Science Hiring Market Snapshot – What Businesses Need to Know Right Now (UK)

The world of Science is moving fast. From biotech and pharma to medtech, diagnostics and environmental science, we’re hearing the same message from Scientists, hiring managers and founders across the UK: expectations are rising, and the skill sets in demand are evolving. 

This snapshot brings together what we’re seeing across R&D, laboratory science, formulation, analytical science, quality, regulatory, clinical and broader Science roles. 

If you’re growing your in-house Science team, here’s how the market is looking right now. 

Skills in Demand Across Science 

Across start-ups, scale-ups, contract research organisations, established pharma and wider life science businesses, a few skill sets stand out. 

R&D and Laboratory Scientists 

Demand is steady for Scientists who can: 

• design and run experiments 

• interpret results with a critical eye 

• document work clearly and accurately 

• work comfortably in cross-functional teams 

This spans molecular biology, cell biology, microbiology, chemistry, biochemistry and more applied R&D roles. 

Analytical Scientists 

There’s strong demand for people with experience in: 

• analytical method development and validation 

• techniques such as HPLC, LC-MS, GC, IC, spectroscopy and chromatography 

• troubleshooting instrumentation 

• supporting QC, stability and regulatory submissions 

Analytical skills are central to many Science teams right now. 

Formulation and Process Development 

Organisations are looking for Scientists who can move ideas towards scale: 

• formulation of small molecules, biologics or advanced therapies 

• process optimisation and tech transfer 

• understanding of scale-up and manufacturing constraints 

The link between R&D and production is a clear focus. 

Quality (QA/QC) and Compliance 

Across GMP, GLP, ISO and similar environments, there’s ongoing demand for: 

• QC Analysts and Supervisors 

• QA Officers, Specialists and Managers 

• people with experience in audits, CAPA, deviation management, change control 

Teams want people who can keep standards high without blocking progress. 

Regulatory Affairs 

As products get closer to market, businesses need Regulatory professionals who can: 

• support submissions 

• interpret regulatory guidance 

• work with R&D, Quality and Commercial teams 

• communicate clearly internally and externally 

Regulatory experience remains a valuable, often hard-to-find skill set. 

How AI Is Shaping Science Skill Sets 

AI is influencing Science in very real ways – from research to diagnostics to manufacturing. It’s not replacing Scientists, but it is changing expectations. 

1. Data-rich science is becoming the norm

Across biology, chemistry, clinical and environmental science, experiments generate more data than ever. AI is helping teams: 

• spot patterns 

• automate analysis 

• support decision-making 

Businesses value Scientists who are comfortable working with data, even if they’re not Data Scientists. 

2. Automation, digitallabsand LIMS 

AI and automation are showing up in: 

• high-throughput screening 

• image analysis 

• lab robotics 

• LIMS and ELN systems 

Hiring managers look for people who are open to digital tools and can adapt to more automated environments. 

3. Decision support, not decision replacement

AI is supporting: 

• literature reviews 

• target identification 

• candidate prioritisation 

• risk assessment 

But teams still need Scientists who can challenge, interpret and decide. Good scientific judgement is more important than ever. 

4. New interdisciplinary roles

We’re seeing demand for roles that sit between Science, Data and Technology: 

• bioinformatics and computational biology 

• cheminformatics 

• digital lab specialists 

You don’t have to become an AI expert, but awareness of how AI interacts with your Science area is increasingly valuable. 

Current Trends in the Science Hiring Market 

Across the UK, we’re seeing: 

• active hiring in biotech, medtech, diagnostics and contract research 

• Science teams growing within scale-ups and established organisations 

• more focus on translational and applied science – moving from concept to clinic or market 

• steady demand for midweight and senior Scientists who can work independently 

• growing need for Quality, Regulatory and Clinical expertise as products mature 

There’s a clear pull towards people who can bridge pure science with real-world application. 

What Science Candidates Are Asking For Beyond Salary 

Salary matters, but it’s only part of the story. Common themes from Scientists include: 

• Hybrid or flexible working, where possible, especially for non-lab-heavy roles 

• Clear expectations around lab vs desk vs home time 

• A sense of mission and purpose – what are we actually working on, and why? 

• Investment in equipment, tools and training 

• Clear progression paths – both technical and leadership 

For many Science professionals, the project, the mission and the team matter just as much as the pay. 

How Businesses Can Hire More Effectively Right Now 

A few things are making a tangible difference. 

1. Clear role definition

Be specific about: 

• day-to-day lab vs desk split 

• core techniques and technologies 

• level of autonomy 

• how the role fits into the wider team / pipeline 

It helps attract the right people and speeds everything up. 

2. Realistic expectations

Avoid the “Scientist who can cover R&D, QC, regulatory, BD and operations” brief. It slows hiring down and often misses the mark. 

3. A thoughtful interview process

Science candidates appreciate: 

• clarity on stages 

• a balance of technical and behavioural questions 

• time to talk through past projects and experiments 

• meeting key team members and seeing the lab where possible 

4. Transparency about culture and purpose

People want to know: 

• the organisation’s mission and where the Science fits in 

• how success is measured 

• how decisions get made 

• how you support learning and up-skilling 

These factors often make the difference between offers being accepted or declined. 

If You’re Planning a Hire 

We’re immersed in the world of Science every day. If you’d like a sense-check on salary, role shape or the skill sets available for your next Science hire, we’re always up for a chat.