Have you ever wondered what working in life sciences recruitment is like?
Whether you’re an experienced recruitment consultant or entirely new to recruitment and looking for a new challenge, working in life sciences recruitment could be the ideal career for you.

Working at Panda: Merel Van Os | Manager, Delivery Division

Are you curious about what a job in life sciences recruitment is like?
In our last blog, we spoke with Manager of the Delivery Division, Merel van Os, about her experiences working at Panda International.

Working at Panda: Christian Steenkamp | Manager, Permanent Division & Partner

The pandemic offered the pharmaceutical sector the opportunity to implement more technology than ever before, accelerating the digitalisation of the sector and shaping the future of how pharma will operate.

How is Technology Advancing the Pharmaceutical Sector?

​Ranked the number one healthcare market in Europe by market volume, patients, manufacturers and providers, Germany&rsquo;s reputation for life sciences has always been favourable.

How is Germany’s Life Science Market Growing?

Life sciences has continually hit record-high investments in the last couple of years, with the sector set to continue at a steady pace throughout 2022.

What is the Life Sciences Investment Outlook in 2022?

Ranked as the world’s most innovative country for the tenth year in a row by the United Nations Global Innovation Index, Switzerland has been a leader in life sciences for some time.

Some of the largest pharmaceutical and biotech companies, such as Johnson &amp; Johnson, Pfizer, Roche, and Novartis have a presence in Switzerland, alongside the wide variety of smaller pharma and biotech companies in the region.

Why is Switzerland a Life Sciences Hotspot?

The Great Resignation combined with a high demand for skilled candidates (and a lack of matching supply) has meant that now, more than ever, candidates are driving the job market.
In the life sciences sector skills shortages are rampant, meaning that in order to fill vacancies, companies are having to adapt to match candidates to keep their business innovative and competitive.

How is a Candidate-Driven Market Impacting MSPs?

Medtech and medical devices are critical components of healthcare infrastructure, which was highlighted clearly during the pandemic.

Though 2021 saw many challenges – namely the manufacturing and supply chain capabilities that were stretched thin due to the pandemic response – supply chain resilience is improving in 2022.

Major Medtech and Medical Devices Trends in 2022

Have you ever wondered what inspiration was behind starting a life sciences recruitment agency?

Panda International’s journey began nearly ten years ago, founded with the intention of being a forward-thinking and innovative recruitment agency and continuing these principles as Panda became more established.

A Life of ‘Why’ – Jay Freeman | Co-Founder and CEO

​Though Panda International’s journey began over 10 years ago, Co-Founder and COO Daisy Tazelaar is no stranger to the recruitment industry.

Having worked in recruitment for 16 years, Daisy has seen first-hand the changes in the industry, particularly during the pandemic, which have drastically shifted the way in which recruitment agencies and the wider workforce operate.

But what ideas were behind the inception of Panda, what does the future hold, and why has there never been a better time to join the Panda International team?

Here’s what Daisy had to say.

The Recruitment Evolution – Daisy Tazelaar – Co-Founder and COO

From the pandemic to the acceleration of digital health, there are a number of factors that have considerably impacted the digital transformation of the life sciences industry.

For many life sciences businesses, this presents highly beneficial opportunities, so long as they are willing to keep up with the rapid transformation occurring to remain competitive.

Advanced technologies are changing processes, regulations, and the future of the industry at large, even though digital transformation is only just beginning.

Which areas of digital transformation are having an impact on the industry, and what does it mean for the future of life sciences?

What Does Digital Transformation Mean for the Future of Life Sciences?

As an industry that is constantly innovating and adapting, there is often the perception that life sciences developments have the potential to shape the industry for the future.

This is particularly relevant when discussing big data, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and analytics in life sciences.

Unlike industries such as financial services that have had a strong reliance on capturing, managing and using data to improve, the life sciences industry had its true realisation of the potential of data during the pandemic response.

In fact, healthcare and life sciences are part of a significant area of growth in data usage, initially with the intention of gathering big data to forecast case rates, mortality, and vaccine development.

In recent years, there has been a significant rise in data investment and initiatives within life sciences, with a greater optimism towards achieving more data-driven business outcomes moving forwards.

How is data emerging in life sciences, and what are the benefits?

The Emergence of Data in Life Sciences Processes

Once you’ve graduated it can be difficult to know where to start your career.

You may already have some knowledge or interest in recruitment, or perhaps your degree was related to the field of life sciences – regardless, life sciences recruitment is a great place to start your career.

After all, the life sciences industry is experiencing record-high investments, with Europe having VC financing totalling over €15.5bn over the last 5 years with an annual growth of 16%, and vacancies are high.

There’s never been a better time to start a career in recruitment – particularly life sciences recruitment – and here’s why.

Why is Recruitment a Great Career for Graduates?

After record-breaking investment figures in 2020 and 2021, biotech is starting to experience the impact of market volatility.

European biotech startups raised €4.1 billion of investment in 2020 alone, and in 2021, the health and biotech industry was second to only Fintech by VC investment raised – European share of VC investment was at an all-time high.

How is Market Volatility Impacting Biotech?

The opportunities in life sciences for recruiters can seem limitless, particularly at a time when life sciences talent is in high demand and the industry is still under a bright spotlight due to the pandemic.

With this high demand can come a fast-paced and challenging environment, as life sciences organisations are in a global race for talent that will meet the high market demands. 

For life sciences organisations to meet their goals and remain competitive, talent is essential (as are those placing talent), but how is life sciences recruitment changing?

How is Recruitment in Life Sciences Evolving?

The outlook for the pharmaceutical industry has been positive throughout the course of the pandemic and is expected to continue a positive trend into 2022 and beyond.

Research indicates that the global pharmaceutical industry will be worth $1.57 trillion by 2023, on the basis of factors such as an ageing population, emerging medical conditions and the emergence of new diseases.

How automation is shaping the future of the pharmaceutical industry

​With skills and talent shortages high across sectors, there’s never been a better time to join the world of recruitment.

This is particularly true in the life sciences industry, in which the hiring market continues to be dominated by high demand and low supply of talent.

The benefits of starting your life sciences recruitment career in  the DACH region

The world of recruitment has changed considerably in the last few years.

Panda International’s recruitment journey began nearly ten years ago, but how much has recruitment changed since then, and how is Panda adapting?
​

Working at Panda: Frederik Mees ten Oever | Managing Director

Home to one of the most globally renowned life sciences clusters, Switzerland has an impressive variety of biotech, medical devices/medtech and pharma companies that make up an impressive network of innovation.

Around 98% of Switzerland’s life sciences turnover is made abroad, with chemical-pharmaceutical being the most important exported goods in Switzerland.

Why is the life sciences sector in Switzerland one of the best in the world?

Climate change and sustainability have been hotly discussed topics globally for some time, with studies indicating that 72% of respondents in the EU saying that they think the EU is not doing enough to combat climate change.

In the life sciences industry, biotech has been under the spotlight regarding sustainability, in part due to its potential to create more sustainable processes that use fewer polluting materials.

Will Biotech Contribute to a Sustainable Future?

The fast-paced nature of life sciences can often seem to result in a hectic and reactive approach to recruitment.

After all, talent is in high demand and short supply – the Great Resignation and a candidate-driven market continue to shape the way that life sciences talent is recruited.

In such a competitive hiring market, Managed Service Providers (MSP’s) can often be left trying to make the best match possible between candidate and company, whilst also trying to maintain discussions with their recruitment supplier.

Rather than rushing into a reactive and costly approach to recruitment in life sciences, how can MSPs begin predicting future demand in life sciences?

How Can MSPs Predict Future Demand in Life Sciences?

As the life sciences sector continues to grow and expand, new roles and skillsets will be essential to the growth of the industry.

Europe is one of the most important markets, specifically for biotech, accounting for over 20% of the total global pharma market, making it a key driver of economic growth.

Numerous areas are experiencing significant skills gaps – research and development, data science, clinical, manufacturing and regulation – and these gaps will grow as new technologies develop.

There is high competition for talent in life sciences, making attraction and retention more important than ever.

Research has indicated that 71% of life sciences companies plan to increase their workforce in the next year.

How can you begin to adjust your attraction and retention strategy and remain competitive?

Attraction and Retention Guide for Competitive Life Sciences Organisations

​We are witnessing a more candidate-driven hiring market than ever before.

​The culmination of the pandemic, the Great Resignation, shifting workforce demographics, and the rise of automation have all led to a crucial moment for company culture.

​Previous principles of company culture are shifting to accommodate a workforce that now drives demand and has a different set of values and priorities for their work.

​For life sciences businesses, the hiring landscape is at a critical tipping point.

​The demand for talent is often exceeding the supply, putting candidates in the driver’s seat – so how can life sciences companies begin to adjust their company culture to win the war for talent?

​Let’s take a look at what company culture is, why it’s important, and how it can be your solution to the war for talent.

Company Culture: Your Solution for the Life Sciences War for Talent

Attracting and retaining a diverse workforce in life sciences is a key recommendation for future growth, according to the Life Sciences 2030 Skills Strategy report.

The European life sciences sector has been in the spotlight for dynamic growth and innovation, and with such a diverse workforce contributing to the achievements of the industry, ensuring that equality, diversity, and inclusion (ED&I) are key considerations to the attraction and retention of future talent is essential.

A lot of discussions around ED&I in the life sciences industry have touched upon how skills gaps can be addressed through greater emphasis on diverse and inclusive practices, alongside the other benefits of focusing on ED&I.

But what is the current diversity outlook in life sciences, and how can ED&I be the key to growth for your life sciences organisation?

How is ED&I the Key to Growth for your Life Sciences Organisation?

​Tech skills have been increasing in demand year on year.

For life sciences, the adoption of emerging technology has been the answer and solution to many challenges the industry faces.

Covid-19 has accelerated the trajectory of digital transformation in the industry, particularly in pharmaceuticals and biotech, which has increased the need for talent to maintain this change.

Life sciences organisations face one key issue – how can life sciences compete with the likes of Facebook, Amazon, Apple, Netflix and Google (FAANG) for data science and tech talent whilst staying dynamic and innovative?

How Can You Compete Against Companies like Google and Amazon for Data Science Talent?

Whilst the pharmaceutical and biotech industries may continue to be under a positive spotlight due to continuing innovations, particularly relating to the pandemic response, there is still an area in which the industries are lagging behind…

Research and development (R&D).

Whether this issue is in terms of the speed, success, or productivity of clinical development, one thing remains clear – regardless of high R&D investments, biopharma is struggling with how to positively change the trajectory of R&D.

So, how can R&D projects in pharma and biotech be streamlined, and where are the key issues?

How Can R&D Projects in Pharma and Biotech Be Streamlined?

The approach to clinical treatment has often been associated with a trial-and-error approach, which can be costly, lengthy, and often inaccurate.

With this has come the rise of precision medicine, through healthcare innovations that were accelerated during the pandemic.

These changes could have drastic, significant implications for the pharmaceutical industry in terms of the efficiency and effectiveness of clinical trials, the approach to treating and preventing worldwide diseases, and the way in which we approach our health as a society.

How exactly is precision medicine evolving, and what do pharmaceutical organisations need to know about the future of the industry as a result?

Precision Medicine: How is it Evolving, and What Do Pharma Organisations Need to Know?

The life sciences industry in Europe is continually under the spotlight after the significant successes of the last couple of years.

Though life sciences funding in Europe isn’t quite on the level of the funding received by US startups – the European life sciences market is considerably less mature than the US life sciences market – deals have increased over the last few years, with trends causing discussions to focus on whether this uptick is sustainable or merely a passing trend.

Additionally, innovation in the industry and the increasingly tech-centric approach in the industry is also impacting the investment outlook of the industry, as greater overlap between tech and life sciences continues to bring in new investors.

What is the investment picture for life sciences in Europe, and which trends and locations are influencing this outlook

What is the Investment Picture for Life Sciences in Europe?

​A dynamic and innovative industry such as life sciences is always undergoing periods of transformation, which means that when you’re in the middle of a life sciences job search, it can be hard to know which skills will be most relevant or beneficial.

The great news is that the increasingly competitive hiring market means that candidates with in-demand skills will be in the ideal position of being able to choose from a range of organisations to find the best fit.

But with so much digital change occurring alongside the general shifts occurring in the industry, which skills gaps have been created that will drive greater demand, and how can you focus on these areas in your life sciences job search?

Let’s take a look.

Which Skills are Most Relevant to your Life Sciences Job Search?

Entering the workforce after graduating can be difficult to navigate.

With so many options and resources available, the decision of where to focus your energy in the earliest stage of your career is daunting.

From high investment and the ‘fourth wave’, to significant technology advances and up-and-coming locations, there are numerous trends positively impacting the trajectory of the life sciences industry and its need for highly skilled talent.

You may have read about or engaged with information about recruitment or life sciences, but why should you consider kickstarting your career in life sciences recruitment and how can you get started?

Let’s take a look.

How Can You Kickstart Your Career in Life Sciences Recruitment?

The European life sciences industry is still on an upward trajectory.

Venture Capital (VC) financing in the European life sciences sector in Europe grew by 65% year-over-year, totalling more than $13.6bn, with deal volume/value increasing much faster than deal count.

The top markets in Europe – UK, Germany, France, and the Nordic countries – account for more than 65% of the total European VC deal volume, and there are interesting trends emerging in these locations and Europe at large.

With this positive outlook comes curiosity around what comes next for the industry and how exactly certain trends will define the landscape of life sciences in Europe.

For MSPs in particular, it’s important to have a strong knowledge of trends in the industry to best be able to align market trends with client expectations.

Which trends are defining life sciences in Europe (and how)?

Which Trends are Defining Life Sciences in Europe?

​Life sciences is an essential economic industry in Germany.

In Europe, Germany is ranked second – behind the UK – for the number of companies in the life sciences segment, with a number of recognisable clusters in Berlin, Hamburg, Frankfurt, Munich, the Ruhr region, and Heidelberg.

Leading life sciences companies are also based in Germany, such as Bayer AG and Merck, driving further development of research facilities and education systems to encourage even further growth in the sector. 

As the largest life sciences market in Europe, with over 330,000 employees across nearly 2,100 companies, Germany is certainly a powerhouse in the industry.

But which trends are impacting German life sciences?

German Life Sciences Outlook – What Are the Market Trends?

​The life sciences industry continues to experience considerable attention, investment, and acceleration in Europe as we move into Q4.

Over the last ten years, VC financing in European life sciences has grown by 65% year-on-year, totalling more than $13.6bn.

Cutting-edge developments are rapidly transforming the industry, from technological advancements to new diagnostic tools, and the landscape of the industry is markedly different from what it was a few years ago.

With such an unprecedented pace of change and transformation, what life sciences trends can you expect this quarter, and what does the future hold?

The Life Sciences Trends to Look Out for in Q4 2022

Revenue in the medical devices industry is projected to reach €118.40bn in 2022, with an annual growth rate of 4.76%, resulting in a market volume of €149.40bn by 2027.

Having played a significant role during the pandemic, the medical devices industry has been growing, on average, by 2% per year over the past 10 years.

Comparatively, the level of specialised talent necessary to fill positions in the industry isn’t quite as abundant.

The medical devices industry has long struggled with talent shortages, and with the rising competition from other industries for digital skills specifically, this is only likely to become more challenging over time.

So, how is the medical devices industry facing the digital skills shortage?

How is the Medical Devices Industry Facing the Digital Skills Shortage?

Panda has recently celebrated its 10th anniversary, and with it comes even greater opportunities for growth in life sciences recruitment.

Adding another European powerhouse to its roster, Panda is opening an office in Frankfurt, Germany, with Managing Director Alexander Graf Von Perponcher-Sedlnitzky at the helm.

We spoke with Alex to find out more about his background before recruitment, what made him consider life sciences recruitment as a career, and why Germany is the perfect location for Panda to continue its role as a trusted recruitment partner for leading life sciences companies.

Let’s take a look at what he had to say.

Alexander Graf von Perponcher-Sedlnitzky: Transforming German Life Sciences Recruitment

You’re looking for your next (or first) role in the life sciences industry… but where do you start?

With so many options at your fingertips – job boards, LinkedIn, social media, adverts, networking – you might not even consider a life sciences recruiter to be a valuable option.

Few industries have quite as divisive a reputation as recruitment does.

From never getting called back to being contacted for roles that aren’t suitable, there is still a lot of poor practice running rampant in the wider recruitment industry.

However, we believe that working with a life sciences recruiter is your best option for finding your ideal life sciences role.

Here’s why.

Why Should You Work with a Life Sciences Recruiter?

Venture capital (VC) funding in the biotech industry has been booming in the last few years, with biotech companies raising more than $34bn globally in 2021 - more than double the 2020 total of $16bn.

The growth of the industry cannot be understated.

Whilst many other industries are still dealing with downturns resulting from the pandemic, biotech has instead thrived and continued to evolve globally, with many industries turning to biotech during the Covid-19 outbreak.

A key component of the biotech industry’s resilience is the rapid digital transformation occurring within the industry.

Which emerging technologies are significant to the continuing success of the industry, and how are they impacting the investment outlook and processes of biotech as we move into 2023?

Biotech Digital Transformation: What Are the Emerging Technologies?

Fewer regions in life sciences are quite as important as Switzerland.

As a global leader in life sciences, particularly pharmaceuticals, Switzerland is renowned for its world-class startups and academic institutions, alongside its expertise and innovative approach across biotech, pharmaceuticals, and medtech.

In the last 10 years, the number of companies in the biotech, medical devices and technology sectors has doubled in Switzerland.

But what makes Switzerland such an attractive life sciences market, and what are the market trends impacting the future of Swiss life sciences?

Swiss Life Sciences Outlook – What Are the Market Trends?

Are you curious about what a career in life sciences recruitment is like?

Whether you’re thinking of starting a career in life sciences recruitment or you’re already an experienced recruiter looking for a change of pace and exciting opportunities, working at Panda could be the ideal job for you.

We spoke with the Manager of our Delivery Division, Gemma Dozy, about her experience working at Panda, starting as a Trainee Recruitment Consultant and working her way up to Manager in August 2022.

Let’s take a look at what she had to say!

Life-Changing Career Progression in Life Sciences Recruitment: Gemma Dozy

Digital transformation in healthcare is opening up new opportunities and challenges for life sciences businesses and the industry at large.

The Opportunities and Challenges of Digital Healthcare

The life sciences industry is competitive, fast-paced, and full of opportunities.

For many graduates and people looking to take a step into life sciences for the first time, the process can seem intimidating, particularly if you aren’t sure where to start.

The industry is experiencing significant growth, and no matter which specific role you’re looking for or the sector you’re interested in, there’s bound to be a perfect role waiting for you in life sciences.

The likes of the UK, Germany, France and the Nordic countries account for more than 65% of the total European VC deal volume, and there are a variety of regions where you could consider starting your career… but where do you start?

Let’s take a look at the five steps you can take to kick off your life sciences job search in 2023.

​

A 5-Step Guide for Your Life Sciences Job Search in 2023

A four-day work week has been a significant topic of discussion in the wake of the pandemic, with hybrid working already on the rise in many companies.

According to research, 63% of businesses found it easier to attract and keep quality staff with a four-day work week.

But what are the benefits for employees in recruitment?

From boosting your productivity to contributing to a better work-life balance, a four-day work week could truly change not only the way you work, but also the way that you feel about your job.

If you’re considering a job in life sciences recruitment, working at Panda could be the ideal job for you, particularly if you’re looking for greater flexibility.

Let’s take a look at what the Panda team has to say about the benefits of a four-day work week.

Why is the Four-Day Work Week the Future of Recruitment?

Skilled talent is essential to the future of the life sciences industry.

How Can You Build a Talent Pipeline for Your Life Sciences Organisation in 2023?

The topic of personalised precision medicine has been gaining traction in recent years, and with it, a renewed emphasis on what the future holds for cell and gene therapy (CGTs).

Cell and Gene Therapy Outlook 2023

Though healthcare needs have undoubtedly increased globally, the medical devices industry continues to be impacted by the disruptions resulting from the pandemic.

No issue was more widespread than the unprecedented supply chain disruptions, which can result in increased costs, potential safety issues, and concerns around device and cybersecurity, to name a few.

As an industry still attempting to find stability, there has never been a more critical time to acknowledge the current supply chain issues and consider the risks (and their impact) moving forward.

What factors are influencing the risk outlook for the medical devices supply chain in 2023, and how are these challenges impacting the wider industry?

Medical Devices Supply Chain Risk Outlook in 2023

Keeping an eye on the up-and-coming or thriving regions in life sciences is essential for life sciences professionals at all levels.

After all, many life sciences professionals have taken the upheaval of the pandemic and other associated changes to relocate to areas that have the investment, infrastructure, and support to help them to grow.

Two of the most prominent contenders to this discussion are the Benelux – Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg – and DACH – Germany, Austria, and Switzerland – regions. 

Both regions are rich in opportunities for life sciences employees, with notable life sciences clusters, high investment, and infrastructure designed to support the high number of employees located in each region.

If you’re considering relocating to the Benelux or DACH regions for a life sciences role, or simply just curious about the outlook in each region, which is best for you?

Benelux vs DACH region – Which Location is Best for Life Sciences Professionals?

With a potential additional annual GDP impact of &euro;7bn by 2030, the Benelux region&rsquo;s biotech outlook has never been better.
With ambitious incubators fuelling start-up growth, and consistently high rankings in the biotech space, Benelux is undoubtedly leading in biotech.
But what makes Benelux such a thriving region for biotech, and how are these factors contributing towards future growth?
&nbsp;

How is Benelux Leading in Biotech?

Life sciences candidates are in the driver&rsquo;s seat in today&rsquo;s hiring market&hellip; but what does that mean for MSPs?
MSPs are defined by their ability to stay ahead of change, and the candidate experience is key to this.
But why is the life sciences candidate experience so vital for MSPs, and what can MSPs do to cultivate a great candidate experience?

Why is the life sciences candidate experience vital for MSPs?

Attracting and retaining diverse life sciences talent might seem like an uphill struggle, but refining your ED&amp;I strategy doesn&rsquo;t have to be difficult.
By taking clear steps to form your strategy, from using data to setting realistic goals, you can put your ED&amp;I strategy on track to boost the growth of your organisation.
&nbsp;

How can you navigate ED&I challenges in your life sciences company?

With so many life sciences recruitment agencies to choose from, it can be difficult figuring out what might set one apart from the rest.
In our most recent blog, we spoke with Panda&rsquo;s Co-Founder Daisy Tazelaar about what defines a great life sciences recruitment agency.
Daisy&rsquo;s insights cover Panda&rsquo;s approach when working with MSPs, the impact of recruitment on wider industry innovations, and why job seekers should work with life sciences recruiters.
&nbsp;

Doing Life Sciences Recruitment Differently at Panda | Daisy Tazelaar

What is working in life sciences recruitment actually like?&nbsp;
From the fast-paced, innovative nature of the industry to the rapid growth within the organisation, a life sciences recruitment career can be truly life-changing.
We spoke with Co-Founder and COO of Panda, Daisy Tazelaar, about her experiences working in life sciences recruitment and why is Panda the ideal place to accelerate your career.

Powering life sciences
through talent

Sector Insights

Stay informed on the latest news and insights from around the sector.

Powering life sciences through talent

Sector Insights

Stay informed on the latest news and insights from around the sector.

Powering life sciences
through talent