemic environment.
Ipsen Leads Hiring Surge as Investment Fuels Growth
In 2024, leading life sciences employers revealed a mixed hiring landscape, with investment decisions shaping recruitment momentum. Ipsen led sector growth with a 118.4% increase in scientific vacancies—totaling 166—driven by a £75 million expansion of its Wrexham facility. Merck followed with a 54.8% rise, as it scaled UK R&D operations. GSK posted the highest vacancy total at 678 roles, a 34.3% increase, supported by investments in manufacturing and its relocation to London’s Knowledge Quarter. In contrast, AstraZeneca reported a 43.6% decline to 379 vacancies, reflecting restructuring and delays in government-backed project funding. While some firms double down on UK presence, others remain cautious amid policy and operational uncertainty.
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