High-Impact Recruitment in Pharma and Biotech

The life sciences sector is one of the most dynamic and desirable industries for professionals, and is driven by rapid innovation and technological advancement. Developments such as AI and machine learning, the needs of an ageing global population and the expansion of personalised medicine have contributed to a global market valuation exceeding $2.83 trillion. However, the sector’s continued growth is at risk due to a significant shortage of experienced professionals.

At Thor Life Sciences, we’ve partnered with clients in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries for over a decade. Our work has centred on placing highly-skilled, specialist consultants and contractors in an industry characterised by cutting-edge research and complex regulations. 

Recently, two industry-leading organisations - one specialising in pharmaceutical manufacturing, and one in biotechnology research - engaged us to solve their unique hiring challenges. Here, we outline how our tailored staffing strategies delivered effective contract solutions and why agile and flexible recruitment models are essential to meet fluctuating project demands in today’s evolving life sciences landscape.

Life Sciences Talent Overview

Demand for specialist talent in the life sciences industry is at an all-time high. The life sciences sector enhances and extends millions of lives across the world, but technological advancements such as the use of AI and machine learning, combined with rapid global expansion and increasingly complex regulatory changes, have created new, highly-niche roles. This has resulted in a widening skills gap that could potentially hinder the industry’s long-term scalability. 

As a result, many companies are increasingly relying on contract staffing as an alternative to  permanent recruitment and to address hiring challenges such as:

• Limited talent pools - highly specialised roles require specific skill sets, making it difficult to source qualified candidates.

• Strict timelines - critical projects often require immediate hires, but the hiring process for permanent employees is often lengthy and complex and can impact research and development.

• Niche skill sets - rapid changes in regulation and fast-moving technological developments create demand for niche skill sets required for growth, but not easily found in the general market.

• Global competitiveness - a limited pool of qualified and experienced professionals has intensified the race to secure top talent.

To overcome these challenges, an increasing number of life sciences organisations now favour a more consultative and flexible recruitment process that adapts to their evolving operational demands.

Case Study 1 - The Challenge

Our first client was involved in managing multiple high-value projects, thanks to winning numerous prestigious contracts and was facing irregular but urgent hiring needs across several departments. 

Due to fluctuating project pipelines, permanent hires were not a feasible option. The client needed a scalable workforce of highly-skilled consultants and contractors with advanced technical skills.

 

Our Solution

• We began by conducting detailed consultations with four departmental leads to understand their specific technical requirements, project timelines and business culture to establish an in-depth needs analysis.

• We then developed a robust project framework allowing us to deliver a focused recruitment strategy. Leveraging almost a decade of industry-specific networking and targeted headhunting, we sourced highly specialised candidates to address concurrent hiring needs.

• For one role, only a dozen suitable candidates were identified across North America. Our extensive global network allowed us to reach this scarce talent pool effectively.

The Results

Within 18 months, we placed 13 consultants from three different countries across four departments. Our agile staffing solution enabled timely project execution and ensured that the organisation remained within budget.

Case Study 2 - The Challenge

Our second client, a biotech firm conducting pioneering ophthalmology studies across two continents, required immediate recruitment of CTMs, CRAs, CTAs, and MSLs.

Its complex international requirements needed a strong EU-based recruitment partner to build a European presence, while being headquartered in the UK and operating in the US. 

Our Solution

• Using our established network, we rapidly filled essential contract roles. Within six months, 80% of the contractors were still with the client and had assumed key leadership roles within their global study teams.

• Our consultative approach and consistent delivery built trust with the client, resulting in a strong, ongoing partnership that’s already lasted over two years.

• All roles were filled with top-tier candidates, and contracts were signed within two weeks, enabling immediate onboarding. 

The Results

We successfully delivered 12 high-impact placements within a short timeframe and continue to support the client through ongoing collaborations.

The strength of our relationship led to regular on-site engagement at the client’s US headquarters for continued monthly project liaison on developments with more growth ahead.

Conclusion

For our pharmaceutical and biotech clients, it’s essential that we have a deep understanding of their complex recruitment requirements to attract and retain top talent. These two case studies highlight Thor’s ability to deliver tailored solutions that align with both short-term project demands and long-term strategic goals. 

If you’d like to know more about how Thor Companies can support your life sciences organisation with tailored recruitment strategies to enhance growth and boost innovation, contact us today. Email us at info@thor-companies.com or fill in the contact form here. You can also explore other case studies for further insights into how we’ve helped life science companies succeed here.