Life Science Hiring Trends in 2025
The life science industry hit a significant milestone in 2025. According to CBRE’s U.S. Life Sciences Talent Trends report, employment reached a record 2.1 million workers in March. But this number tells only part of the story.
While total employment appears strong, the hiring landscape has undergone significant changes. Companies are becoming more selective about who they hire, job seekers face increased competition, and the skills employers want are evolving rapidly.
The Current Hiring Landscape
BioSpace data show that active job listings decreased by 20% year-over-year in Q1 2025 compared to the previous year, while applications increased by 91% indicating that job opportunities are limited and competition has become more fierce.
The job advertisement response rate increased to 21% in early 2025, up from 18.3% in early 2024. Employers now face a challenging situation because numerous candidates compete for scarce job openings.
Most biotech companies are in “survival mode,” with lean talent pools and a freeze on hiring. Industry observers say companies typically fill essential job vacancies or those requiring specialized skill sets.
The unemployment rate in life science is less than 2%. This creates an odd atmosphere in which there are not many people out of work, but it is taking a long time to find a job.
Why Hiring Slowed Down
The biotech industry experienced limited financial support in 2025, as Q1 biopharma VC investments decreased by approximately 20%, from $8.1 billion to $6.5 billion. The rise in interest rates, together with macroeconomic and policy uncertainties, has led investors to focus on later-stage companies, thus reducing funding opportunities for early-stage startups. The resulting workforce reductions, pipeline cuts, and expense streamlining have become standard practices among firms that previously expanded their staff.
Large pharma corporations also cut jobs. Bristol Myers Squibb cut around 2,200 workers in 2024, representing nearly 30% of total biopharma job cuts during the early 2024 time frame.
They created a ripple effect. They forced very bright people into the labor market, which made other employers pick and choose, as they now had a better talent pool from which to choose.
Salary Trends Surprise Everyone
Despite the challenging hiring market, salaries increased at a faster rate in 2024 than in previous years and are expected to continue growing in 2025. This occurred despite market constraints and the uncertainty of an election year.
However, companies tightened variable pay. Bonuses and stock-based compensation declined even as base salaries went up. Companies are controlling costs through these variable payments.
The salary growth reflects the ongoing talent shortage. Although hiring slowed, companies must still offer competitive compensation to attract the right talent for critical roles.
Skills That Matter Most
Employers are also more choosy about skills. They require people who can work at the intersection of biology and technology. Specialists who can grasp both data and science are in the highest demand.
Expertise in both machine learning and artificial intelligence is highly desirable. Industries demand individuals skilled in applying artificial intelligence to, for example, identify drugs. “Computational Biologist” and “AI Engineer—Drug Discovery” are not unheard-of job titles.
Candidates must possess cross-functional skill sets. The top performers wear multiple hats. For example, a project manager who holds a Ph.D. in molecular biology but can effectively communicate with both research and business groups.
Regulatory affairs professionals are in high demand. Firms are seeking individuals who can conduct clinical trials through FDA approval, particularly for new forms of treatment such as gene therapies and RNA-based medications.
QA skills are crucial. These experts ensure high-caliber laboratory testing and production. Despite slow recruitment, firms still make appointments for these essential roles.
Remote Work Remains Limited
Only about 10% of pharmaceutical job listings have remote options. Historically, life science is a hands-on industry. Lab testing, quality control, and manufacturing require in-house work.
However, some jobs are ideal for telecommuting. Medical writing, regulatory affairs, data analysis, and clinical research monitoring can be performed anywhere. Organizations that offer flexibility for these positions have access to a larger talent pool.
Nearly 40% of employers say relocation requirements make them lose qualified candidates. This suggests firms need to rethink location strategies for certain positions.
Contract Work Grows
Contract employment is no longer applicable only to administrative roles. Clinical research associates are often employed on a contract basis for trial phases, and pharmacovigilance professionals help manage spikes in safety data. Such placements are appropriate when workloads fluctuate.
Contract talent provides early-stage businesses with flexibility. It allows them to scale up R&D efforts without entering into long-term payroll commitments. The trend will continue as businesses refrain from permanent hiring.
The Skills Gap Challenge
Due to rapid technological adoption, approximately 50% of employees require new skills. Industry experts say the shelf life of technical skills is diminishing. New treatments and computerized workflows continuously change the nature of work.
Companies are investing in upskilling programs, creating in-house academies, and microlearning paths to keep employees up-to-date on science and prepare them for emerging roles.
Clinical laboratory technologists, epidemiologists, medical scientists, and biomedical engineers are among the most in-demand specializations. These occupations combine traditional science expertise with modern technology skills.
Academic Partnerships Increase
Large companies are increasingly engaging with universities. They’re not only recruiting from university programs but also helping to design them. Jointly developed curricula and apprenticeships create talent pipelines.
These collaborations also constitute talent insurance. The companies get graduates with the necessary skills, while the students get hands-on experience using industry-level tools and methodologies.
Looking Ahead
Industry observers predict a “hiring frenzy” towards the end of 2025. Firms will need to hire again to fulfill project demands. They lost ground during the lean months and need to recover.
The EPM Scientific Talent report indicates that recruitment needs are evolving as inward investment and integration with AI bring new opportunities.
Massachusetts projects a 32% growth rate in its life sciences sector by 2033. This demonstrates long-term confidence, even in the face of near-term challenges.
What This Means for Companies
Organizations need to transform their recruitment practices and seek hybrid-skilled people who can span disciplines. Competitive salaries and flexibility are still needed.
It’s reasonable to invest in training current employees. It’s often easier to cultivate someone you know rather than attempt to hire the perfect outsider.
Many companies use professional recruitment agencies to supplement or support their hiring needs to attract the best talent efficiently. Working with an agency with experience in life science gives you an edge in finding talent and utilizing hiring teams who understand your goals and hiring needs.
The Path Forward
The life science industry continues to evolve quickly. Companies that shift their recruitment processes will flourish, while those using outdated methods of recruiting talent will fall behind in securing the talent they need.
Today’s market is patient and strategic. Band-aid fixes won’t suffice when competition is this intense.
To face the complex life science job market? Hunter Recruiting is experienced in connecting life science companies with top-tier talent. Our experienced recruiters understand the industry’s complexities and can help find the specialized professionals your company needs. Contact us today to assess your employment needs and build the team that guides your company forward to prosperity in 2025 and beyond.
