Life sciences jobs: a growing sector full of opportunities, even if you’re not a scientist

When people think of life sciences jobs, they often picture white coats, petri dishes, and highly specialised lab work. While that may be part of the picture, the reality is much broader, and far more accessible. Across Europe, the life sciences sector is not only a driver of scientific innovation, but also a source of meaningful, stable, and well-paid employment across a wide range of roles — many of which do not require a scientific background.

This diversity is reflected in the growing variety of life sciences jobs now available across the continent.

In 2024 alone, the European life sciences industry generated over €585 billion, outperforming the broader EU economy in growth and job creation. It is not just happening in the usual suspects. While countries like Germany, France, and Switzerland remain leading research hubs, Eastern European nations such as Bulgaria, Hungary, and Latvia are becoming new hotspots for production, services, and skilled talent.

Read our Life Sciences European Workforce Outlook for more insights.

In Switzerland, life sciences account for 12% of national GDP, with world-class roles available in biopharma, MedTech, research, quality control, and compliance. However, even in this high-performing market, companies are struggling to fill key positions in life sciences jobs, especially as the workforce ages and it becomes harder to attract younger talent.

Whether you’re a recent graduate, a career changer, or simply curious about new opportunities, life sciences jobs offer a chance to be part of something bigger.

 

What are life sciences, and what kind of jobs are out there?

Life sciences is a broad field that focuses on improving health, advancing medicine, and understanding the living world. In simple terms, life sciences jobs span everything from pharmaceutical research and medical technology to diagnostics, manufacturing, and regulatory compliance. The industry is typically divided into three main areas:

1. BioPharma

This is the world of biologically derived medicines: vaccines, gene therapies, and cutting-edge treatments. Think about the recent breakthroughs in cancer immunotherapy or mRNA vaccines: they all come from this branch. Life sciences jobs in BioPharma include:

• Clinical research coordinators;
• Quality assurance specialists;
• Regulatory affairs officers;
• Pharmaceutical production technicians.

2. MedTech

MedTech focuses on the design and manufacturing of medical devices and diagnostic tools, from blood pressure monitors to robotic surgical systems. With the rise of digital health, this is one of the fastest-growing segments in Europe.

Common life sciences jobs in MedTech include:

• Biomedical equipment technicians;
• Supply chain coordinators;
• Field service engineers;
• Health data analysts;

Example: a multilingual project manager based in Zurich might coordinate a product launch across different EU markets, combining communication skills with regulatory awareness.

3. Research, testing, and diagnostics

This area is the engine of scientific discovery, representing about 70% of life sciences employment in Europe. It includes medical laboratories, research centres, and diagnostic testing companies.

Typical life sciences jobs include:

• Laboratory technicians;
• Research associates;
• Data managers;
• Technical assistants in clinical trials.

This segment also offers strong entry-level opportunities, especially for recent graduates in biology, chemistry, or healthcare-related degrees.

Where are the opportunities in life sciences jobs?

Across Europe, the life sciences sector is expanding fast. In Switzerland, for example, life sciences account for 12% of GDP, and the country leads Europe in biopharma output. Yet employment among young professionals remains low, and middle management roles are shrinking.

Where’s the opportunity? A new generation of talent has room to step in.

With regional demand rising, employers are looking far and wide for qualified professionals. Whether you have a scientific background or not, now is a prime time to explore life sciences jobs.

Roles for scientific profiles

If you’ve studied biology, chemistry, biomedical sciences, or a related field, there are multiple entry points into the sector, many with strong potential for career progression.

Key roles include:

• Laboratory technicians — essential to research and diagnostics across the continent;
• Clinical research associates — involved in planning and managing clinical trials;
• Quality control analysts — ensuring product safety and compliance with EU standards;
• Regulatory affairs specialists — bridging the gap between scientific development and legal approval processes;
• Neurodiagnostic technicians — one of the most in-demand profiles, with a 550% increase in job postings in recent years.

High-demand roles beyond the lab

Don’t have a science degree? There’s growing demand for professionals in support and strategic functions. In fact, many of the industry’s current hiring gaps are outside the lab.

In-demand life sciences jobs include:

• Project managers — especially those who can coordinate teams across departments or countries;
• Supply chain and logistics specialists — crucial in global operations and manufacturing;
• Data analysts — supporting real-time diagnostics and research optimisation;
• Sales and customer support professionals — particularly in MedTech companies where technical knowledge meets patient-facing communication;
• HR and talent professionals — helping the industry recruit, retain, and reskill its workforce.

Example: a graduate with a degree in international business and fluency in three languages could thrive in a compliance coordinator role within a Swiss MedTech firm. In this position, they’d help ensure products meet global regulatory standards while liaising with international partners. 

 

The skills that employers are looking for

In a sector as fast-evolving as life sciences, your degree or job title is no longer the only thing that matters. Today, employers are shifting their focus from formal qualifications to practical, demonstrable skills, especially as the industry adapts to digitalisation, an ageing population, and increasingly complex global regulations.

Whether you’re entering the field for the first time or looking to progress, knowing which skills to build is your best strategy.

Technical skills in high demand (hard skills)

Employers are increasingly looking for technical capabilities that reflect the sector’s digital and operational transformation. Data analysis and digital literacy are at the top of the list — as diagnostics and clinical trials rely more than ever on digital tools and health data.

Experience with software, or even basic coding languages, is becoming highly relevant, even outside of IT roles. In life sciences jobs, there’s strong demand for professionals who understand health technologies and artificial intelligence — not necessarily to build systems, but to work confidently with them.

Knowledge of compliance and quality frameworks, or the guidelines of regulatory bodies, is a major asset across roles, particularly in biopharma and MedTech. Language skills, especially in multilingual countries like Switzerland, continue to boost employability. English is essential, and German or French can open additional doors in international teams.

 

Human and strategic skills (soft skills)

It’s not all about technical expertise. Human and strategic skills — often called soft skills — are just as essential in today’s life sciences jobs. 

Communication and collaboration are critical in research teams, manufacturing environments, and regulatory processes. Project management is also highly valued: employers appreciate candidates who can manage timelines, coordinate between teams, and adapt to shifting priorities.

Resilience and adaptability are especially important in a sector shaped by ongoing transformation. Those who can navigate uncertainty and learn quickly often progress fastest. Employers expect even early-career professionals to show initiative and take ownership of tasks — making leadership potential a key differentiator.

The life sciences industry isn’t just about labs and microscopes. It’s about solving real-world problems, improving lives, and shaping the future of healthcare. As the sector grows, so too do the opportunities for professionals from a wide range of backgrounds.

Whether you’re stepping into the world of work, changing direction mid-career, or looking to put your language, data, or project skills to use in a meaningful way, life sciences jobs offer far more than stability. They offer purpose, innovation, and long-term potential.

Ready to explore your next career move in life sciences? Visit Gi Life Sciences to discover job opportunities, career advice, and specialised support.