2025 was undoubtedly a challenging year for the Irish life sciences sector, with cost pressures and global market headwinds shaping the environment. However, investment didn’t stop. Major projects and significant capital continued to flow, reinforcing Ireland’s position as a global hub for pharma and biopharma manufacturing.
2026 will bring its own challenges, but we expect sustained activity and new opportunities. Here’s a quick rundown of some of our expectations for 2026.
Market Developments
We don’t expect to see any major greenfield projects in 2026. While several large projects are still underway, there are no new major builds in the pipeline. Instead, companies are channeling significant investment into digital transformation. Every organisation is exploring how business process automation and AI can drive efficiency and streamline operations.
Ireland’s Biopharma industry is forecast to add 21,000 jobs by 2027, signaling strong hiring activity through 2026, while Medtech is projected to grow to 56,000 employees by 2028, driven by innovation and digital adoption.
Below are just some of the projects we can expect to see continue into 2026.
While Dublin, Galway, Cork, and Limerick remain traditional hubs, emerging trends suggest geographic diversification through 2026. SMEs and smaller medtech firms outside major urban centers are being encouraged to adopt digital manufacturing and leverage regional facilities (ibec.ie).
Record-breaking investment in 2024 saw the sector raise €491.3 million across 89 VC deals, fueling start-ups, innovation, and capacity expansion (pharmaawards.ie).
Taken together, these signals indicate that 2026 may bring new roles across a wider geographic spread, offering opportunities beyond traditional hubs.
What Hiring Managers / Clients are looking for in 2026
In 2026, Hiring Managers won’t expect candidates to tick every box on a long skills checklist. Instead, they will look for core strengths plus adaptability. Here’s what that means for you.
- Hybird skill sets are key: Hiring Managers want professionals who can combine technical expertise with digital fluency e.g. skills in automation, data analytics, and smart systems.
- Project management skills: Even if you’re not a dedicated project manager, the ability to manage timelines, budgets, and cross-functional collaboration will make you stand out.
- Adaptability is non-negotiable: The ability to change what you do and how you do it, and to stay focused on outcomes, will be critical. Companies need people who can pivot as technology, regulations, and priorities shift.
- Continuous learning will set you apart: Employers will value candidates who show a willingness to upskill, whether in digital tools, regulatory updates, or sustainability practices.
- Soft skills are still important: Communication, teamwork, and problem-solving will remain just as important as technical depth, especially in hybrid, tech-enabled roles.
In-Demand Skills & Competencies
As companies expand and modernise, certain skills and competencies will stand out. We expect the follwoing skills will be especially valuable in 2026:
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Digital, data and automation skills: Professionals familiar with AI-driven R&D, DeltaV/MES systems, connected devices, analytics, and smart manufacturing workflows will be highly sought after to drive efficiency and innovation (irishmedtechskillnet.ie, ibec.ie).
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Regulatory, quality and compliance expertise: With biologics, advanced therapies, and medical device regulation tightening at EU and global levels, expertise in QA, validation, regulatory affairs, and compliance remains critical (gov.ie).
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Project & programme management: Large-scale facility builds, scale-ups, and cross-site operations require professionals who can manage complex projects, coordinate across functions, and deliver results on time.
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Soft skills in the AI era: Adaptability, communication, collaboration, critical thinking, problem-solving, and leadership are increasingly important as AI reshapes workflows and team dynamics.
Opportunities for Professionals in 2026
If you’re considering your next career move, here’s how to position yourself for success:
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Strengthen digital, automation, or data skills—particularly if you’re in pharma or medtech.
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Explore QA, regulatory, or compliance roles—demand remains high with biologics and medtech expansion.
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Develop project management and leadership capabilities—valuable for multi-site builds or device development.
- Consider regional opportunities—investments are diversifying beyond Dublin, Cork and Limerick.
Conclusion
At LSC, we believe 2026 will mark a new chapter for Ireland’s life sciences industry, defined by digital innovation, sustainability, and strong growth. Talent demand will remain robust for professionals who combine technical skills, adaptability, and future-ready soft skills.