Emerging Life Sciences Roles and Skills in 2026

Key Insights for Life Sciences Professionals

• High-demand roles in 2026: Validation, quality and automation engineers, regulatory and compliance specialists, and commercial/market access professionals.
• Essential technical skills: Process validation, automation oversight, regulatory compliance, digital systems, and strategic commercial planning.
• Critical soft skills: Problem-solving, adaptability, communication, stakeholder management, and cross-functional collaboration.
• Digital and technological impact: AI, automation, and data-driven tools are transforming research, manufacturing, and commercial operations.
• Cross-functional expertise: Employers increasingly value professionals who can bridge research, operations, and commercial teams, translating technical knowledge into business outcomes.
• Sector trends driving hiring: Advanced therapies, stricter regulatory standards, sustainability initiatives, and digital transformation are reshaping life sciences workforce needs.
• Career progression tip: Highlight measurable results, demonstrate adaptability, and showcase a mix of technical and broader capabilities to stand out in 2026.

 

Life sciences hiring is changing fast. New technology, tighter regulations, and pressure to deliver treatments sooner are reshaping what employers want from candidates. Technical expertise still matters, but companies now place equal weight on communication, adaptability, and cross functional skills. People who can work across research, operations, and commercial teams have a clear advantage.

The industry is also expanding into new therapy areas and digital processes, and that shift is affecting hiring plans and the type of roles gaining momentum. Below is a breakdown of three key areas where demand is growing, the responsibilities involved, and the soft skills that help professionals stand out.

 

Validation, quality and automation engineers

Manufacturing in life sciences continues to adopt automation and data driven tools, and this shift is strengthening demand for engineers who understand process behavior, equipment performance, and quality expectations at every point of production. These roles usually cover process validation, equipment qualification, root cause analysis, statistical monitoring, and oversight of automated systems that support consistent output across batches and sites.

Companies depend on these engineers to identify issues early, stabilize processes during scale up, and support technology changes without disrupting production. As facilities introduce new equipment, digital monitoring platforms, and higher levels of automation, engineers who can interpret data, adjust parameters, and communicate risks clearly become even more valuable.

The work calls for technical insight with a practical focus, but also steady collaboration with operations, engineering, maintenance, and quality teams because most issues sit across these functions. Strong documentation skills, comfort with MES and related digital systems, and an ability to link process data to decision making also carry real weight in these environments. Engineers who combine system knowledge with rigorous problem solving tend to progress quickly because they help organizations maintain compliance, reduce deviations, and deliver reliable output.

Useful soft skills:

• Problem solving during production issues
• Adaptability during changes to equipment or workflow
• Clear communication with technical and non-technical teams
• Teamwork across engineering, quality, and operations

Explore current roles in Manufacturing and Engineering.

 

Regulatory affairs and compliance specialists

Therapies are becoming more complex, and regulations continue to expand. This has increased demand for regulatory and compliance specialists who can manage submissions, interpret new rules, and guide internal teams through each stage of product development. These professionals support work from early research through clinical studies, technical transfers, and final market approval. Many roles also extend into post-approval activities such as variations, labelling updates, and compliance monitoring.

The position requires steady coordination with scientific, operational, and commercial groups, since regulatory expectations affect study design, manufacturing plans, quality controls, and launch strategy. Strong candidates can review technical data, identify gaps, and explain what needs to change without slowing development. They translate complex regulatory information into clear actions, prepare documentation that meets strict format and content requirements, and manage competing deadlines across multiple authorities and regions.

People who communicate clearly, maintain structured documentation, and anticipate regulatory shifts are especially valued. As global rules tighten and more products move through accelerated pathways, organizations look for specialists who can keep programs on track, reduce delays, and support smooth interactions with regulators.

Useful soft skills:

• Attention to detail when reviewing scientific and regulatory material
• Structured communication so teams can act on regulatory updates
• Stakeholder management across departments
• Resilience when requirements change

 

Explore current roles in Compliance and Regulatory Affairs.

Looking to hire regulatory affairs talent? Request a call back or submit a vacancy with us. 

 

Commercial, market access and go-to-market roles

As new treatments reach the market, companies need stronger commercial planning to compete and maintain adoption. These roles cover access strategy, launch preparation, pricing, forecasting, and engagement with healthcare providers and payer groups. They also support market analysis, competitor tracking, evidence planning, and the development of clear value messages that link clinical outcomes to financial impact for healthcare systems. The work sits between science and business, so companies look for people who can turn technical information into clear, practical arguments that influence buying and prescribing decisions.

The responsibilities often span internal alignment and external communication. Commercial teams work with medical, regulatory, manufacturing, and finance groups to prepare for launch and maintain product performance after approval. They help build budget impact models, prepare materials for payer discussions, and guide field teams on how to present data in a simple way. Because product success depends on strong execution in the first months after launch, people in these roles play a direct part in shaping how a therapy is received.

This area suits candidates who enjoy building relationships, presenting information, and shaping product strategy. It offers growth for people with scientific experience who want a more outward facing position with a wider impact on the business. Candidates who can link science to practical decisions, communicate with confidence, and manage several workstreams at once tend to advance quickly in commercial planning roles.

Useful soft skills:

• Relationship building with internal and external partners
• Strategic thinking for launch and access planning
• Communication that works for non-scientific audiences
• Negotiation in payer and provider discussions

 

Explore current Go To Market Roles.

Looking to hire commercial talent? Request a call back to be connected with our life science recruitment specialists. 

 

What these roles show about sector changes

These roles reflect wider shifts in life sciences. Companies now value people who can work across functions and handle more integrated responsibilities. Hiring plans focus less on narrow specialization and more on broad capability linked to science, operations, and digital tools.

For deeper insight into the global shifts changing the Life Sciences landscape read our Life Sciences Careers 2026: Top Hiring Trends & Roles to Advance Your Career

 

Key drivers influencing hiring

• Rapid adoption of AI, automation, and data tools across research and manufacturing
• Growth in advanced therapies such as cell and gene treatments, RNA technologies, and biologics
• Rising regulatory and sustainability expectations that affect development and operations
• Business models that rely on cross functional problem solving and project delivery

To progress in life sciences in 2026, build a mix of technical skills and broader capabilities. Employers value communication, flexibility, and the ability to work across scientific, operational, and commercial teams. These strengths are becoming just as important as technical knowledge.

Register your resume or explore current life sciences roles. If you want support with your next move, EPM Scientific provides sector focused guidance, up to date market insight, and access to opportunities across R&D, manufacturing, regulatory, and commercial functions. Our teams work closely with candidates at every stage of their career, helping you understand hiring trends and match your skills to the areas where demand is growing.