Life Sciences recruitment during COVID-19

Life Sciences recruitment during COVID-19

Life Sciences recruitment during COVID-19

Even in “normal” times, recruitment can be a rollercoaster ride, placing demands on everyone involved to pivot quickly in order to navigate a fast-changing landscape. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we have seen the usual ups and downs of recruitment exaggerated more than ever before. Still, we’ve also seen our resilient sector step up to these challenges and work hard to ensure it was ready to meet the demands being placed on it.

The COVID-19 effect

At the beginning of the Covid-19 outbreak, it was not surprising that we saw a slowdown in the life sciences recruitment market. The beginning of 2020 had started with a relatively slow recruitment market. The impact of COVID-19 resulted in redundancies and furloughs that saw growing hesitation in the sector as making career changes seemed too big a risk to take. While this was the initial reaction, it didn’t take long, however, before the pharmaceutical industry took stock, adjusted to the changes and lived up to its recession-proof reputation.

The science-led fightback against the coronavirus shone a spotlight on life sciences and invigorated confidence, reminding governments worldwide why investing in world-class research, manufactures and all aspects of the ecosystem was so vital. The final quarter of 2020 saw a surge in recruitment and candidates as people responded to make a difference.

Looking forward to 2021 

At the start of 2021, we still find ourselves in a national lockdown but optimistic that the ongoing vaccine rollout will soon mean restrictions can once again be eased. We can also be confident that the surge in recruitment we saw building through 2020 will continue to gain momentum in 2021.

International demand for world-class life sciences facilities will continue to increase as projects are accelerated and new ones given the green light. Governments and the private sector alike will look to build and invest more in capabilities to expand research fields and accelerate progress. This will increase the demand for talented people throughout the life sciences supply chain and peripheral sectors.

The worldwide exposure to life sciences has highlighted this vital work’s impact and has demonstrated its credibility to a wider audience. This will certainly help attract more candidates into the sector, but employers need to be prepared to compete for the best candidates in a fast-moving and dynamic recruitment market in 2021. Forward planning will be essential for any employer who wishes to achieve an ambitious hiring plan to ensure their company realises its full potential.

Leaman Life Sciences

At Leaman Life Sciences, we connect talented life sciences professionals to companies that lead the way in pharmaceutical, biopharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device and CRO. Trusted recruitment partners, we support global recruitment from our offices in London and New York. 

If you are a candidate looking for your next challenge or a company building for the future, contact us to discuss how one of our recruitment solutions can help progress your goals.