STRYDON Global | Specialist Recruitment in Life Sciences, Technology & Aerospace
The biopharma industry continues to evolve at pace. Advances in cell and gene therapy, AI-driven drug discovery, and an increasingly complex regulatory landscape are reshaping not just how medicines are developed, but also the people needed to develop them.
As we move into 2026 and beyond, demand for highly specialised talent is only increasing. Below are the roles we’re seeing consistently requested by biopharma companies, from early-stage biotech through to global pharma organisations.
Regulatory talent remains one of the most difficult areas to hire across biopharma. As pipelines become more complex and global approval pathways more fragmented, companies need experienced regulatory professionals who can navigate multiple regions and evolving guidelines.
High-demand areas include:
Strong regulatory hires often make the difference between delayed submissions and successful market access.
Quality functions continue to be business-critical, particularly as companies scale manufacturing or transition from clinical to commercial stages.
Roles in demand include:
With increased regulatory scrutiny and supply chain complexity, quality teams are being strengthened earlier than ever in a company’s lifecycle.
The shift towards biologics, advanced therapies, and personalised medicine has created a sustained need for manufacturing talent.
Key roles include:
Companies are particularly focused on candidates who can support scale-up, tech transfer, and commercial readiness.
Despite market fluctuations, clinical development remains a hiring priority. Sponsors are seeking experienced professionals who can manage increasingly complex trials while controlling costs and timelines.
In-demand roles include:
Experience in rare disease, oncology, and decentralised trials is especially sought after.
Data-driven decision-making is now embedded across drug discovery, development, and commercial strategy. As a result, biopharma companies are competing heavily for digital and data professionals.
Commonly requested roles:
Candidates who can bridge scientific understanding with advanced analytics are particularly valuable.
As more innovative therapies reach late-stage development, commercial teams are being built earlier and more strategically.
High-demand positions include:
Experience launching products in competitive or highly regulated markets is a major advantage.
Beyond technical expertise, companies are placing increasing emphasis on leadership capability. Individuals who can operate across functions, manage growth, and adapt to change are consistently in demand.
This includes:
Cultural fit, communication skills, and change management experience are often just as important as technical background.
For employers, competition for top biopharma talent will remain intense. Early engagement, realistic hiring timelines, and access to specialist recruitment support are becoming essential.
For candidates, niche expertise, adaptability, and continuous skill development will be key to staying in demand as the industry evolves.
At its core, biopharma hiring is becoming more specialised, more global, and more strategic — and that trend shows no sign of slowing down.
