As Ireland’s Life Sciences sector enters 2026, the contract market remains one of the most exciting, fast-moving, and opportunity-rich areas for talent. Large-scale biologics expansions, new capital projects, digital transformation programmes, and continued investment across manufacturing sites have created steady demand for skilled contractors.
Whether you’re considering your first contract role or looking for your next project, now is an excellent time to prepare and position yourself for success.
To support your search, our Resourcing Team has put together key tips , along with the most important things to consider before applying for your next contract opportunity.
Before You Apply: What You Should Consider in 2026
Get Clear on Your Contracting Priorities for 2026
Before you begin your search, take a moment to reflect on what’s driving your next step. Contract roles are diverse and so are the motivations behind choosing them. You might be seeking:
- Exposure to a high-profile project
- Experience with new technologies or systems
- A better rate or more flexibility
- A new location or shorter commute
- A faster route to hands-on experience
- The chance to broaden your skills across multiple teams
There are no “right” answers here. What matters is clarity. Knowing your priorities helps ensure you make decisions that support your long-term goals.
Build a Strong Understanding of the Market and the Role
While LSC will always provide comprehensive insights on the client, project context, and expectations, doing your own research is a valuable step and increasingly important in 2026’s competitive contractor landscape.
Beyond reviewing the job description, consider exploring:
- Recent industry news and regulatory updates
- Company announcements, expansion plans, or investment activity
- Insights from sources such as Fierce Pharma https://www.fiercepharma.com/, BioProcess International, or industry-specific newsletters
- Trends impacting your discipline (e.g., digitalisation, automation, compliance priorities)
Taking this deeper view gives you a stronger understanding of the environment you’re stepping into and helps you tailor your application more effectively. It also enables you to speak with confidence during interviews, demonstrating awareness of broader industry developments and how your expertise fits into the organisation’s priorities.
Good research not only strengthens your application, it positions you as a contractor who is informed, engaged, and prepared to contribute from day one.
Understand the Market You’re Entering
Contracting in Ireland’s Life Sciences sector offers strong opportunities across:
- Engineering & Project Delivery
- Quality Assurance & Quality Systems
- CSV / Automation / Digital roles
- Validation (Process, Cleaning, Equipment)
- Manufacturing Support & Operations
- Tech Transfer & Process Sciences
- Supply Chain & Planning
2026 will see continued demand for experienced contractors as companies scale teams, accelerate project timelines, and invest in new manufacturing capacity.
Understanding where the demand is growing helps you target roles where your experience will have the most impact.
The Application: Positioning Yourself Clearly and Confidently
Tailor Your CV to Each Contract Role
Hiring teams are increasingly using ATS and automated screening tools.
To ensure your CV gets noticed:
- Align your CV with the job description keywords
- Focus on achievements, not only responsibilities
- Highlight project impact (KPIs, reductions, improvements, timelines)
- Keep formatting clean and simple
- Add recent technologies, systems, and tools you’ve worked with
Think of your CV as your sales document, its purpose isn’t to list everything you’ve done, but to clearly show why you’re the right fit for this contract.
If you need more support, our team can guide you through tailoring your CV effectively.
Consider the Practical Details Early
Once your CV has been submitted to a client, it’s helpful to pause and reflect on key factors such as:
- Rate expectations
- Location and commute
- Shift patterns (if applicable)
- Hybrid or onsite requirements
- Notice period and availability
- Visa or IRL work authorisation
These practical details influence offer stages and timelines, having clarity early prevents delays later on.
Prepare for Skills-Based Interviews
A strong CV may open the door, but a clear, well-structured interview is what secures the contract.
Key areas to prepare for:
- Competency & GMP scenarios – deviations, CAPAs, equipment issues, investigations
- Digital literacy – MES/LIMS/TrackWise, eQMS, automated workflows, AI tools
- Project lifecycle understanding – initiation to close-out
- Soft skills & collaboration – adaptability, communication, problem-solving, stakeholder engagement
- Cultural fit & teamwork – aligning with team values, working effectively across functions, and thriving in technology-enabled environments
Tips to stand out:
- Prepare clear, structured examples demonstrating technical ability, problem-solving, and adaptability
- Show comfort with digital systems and learning new tools quickly
- Highlight collaboration and alignment with team culture
LSC will guide you on likely question themes and help you prepare to present your experience with clarity and impact.
Why Contracting Remains a Strong Career Choice in 2026
Many professionals choose contracting because it offers:
- Exposure to leading global manufacturers
- Competitive rates and flexibility
- The chance to build a diverse project portfolio
- Faster development of technical skills
- Opportunities to be part of high-impact project teams
For those breaking into the Life Sciences sector or transitioning from permanent roles, contracting can accelerate career growth and open doors to long-term opportunities.
How LSC Helps You Find the Right Contract Opportunity
At LSC, people are at the heart of our approach.
Our Resourcing Team works closely with contractors to understand your personal and professional goals and match you with positions that align with your long-term direction.
We support you through:
- Transparent CV guidance
- Market and project insights
- Dedicated interview preparation
- Access to contract roles with top Life Sciences companies
If you’re ready to take the next step, we have multiple contract positions open across Ireland and Denmark with industry-leading clients.
Explore our open roles https://lscconnect.com/jobs/or contact us at [email protected] to discuss upcoming opportunities.