5 Reasons to Move into Life Science Recruitment

Life science is one of the fastest growing industries in the world, with ever-increasing venture capital investments leading to an estimated valuation of $18 billion by 2030.

This makes it one of the most exciting opportunities for recruiters – especially those on the lookout for a new sector.

Here are five reasons why:

1. Better exposure

For recruiters, the battle for access to hiring managers and decision makers is ongoing and very frustrating. Communication is often patchy, and this can make it much harder to do our job.

These problems are significantly less prevalent in the life science industry. The high emphasis on quality hires ensures they are all ears when recruiting – especially in smaller biotech startups. 

Not only does this help reduce the stress of day-to-day work, it ensures recruiters are able to learn faster and potentially progress more quickly.

2. Lower saturation

Life science offers the perfect mix of high industry growth and low recruiter saturation. Compare this, for example, with technology, where high-growth is matched with an extraordinary number of specialist recruiters. 

The number of opportunities in life science therefore vastly outstrips most similar industries, giving recruiters greater autonomy and – once again – potential to progress quickly. And there is good reason to think life science companies are particularly in need of recruiters.

There is also a somewhat higher barrier to entry in life science recruitment, as areas like tech generally demand less technical knowledge. So those that are capable within life science are likely to face less competition moving forward, too.

3. The market is less volatile

The life science industry is unusually robust, experiencing far less market volatility than other comparable industries. This is in part because investment comes from both governments and private VCs. But it is also down to the vast potential the industry still has to grow. 

During COVID-19 lockdowns, life science experienced very little slow down in hiring compared to other industries – and the industry itself has actually benefited in some ways from the pandemic. In the UK, new jobs grew 37% through 2021.

As a result, recruiters should view life science as a highly reliable industry. Those that are able to develop a strong reputation and network will be rewarded with long-term stability and career growth.

4. Better margins

Life science recruitment tends, on average, to offer particularly good margins on contracts. For recruiters looking to change industries, this may be a particularly appealing prospect – enabling them to potentially give a solid boost to their income. 

It is also worth noting that the life science industry has seen accelerating salaries in the last few years – and is expected to see similar growth in the future. 

5. A chance to make a difference

It’s no secret that one of the principle things that drives us is the desire to be happy and fulfilled in the workplace. The chance to work in recruitment gives you an opportunity to pursue an engaging and worthwhile career, one that leaves you feeling satisfied at the end of the day.

 Working with pharmaceutical and biotechnology clients to recruit the finest talent is an excellent way to contribute to the development of new drugs and treatments that will be used to help hundreds of thousands of people worldwide. It’s a chance to use your qualifications, skills and expertise to really make an impact within one of the most successful and important industries in the world. Every exceptional candidate you place at these leading, global companies will bring them a step closer to providing the world with life-saving medicines. You’ll be safe in the knowledge that every day is an opportunity to make a difference.