Navigating the pharma jobs market in the AI era

The pharma industry is experiencing significant disruption from artificial intelligence (AI), and automation technologies, transforming many aspects of drug discovery, development, manufacturing, and commercialisation.

Lower-skilled and repetitive jobs face the highest risk of automation, but new roles are emerging that combine pharma knowledge with AI or automation expertise. The industry still needs human skills in areas like creative problem-solving, strategic decision-making, and emotional intelligence.

While this shift presents challenges for some existing roles in the industry, it also creates new opportunities.

The industry still needs human skills in areas like creative problem-solving, strategic decision-making, and emotional intelligence.

Drug discovery

Within drug discovery, AI is accelerating potential drug candidate identification by analysing huge datasets and predicting molecular properties. Machine learning models screen billions of compounds much faster than traditional methods, which may reduce the need for some lab technicians, but increases demand for data scientists and computational biologists.

Clinical trials

For clinical trials, AI is optimising study design, patient recruitment, and data analysis. Automation is streamlining sample processing and testing. This could decrease demand for certain clinical research roles but increase the need for experts in AI-enabled trial design and digital biomarkers.

For clinical trials, AI is optimising study design, patient recruitment, and data analysis.

Manufacturing

In manufacturing, robotics and automated systems can take over repetitive tasks in production lines and quality control. This may lower demand for some manufacturing operators, but create openings for those who can programme and maintain these systems.

Commercial

On the commercial side, AI is being used to optimise marketing strategies, sales forecasting, and supply chain management. While this may reduce some sales and marketing positions, it increases demand for data analysts and AI specialists in these areas.

What does all this mean if you’re actively looking for a new role?

AI is being used to optimise marketing strategies, sales forecasting, and supply chain management.

Our advice for jobseekers

1. Develop hybrid skill sets: Combine pharma industry expertise with technical skills in data science, programming, or robotics. This makes you valuable for bridging the gap between traditional pharma and new technologies.

2. Embrace continuous learning: Stay updated on the latest AI and automation trends in pharma. Take online courses, attend workshops, and seek certifications in relevant technologies.

3. Focus on uniquely human skills: Cultivate abilities that AI can’t easily replicate, such as complex problem-solving, creativity, leadership, and interpersonal skills.

4. Be adaptable: Stay open to changing roles or departments as the industry evolves. Flexibility and a growth mindset are crucial.

5. Understand AI limitations: Learn where AI excels and where human expertise is still essential. This helps you position yourself in roles where human judgment remains critical.

Make yourself valuable for bridging the gap between traditional pharma and new technologies.

6. Network strategically: Connect with professionals working at the intersection of pharma and AI or automation. Think about joining relevant professional associations and attend industry conferences.

7. Consider smaller companies: Biotech startups and AI-focused pharma companies may offer more opportunities to work directly with cutting-edge technologies.

8. Highlight relevant experience: When applying for jobs, emphasise any experience you have with data analysis, automation systems, or AI tools, even if from other industries.

9. Stay ethical: Understand the ethical implications of AI in healthcare. Knowledge of responsible AI practices can be valuable as the industry grapples with these issues.

10. Be proactive: Don’t wait for change to happen. Seek out projects or responsibilities in your current role that involve new technologies.

By staying informed, developing relevant skills, and remaining adaptable, you can navigate the changing pharma jobs landscape in the age of AI and automation.

While some traditional roles may decline, new opportunities are emerging for those prepared to evolve with the industry.

After a new role in pharma or medtech but not sure where to begin?

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