Demand for clinical research associates and trial managers has risen by 46% since the start of the Covid-19 crisis as pharmaceutical firms work to develop a vaccine, according to a report by Randstad Sourceright.

The research also found that demand for assistant store managers rose by 38%, and demand for financial consultants and insurance underwriters have seen a 50% increase in demand.

Meanwhile, demand for software developers has remained steady. However, demand has shrunk by double digits for customer service representatives, engineers and automotive workers.

“The economic slowdown brought about by the pandemic has forced companies to focus on what jobs and skills are truly essential and most valuable to their businesses,” said Sue Marcus, regional president at Randstad Sourceright North America.

The report analyzes data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, World Health Organization, job boards, career sites and social media postings.