By Angie McMurry, Director of Industry Engagement & Workforce, Ohio Life Sciences
The future of the life sciences industry isn’t just about groundbreaking discoveries; it’s about people. Behind every innovation in biopharma, MEDtech, ag-bio, and diagnostics is a workforce that powers progress and pushes boundaries. That’s why I’m excited to share the release of the 2025 National Life Sciences Workforce Trends Report, a critical resource for understanding where our industry stands and where it’s headed.
Produced by the Life Sciences Workforce Collaborative (LSWC), formerly known as the Coalition of State Bioscience Institutes (CSBI), and developed in partnership with TEConomy Partners, LLC, with support from InnovATEBIO, this report represents the most in-depth national snapshot of life sciences workforce dynamics to date.
This year’s report is based on:
- 500+ company survey responses
- 200+ executive interviews
- 2.9 million job postings analyzed
And what it reveals is a talent landscape in transition.
A Shift in Pace, Not in Potential
After several years of post-pandemic growth, 2024 saw a modest hiring slowdown across some sectors. But don’t be fooled—over $200 billion in new U.S.-based life sciences investments signal long-term expansion. From manufacturing hubs to R&D facilities, the engine is still running—it’s just being fine-tuned to navigate economic uncertainty and technological change.
The Rise of the “Bilingual” Workforce
Artificial Intelligence and automation are no longer future trends; they’re here. Companies are urgently seeking workers who can bridge traditional life sciences knowledge with digital fluency. Whether it’s manufacturing, regulatory, or data science, the ability to understand and integrate AI into daily work is becoming essential. This shift demands new strategies for upskilling current employees and educating future ones.
Upskilling, Mobility, and Performance-Based Credentials
One of the most promising takeaways from the report is the growing commitment to upskilling the incumbent workforce. From on-the-job training to micro-credentials, companies are investing more in their people. Not just to retain talent, but to ensure they’re equipped for evolving roles in regulatory affairs, biomanufacturing, and beyond.
Building the Pipeline, From Classroom to Career
Another inspiring trend? A doubling of industry engagement in K–12 STEM education. That includes more mentorship programs, classroom collaborations, and early exposure to life sciences careers. At Ohio Life Sciences, we’re thrilled to see this level of commitment to the next generation, and it aligns perfectly with our BioPathways program and our statewide efforts to connect industry and education through internships, technical programs, and workforce partnerships.
Why This Matters for Ohio, and Beyond
Here in Ohio, we’re experiencing our own life sciences momentum, from the Discovery Corridor and beyond. But to maintain that momentum, we have to remain laser-focused on talent. This report offers essential insights not just for national and state policy leaders, but for educators, economic developers, and industry leaders right here in our region.
At Ohio Life Sciences, we’re using this data to inform our strategies, shape partnerships, and build a talent pipeline that reflects the future of the industry, not just its past.
I encourage you to explore the full report and think about how your organization is preparing for what’s next. Together, we can create a life sciences workforce that is agile, diverse, and equipped to lead.
Read the full 2025 National Life Sciences Workforce Trends Report
Read the 2025 National Life Sciences Workforce Trends Key Findings
Let’s build the future of life sciences, one talent strategy at a time.
