The life sciences sector is going through a historic transformation. The government has created a 10-year, £1 billion strategy to support the industry in solving the biggest problems in healthcare and helping healthcare businesses deliver innovations to patients.
This ambitious growth plan is likely to cause a boom in job opportunities. So what skills do you need to develop to set yourself up for success?
1. Problem-solving
Anyone who wants to succeed in the life sciences industry needs exceptional problem-solving skills. Professionals who can analyse complex problems, come up with effective solutions, and put them into practice will always be in high demand. The best life sciences professionals are comfortable with making decisions and excel at both analytical and creative thinking. You’ll need to be able to organise and crunch large amounts of data, pick out the variables and then identify and explain the problems that need to be solved. This brings us to the second crucial skill:
2. Data and analytics
The digital transformation in life sciences has forced many companies to innovate to stay competitive. Patients are far more engaged with their treatments now, and they expect convenience and streamlined services. This means many life sciences roles now call for digital literacy and the ability to understand different applications and software. For example, development scientists need an understanding of data science, analytics and design so they can present data reports to their colleagues and develop substances.
3. Communication
Good old-fashioned communication skills and interpersonal skills are more important than ever in life sciences. While the ability to build trust and mutual understanding is key in any area of healthcare, life sciences professionals in particular need to be able to communicate their findings and ideas to people in every branch of science, such as biotechnology, biochemistry and behavioural sciences. With the growth of innovation and personalised medicines, professionals who can interpret and communicate that information will be in higher and higher demand.
4. Adaptability
The life sciences sector is ever-changing, the regulations that go along with it are becoming increasingly complex, and digital innovation is driving a sea change across the industry. This means professionals have to be capable of adapting to new technologies and new methods of problem-solving. Being adaptable means being flexible enough to rise to difficult situations and cope with difficult working conditions. In life sciences, you have to be prepared for the unexpected and stay open to developing their skills further. The sector looks set to keep growing, so make sure you’re ready to keep pace with the changes.
Find your next opportunity with TEC Partners!
At TEC, we’re experts in life sciences recruitment, so we’re perfectly placed to help you grow your skills and your career. If you’d like to discover more about what we can do for you, get in touch with our specialists today.