Life Science Recruitment explores the many factors impacting this exciting and ever-changing sector.
Last week (10 December) SiliconRepublic.com wrote a piece about this year’s IT Search Salary and Market Trends Report, which took a comprehensive look at some of the trends expected to impact IT professionals in the new year. Now we are taking a closer look at the life sciences space, through the Irish Life Sciences Salary Survey and Market Trends Report.
The report was created by Life Science Recruitment – a member of the Vertical Markets Group – and aims to provide essential data designed to help industry experts and key players to confidently navigate a rapidly evolving, dynamic ecosystem. So let’s jump in and explore some of the key talking points across a few of the sector’s main industries.
Technical engineering
The report found that, similar to many global industries, the technical engineering space throughout the last 12 months has experienced a slight drop in the demand for professionals, especially in the medical devices and pharma sectors in the latter half of the year. However, a number of skills have emerged as being of particular importance.
To work in a technical engineering capacity, the Life Science Recruitment report noted that the most sought-after skillsets are in engineering areas such as research and development, process, projects, manufacturing and quality engineering. There is also demand for specialised professionals skilled to work in validation, automation and process engineering.
When it comes to salary, engineers with one to two years of industry experience previously would have expected to get between €33,000 to €35,000, but new expectations have inflated to around €38,000 to €48,000.
Some senior engineers may now ask for more than €72,000, leading to a somewhat skewed market and potentially unrealistic expectations as companies make enticing counter offers in order to compel talented employees to remain with an organisation or institution.
Furthermore, add-ons and benefit packages within this field are also growing in importance according to the report, which stated that packages including bonuses, pension, healthcare packages, and LTIs (long-term incentives) are expected now in addition to competitive salaries. “In fact a comprehensive package may give a company the edge,” said the report.
Pharma and biopharma
As shown in the report, the pharma and biopharma permanent market is looking relatively healthy going into the new year. Among employers there is a high demand for skilled professionals with around three to five years of industry experience, but there is currently short supply.
Salaries have risen and in order to remain competitive and attractive to talented people, companies are deploying a mix of strategies, from counter offers and enhanced titles to expanded benefits and flexibility. The report does say however that salary growth is beginning to plateau, but similar to careers in technical engineering, total reward packages have become the key differentiator.
“Competitive offerings now commonly include performance bonuses, pension contributions, family healthcare and increasingly, sign-on incentives to attract high-calibre candidates while maintaining internal equity.”
Flexibility and alternative working models also emerged as a central expectation, despite what the report described as a “noticeable shift toward ‘back-to-office’ policies”. Hybrid models appeal to jobseekers and, for many, are a deciding factor when presented with an opportunity.
Clinical trials and research
Throughout 2025, the report explained that Ireland’s clinical trials and research sector continued to build upon the strong foundations laid in previous years, “reaffirming its reputation as a leading European hub for life sciences innovation”.
Presently, the country remains an attractive and preferred destination for key players in the global pharmaceutical space, as well as emerging biotech firms, due in part to Ireland’s skilled workforce, robust research infrastructure and supportive regulatory environment.
When it comes to the potential for employment, the report found that there is a high demand for expertise in areas such as clinical development, study start-up, site selection, project management, regulatory affairs and clinical operations.
Additionally, a surge in trials involving gene therapies, biologics and combination drug-device products have intensified competition for talent, particularly among professionals with the skills needed to navigate “the complex interface between scientific innovation, compliance and patient safety”.
There are challenges however, as economic difficulties, such as the housing crisis and increased cost of living, are creating problems for both domestic and international professionals hoping to work in Ireland.
This has led to an increase in opportunities outside of the Dublin area, as the report noted. “The financial pressures of urban living continue to influence career choices, pushing some employers to decentralise operations toward more affordable regions such as Limerick, Galway, and the midlands, where clusters of CROs and academic research institutions are gaining prominence.”
Looking to the year ahead, the report predicts that the Irish clinical research sector will remain on an upward trajectory, though with a clear distinction between traditional and tech-integrated roles driven largely by the convergence of AI, data science, and clinical operations, which are redefining job descriptions and salary structures.
Contract market
Life Science Recruitment’s research also shone a light on the growing contract market in Ireland, that is the popularity of hiring skilled professionals for short-term or project work, rather than full-time employment. Contracts are often implemented to manage high levels of demand, leverage specific skills and maximise limited resources, such as time, money and materials.
“The life sciences industries in Ireland are experiencing sustained demand, driven by continued investment in biologics, cell and gene therapies, and advanced medical technologies,” the report said. “Contract recruitment remains a central component of workforce planning, as companies seek flexible access to niche expertise to deliver complex, project-based initiatives.”
Several key factors were found to be driving the growth and reliance on contract professionals across Ireland’s life sciences sector, such as flexibility and agility, cost efficiency, innovation, speed and specialised expertise, with the report also showing that there are a number of challenges.
Namely, there is considerably high-demand for people with specialised skills, there can be hybrid work limitations and the vastly changing and complex regulatory environment can present a barrier.
“Ireland’s contract recruitment market in life sciences is expected to remain stable through 2026, supported by continued investment in biologics, next-generation therapeutics, and sustainable manufacturing initiatives,” said the report. “Contract professionals will remain integral to enabling innovation, quality compliance and operational flexibility across all sectors.
“As digitalisation and data-driven manufacturing accelerate, demand will remain strong for experienced contractors with a blend of technical, regulatory and project management expertise capable of supporting Ireland’s continued leadership in global life sciences manufacturing and innovation.”
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