New Report Reveals National Trends Reshaping the Life Sciences Workforce

The Life Sciences Workforce Collaborative (LSWC) has released the 2025 Life Sciences Workforce Trends Report—offering one of the most comprehensive pictures to date of the hiring, training, and talent dynamics shaping the future of the industry.


Developed in partnership with TEConomy Partners, LLC, and supported by InnovATEBIO, this seventh edition of the biennial report is based on a rich set of national data:


● Survey responses from over 500 life sciences companies across 30 states and Puerto Rico


● Executive interviews with more than 200 industry leaders


● Analysis of 2.9 million unique job postings from the past four years


Together, these inputs paint a nuanced picture of a sector in transition—where innovation is thriving, but economic pressures and rapid technological change are forcing organizations to rethink their workforce strategies.


Slower Growth, But Not a Slowdown in Strategy


The report finds that after several years of rapid post-pandemic hiring, the U.S. life sciences industry experienced a modest employment contraction of 0.3% in 2024. Hiring has become more strategic, and companies are shifting focus from volume to value—investing in automation, workforce upskilling, and future-forward technologies.


Despite the hiring slowdown, long-term growth indicators are strong: more than $200 billion in U.S. life sciences manufacturing and R&D investments have been announced by major companies including Johnson & Johnson, Eli Lilly, Merck, Regeneron, and others. These expansions point to sustained demand for a skilled, resilient, and adaptable workforce.


AI, Automation, and the Rise of Hybrid Talent


One of the clearest trends in the report is the growing integration of AI, machine learning, and industrial automation across R&D, regulatory, and manufacturing operations. Larger companies are leading adoption, but small and mid-sized firms are quickly following.


As these technologies become embedded in daily workflows, employers are seeking “bilingual” workers—those with both technical life sciences expertise and digital fluency. From AI-powered regulatory documentation to predictive maintenance in biomanufacturing, tomorrow’s workforce must be prepared to operate at the intersection of science and software.

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Upskilling, Not Just Hiring


With lower turnover and cautious new hiring, many life sciences companies are turning inward—investing more heavily in their existing workforce. Employers report increasing reliance on internal training, microcredentialing, and competency-based assessments, particularly for technical production roles, quality assurance, and regulatory functions.


Performance-based credentialing programs, like those offered by the Bioscience Core Skills Institute (BCSI), are helping bridge gaps between traditional education and job-readiness—especially for entry-level and mid-career talent.


STEM Engagement Surging Nationwide


The report also highlights a remarkable rise in employer involvement in STEM education. Compared to two years ago, more than twice as many companies report engaging with K–12 students through classroom visits, mentorship programs, science fairs, and summer camps.


At the postsecondary level, internships, co-op programs, and apprenticeships are helping to build direct pathways into the workforce. Nearly 80% of companies surveyed are actively offering internships to students from four-year institutions, and nearly two-thirds to community college students.


This surge in engagement reflects a broader industry focus on ensuring a future-ready talent pipeline—starting early and growing local.


Why This Report Matters


For employers, educators, and policymakers, the 2025 Life Sciences Workforce Trends Report is more than a snapshot—it’s a strategic tool. With workforce challenges affecting everything from drug development to supply chain resilience, coordinated, data-informed action is more urgent than ever.


“This report illustrates a new era in workforce dynamics—where slower overall growth is paired with opportunity in key areas, growing emphasis on upskilling, and a shift toward technology-integrated roles,” said Liisa Bozinovic, Executive Director of Oregon Bio and Chair of LSWC.


“At BIO, we are proud to support these efforts and to champion policies that strengthen our industry’s talent pipeline, from the classroom to the lab and beyond,” added John Crowley, President & CEO of the Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO).


“As noted by the National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology, keeping pace with the rapidly evolving skills and talent needs of the biotechnology sector is essential to U.S. leadership in this industry,” said Linnea Fletcher, Principal Investigator at InnovATEBIO. “Our national network of advanced technical education programs is working nimbly to build the next generation of biotech talent—one that is diverse, industry-aligned, and ready to power the biotechnology revolution.”

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Access the Full Report


The full 2025 Life Sciences Workforce Trends Report is now available to download: https://www.lifesciencesworkforce.org/national-workforce-trends


To learn more about the Life Sciences Workforce Collaborative and how your organization can engage, visit: www.LifeSciencesWorkforce.org


Follow LSWC on social media for highlights and updates:

🔹 Twitter/X: X: @LifeSciWork

🔹 LinkedIn: Life Sciences Workforce Collaborative

🔹 Instagram: @lifesciworkforce

🔹 YouTube: @lifesciworkforce

GLS 2025 Year in Review

December 22, 2025
Dear Georgia Life Sciences Community, As we reflect on the past year, I want to extend my sincere thanks to our Georgia Life Sciences members for making it such an impactful one. Your engagement and leadership continue to move our industry forward and advance our shared strategic priorities— driving strong policy, expanding the talent pipeline, and creating intentional spaces for collaboration across Georgia’s life sciences ecosystem. Our Year in Review captures the progress we’ve made together across these priorities and highlights the collective impact our members are having statewide—from strengthening the workforce and supporting manufacturing growth to elevating Georgia’s position as a national life sciences leader. This progress is only possible because of the collaboration, commitment, and insight of our member community. 

Investing in America’s Biopharmaceutical Infrastructure Strengthens the Economy and Supports Union Workers

By Maria Thacker Goethe • December 20, 2025
The biopharmaceutical industry is growing America’s manufacturing and R&D capabilities to develop the next generation of treatments. A recent study from PILMA quantified the impact of the industry’s investment in American infrastructure on the economy and union workforce across 18 states from 2019-2024. The study found that across the 18 states included, the biopharmaceutical industry: Supported the American economy by investing $86.5B in R&D and manufacturing infrastructure and developing 1000+ construction projects at over 700 distinct facilities. Strengthened the American workforce by generating $2.6B in skilled union wages and providing $19M in support for union apprenticeships. The impact of the biopharmaceutical industry’s investment in American manufacturing and union jobs extends beyond direct benefits, spurring additional economic activity in the communities where workers live. This is known as the multiplier effect . On average, every $1 of new investment in a U.S. biopharmaceutical manufacturing facilities generates an additional $1.59 in further economic activity (2.59x times the initial investment value). The industry’s $86.5B investment in R&D and manufacturing infrastructure has a total economic impact of $224B. Check out this resource to learn more about how biopharmaceutical investment in American infrastructure supports America’s workers and communities. For more on how biopharmaceutical companies are investing in America’s future, visit innovation.org/america-investment .

Georgia Life Sciences Joins National Coalition Urging Congressional Action on Key Innovation Policies

December 10, 2025
Georgia Life Sciences has joined 43 state and regional life sciences organizations in signing a national Council of State Bioscience Associations (CSBA) letter calling on Congress to take immediate action on three bipartisan policy priorities that are essential to sustaining U.S. leadership in biomedical innovation and supporting patients nationwide. With Congress back in session and several critical programs at risk of expiring, the letter urges congressional leaders to advance the following provisions without delay: 1. Reauthorize the Rare Pediatric Disease Priority Review Voucher (PPRV) Program The PPRV program has been instrumental in incentivizing the development of therapies for children with rare and life-threatening conditions. Its lapse threatens to slow or halt research that families across the country are counting on. 2. Extend the SBIR/STTR Programs The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs provide crucial early-stage capital for emerging biotech and medtech companies—many of them in Georgia. Without reauthorization, hundreds of innovative small businesses face uncertainty, jeopardizing new therapies, diagnostics, and technologies in the pipeline, 3. Advance PBM Transparency Reforms Greater transparency and accountability within pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) practices are needed to ensure that savings reach patients and employers. Reforming PBM operations is essential to strengthening access and affordability across the healthcare system. A Unified Message from the Life Sciences Community The sign-on letter reflects broad, bipartisan alignment across the national life sciences ecosystem: researchers, entrepreneurs, investors, patient advocates, and state associations all share a common message— these programs underpin America’s global competitiveness and are vital to patients who rely on continued scientific progress. Georgia Life Sciences has shared the letter with members of Georgia’s congressional delegation and will continue engaging with policymakers to emphasize the importance of swift action.
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