lead innovation, cultivate a skilled workforce

The life sciences and pharma sector is at a turning point, brimming with both challenges and opportunities. Game-changing AI advancements and the booming specialty medicine market continue to take shape, while global pricing controls, geopolitical tensions, talent shortages and restructuring add pressure. Nevertheless, innovation remains a driving force, with R&D investments powering breakthroughs in specialty medicines — an essential revenue engine. However, rising costs and stagnant employment growth underscore the urgent need for workforce agility and strategic focus in this dynamic industry.

2026 employer and talent trends

0%

of life sciences employers expect AI to impact between half to three-quarters of tasks (global: 36%).

0%

of life sciences employers predict that at least half of entry-level jobs will disappear in the next five years due to AI (global: 76%).

0%

of life sciences talent say they feel more connected to their manager than the company as a whole (global: 63%).

0%

of life sciences talent say they want to follow a traditional, linear career path (global: 41%).

Global workmonitor research 2026

Discover the Great Workplace Adaptation through our research, which uncovers key disparities between talent expectations and employer perceptions.

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Source: 2026 Randstad Workmonitor research

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your partner for talent

From improving talent access for your most critical roles through RPO, MSP and SOW solutions to guiding workforce transformation and unlocking human potential with coaching and outplacement, you'll benefit from end-to-end talent solutions that keep your organization ahead of the curve in innovation.

100,000+

life sciences, healthcare and medical device sector talent placements every year through RPO

20+

years of Randstad delivering talent solutions for the life sciences sector

50+

life sciences customers

client success

global pharma fills 692 roles in 7 months, bridging a critical staffing gap.

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leading life sciences firm saves $800K with contingent workforce strategy.

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Bayer puts a new talent acquisition approach in place.

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global healthcare attracts niche tech professionas with talent marketing.

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see all our life sciences insights.

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talent solutions

our life sciences & pharma experts


Ruby van den Hoff
managing director, global accounts

Veronica Frisch
executive vice president, BFSI and Life Sciences president, Canada and Mexico

Farid Jahanian
executive vice president -
country director, Australia, New Zealand and Japan

Rachel Qiao
senior vice president, country director, China

are you ready to develop a skilled, scalable, agile workforce?

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