Discover the most in-demand life sciences skills in Ireland for 2026, including bioprocessing, automation, AI-driven science, and regulatory expertise.
The Most In-Demand Skills in Ireland’s Life Sciences Sector for 2026
Why 2026 is a Defining Year
Ireland’s life sciences sector enters 2026 with continued momentum: expansions across pharma, biotech and medtech, growth in biologics manufacturing, and increased investment in digital and automated production. Industry reports consistently highlight persistent talent shortages across specialist roles — particularly in QA, validation, automation, regulatory affairs and biologics manufacturing.
At the same time, the sector is undergoing its most significant transformation in a decade. Digitalisation, AI-enabled discovery, advanced therapies (ATMPs), genomic medicine and smart manufacturing are reshaping what employers need. As SRG Talent notes, the future belongs to “hybrid” professionals who combine scientific expertise with digital and data fluency (SRG, 2025).
For leaders and candidates alike, 2026 requires a clear understanding of which capabilities will truly define competitiveness.
1. Bioprocessing & Advanced Manufacturing: The Cornerstone Skills of 2026
Ireland’s shift toward biologics, sterile manufacturing and advanced therapies continues to accelerate. There will be strong demand for bioprocess engineers, upstream/downstream specialists, and sterile manufacturing experts across Ireland’s biologics and ATMP facilities (EGFSN, 2024).
Key capabilities in demand: Upstream & downstream bioprocess operations, Sterile / aseptic manufacturing, Process validation & process characterisation, Tech transfer for biologics, GMP operations for multi-product facilities
Why this matters in 2026
With more companies producing complex biologics and personalised therapies, the depth of bioprocess expertise becomes a competitive constraint.
“Bioprocessing isn’t niche anymore — it’s the backbone of next-gen therapies. In 2026, manufacturing talent will determine who can scale.”
2. Automation, MES & Digital Manufacturing: The Rise of the Hybrid Operator
Automation and digital manufacturing continue to expand across Ireland. From MES to DeltaV to full smart-factory integration, companies are seeking talent that bridges engineering, automation and bioprocessing.
LSC Research highlights automation, MES/DeltaV, and digital-system expertise among the top hiring priorities for new and expanding biologics plants (LSC Connect, 2025).
In-demand skills: MES / SCADA / DeltaV experience, Automation validation & CSV, Real-time monitoring & digital twins (growing adoption — ArXiv, 2024/2025), Robotics-supported manufacturing, Troubleshooting automated systems in GMP environments
“2026 belongs to hybrid operators — those who understand cell culture and DeltaV, sterile process and SCADA.”
3. Data Skills, Bioinformatics & AI-Enabled Science
AI and data are revolutionising R&D, diagnostics, manufacturing optimisation, and regulatory workflows.
Data-savvy scientists, computational biologists, and bioinformaticians are among the fastest-growing roles across global life sciences.
KPMG highlights multi-omics, genomics and data-driven personalised medicine as core growth areas shaping talent needs (KPMG Life Sciences Outlook, 2024).
Key capabilities: Bioinformatics, genomics & multi-omics analysis, Data engineering, Visualisation & statistical modelling, Python/R/ML frameworks for drug discovery & process prediction, AI-supported assay development & automation, Digital-health and data-integrity compliance
“In 2026, bio + byte > pipette alone.”
4. Regulatory Affairs, QA & Validation: Talent Bottlenecks Deepen
The complexity of ATMPs, biologics and globalised supply chains continues to intensify. Market analysis identifies persistent shortages in validation specialists, regulatory affairs professionals, and QA talent.
Meanwhile, regulatory functions are evolving, with digital submissions, eCTD automation and AI-assisted documentation becoming common practice (LinkedIn Regulatory Affairs Trends, 2025).
Critical 2026 skill areas:
QA/QC in biologics & sterile manufacturing
Computer System Validation (CSV)
Regulatory writing & lifecycle management
Digital submission systems (eCTD & supporting tools)
GxP compliance for automated environments
“Regulatory isn’t back-office admin anymore — it’s the gatekeeper between innovation and patients.”
5. Cross-Functional Agility, Multi-Product Flexibility & Project Skills
The shift to multi-product sites, smaller batch runs and rapid scale-ups increases the value of workforce adaptability. Consider the rise of roles requiring flexibility across functions and product types.
Capabilities in demand: Project management, Cross-functional collaboration (R&D, QA, Ops, Regulatory, Engineering), Ability to move between batches, products or therapy types, Multi-product GMP experience, Contract and project-based agility
“In 2026’s dynamic life sciences world, the most valuable employee isn’t just specialised — they’re adaptable, collaborative, and ready to wear multiple hats.”
6. Emerging Skills: What Will Matter Most in 2026–2028
AI & ML Integration in R&D and Manufacturing
Predictive models, ML-driven discovery, and automated analysis pipelines are expanding across drug development (ArXiv, 2024/2025).
Digital Twins & Smart Factory Integration
Digital twin adoption is rising in biologics manufacturing to improve process control and reduce downtime (ArXiv, 2025).
Genomics & Personalised Medicine
Bioinformatics, data science and multi-omics roles will expand as personalised therapies grow (KPMG, 2024).
ESG & Sustainable Manufacturing
Environmental compliance, waste reduction, and green process engineering are increasing priorities across sites.
Cyber-Biosecurity
As manufacturing and R&D become more digital, securing biological and patient data is a rising concern.
“The future of life sciences talent sits at the intersection of biology, engineering, data and compliance.”
Strategic Implications for 2026
For Employers
Widen talent pools: Recruit from engineering, data science and adjacent scientific fields where upskilling is possible.
Invest in internal training: Automation, data literacy, GMP, and cross-functional skills will be essential to retaining talent.
Create flexible models: Contract and project-based hiring will fill specialist shortages effectively.
Build “T-shaped” teams: Deep experts supported by versatile cross-functional generalists.
For Candidates
Develop hybrid skills: Pair science with data, engineering with biology, or QA with digital platforms.
Invest in continuous learning: Target automation, validation, bioinformatics, and GMP training.
Seek multi-product experience: It fast-tracks career mobility and employability.
Highlight soft skills: Communication, adaptability, and collaboration increasingly differentiate top talent.
Conclusion
2026 is a turning point for Ireland’s life sciences sector. Growth remains strong — but talent shortages and industry transformation mean that the most valuable professionals will be those who combine deep scientific understanding with digital fluency, adaptability, and regulatory awareness.
The organisations that invest now in building these hybrid capabilities will be the ones best positioned to innovate, scale, and compete globally.
If you are hiring in life sciences, scaling your teams, or navigating talent shortages, our specialist recruitment and AI Talent partner team can support you with insight-led, future-ready talent strategies.