The pharmaceutical industry requires a workforce who can manage highly technical processes while complying with tight regulatory frameworks. Pharmaceutical companies are competing with other life science and research industries for the top talent, while facing more oversight, more scrutiny, and more regulations. Here are the biggest trends and challenges we are seeing in recruiting for the pharmaceutical industry. 

Top Hard-to-Source Skills in Pharma

Naturally almost every employer is recruiting people with technical skills, communication skills, and relevant experience. Among highly-skilled workplaces, many of the requirements are the same. However, here are the key skills that pharmaceutical companies are most looking for at the moment: 

  • AI-assisted Data Analysis. Data analysis has always been a critical part of pharmaceutical research and development, but today’s data analysts need to be able to leverage the power of AI and machine learning to yield more powerful insights, more quickly. 
  • Standards and Compliance. Pharmaceutical companies are held to the highest standards for regulation, compliance, and quality. From GMP to Q&A to regulatory affairs, everyone on the team needs to be aware of the rules and standards that govern their work, and adhere to the best practices. 
  • Lab Automation. Innovative pharma companies are finding new ways to use technology and automation to improve and accelerate research. Only 8% of the top pharmaceutical companies are employing advanced, AI-assisted lab automation in most of their processes, but 70% of pharma companies are planning to automate further in the coming year. 
  • Empathy. New digital technologies create personalized medicine, empowering more people to take charge of their healthcare decision making. This is leading to a greater need for patient-centered pharmaceuticals, and employees who care about and advocate for the patient. From the C-suite to the lab, patient-centered experience is the hottest trend in pharma. 
Biggest Advantages of Working in Pharma

Throughout Europe, there is a shortage of experienced professionals with scientific, technical, and regulatory skills. Pharmaceutical companies are competing for top talent with cosmetic, high-tech, health care, and other advanced industries, and the best candidates have their choice of employers. When recruiting for pharmaceuticals, here are some of the biggest industry advantages to keep in mind

Stability

The pharmaceutical industry is remarkably stable, and very resilient in the face of recession or other economic changes. Because there will always be a demand for existing medications, along with demand for new, improved treatment options, especially as the European population ages, pharmaceutical careers are stable and secure. This aspect can appeal to experienced candidates who are thinking long-term and planning for the future. 

Innovation

The pharmaceutical industry spends more on R&D than any other. For people who want to be at the cutting edge of life sciences, exploring new frontiers and making new discoveries, there is no better industry than pharma. This aspect of a pharma career can appeal to candidates who are ambitious and eager to push the boundaries of innovation. 

Satisfaction

The work done by pharmaceutical companies informs, heals, and helps millions of people every day. From life-saving vaccines to improving mood to simple pain relief, pharmaceuticals impact everyone in the world, and can be life-changing. A career in pharmaceuticals allows people with highly technical skills to be part of making the world happier and healthier, contributing to high levels of job satisfaction. This aspect of a pharma career appeals to highly skilled candidates who can work in a variety of industries, but want to use their skills to make a difference.

Solutions for Recruiting Challenges in the Pharmaceutical Industries

At Grapefrute, we specialize in using innovative techniques to perform targeted searches and find the right candidates for hard-to-fill positions. We understand the industry, and know how to find the people that will build company success. Our approach is comprehensive but flexible, allowing us to become your recruitment partner and supplement your processes in the way that works best for you, seamlessly. Contact us today for more insight about how to recruit the top pharma talent.