Research & Development R&D) jobs are the most in-demand across the Life Sciences sector with vacancies up 5% year-on-year, according to new research from the Association of Professional Staffing Companies (APSCo) and Vacancysoft.

According to the data, R&D jobs across the UK are predicted to reach 4,218 by the end of 2022 and now account for 34% of jobs posted within the Life Sciences sector.

When analysing the data by region, the biggest concentration of jobs was noted across the South East, with vacancies hitting over 3,000 year-to-date. By contrast, the research reveals that Yorkshire and the Humber could see the highest decrease in vacancies, falling under 500 by the end of the year.

Out of the companies operating in the sector, AstraZeneca leads the way in terms of recruitment activity where jobs are expected to rise 24% year on year by the close of 2022.

Ann Swain, CEO of APSCo, said, “While it is positive to see growth within the R&D field, it can’t be forgotten that, like so many other specialisms, skills shortages are rife across the sector and employers are struggling to source talent. It is encouraging to see the Government’s ambitious plans to increase R&D investment to £20bn by 2024/25 outlined in last week’s Autumn Statement. However the success of these plans will lie in the availability of skills. Much of the Chancellor’s plans for the economy rest on access to a highly skilled and innovative workforce. In order to create this talent pool, more needs to be done to encourage people into the sector, as well as reskilling and upskilling existing talent.”