The life sciences job market is buzzing right now. Whether you work in Manufacturing, Quality, or Engineering, the data shows that professionals are not standing still. Harba Solutions’ H2 2025 Scientific Talent Insights Report found that 11–14% of professionals changed jobs in the past year, while up to 40% considered making a move.

Here is a closer look at what is happening in three of the nation’s most important scientific hubs—and how you can use these insights to find your next opportunity.

Massachusetts: Opportunity with Intense Competition

Massachusetts remains a global hub for life sciences, and it is not slowing down. In the past year, the Quality workforce grew by 1%, driven by hiring from companies such as Moderna, Bristol Myers Squibb, and Vertex. 56% of Quality professionals in the state are women, making it one of the most balanced talent pools in the country.

Manufacturing and Engineering have held steady or declined slightly, but employers like Sanofi, Takeda, and Thermo Fisher continue to recruit heavily. Schools such as Northeastern University and UMass Lowell remain the largest pipelines feeding new scientific talent into the region.

What this means for you: Massachusetts is overflowing with opportunity, but that also means competition is fierce. Do not rely on job boards alone—every posting can receive dozens, if not hundreds, of resumes. To stand out, highlight measurable achievements in your CV and make sure it is tailored to what hiring managers want to see. If you are unsure where to start, take a look at our guide on what hiring managers really look for on a life sciences resume.

North Carolina: Growth Fueled by Local Movement

The Research Triangle is expanding its talent base in a big way. Quality has grown 6% in the past year and Engineering is up 3%. The biggest employers—Novo Nordisk, Pfizer, Merck, and Biogen—are all scaling operations, with major expansions in manufacturing and biologics.

But here is the catch: much of the movement comes from professionals switching between companies already in the region. Only a small portion of new talent is moving into the Triangle from outside. Schools like NC State, UNC Chapel Hill, and East Carolina University remain critical in feeding the pipeline of new graduates into the industry.

What this means for you: If you are already based in North Carolina, your experience is in demand. Employers value local knowledge and the ability to get started quickly. If you are considering a move into the region, you will need to show how your current package translates into the local market. Our article on transferable packages and negotiating your next role offers practical advice to help you navigate this.

Indiana: A Contracting but Competitive Market

Indiana tells a different story. Talent pools are contracting across the board, with Manufacturing down 5%, Quality down 1%, and Engineering down 2% in the past 12 months. Engineering remains particularly male-dominated, with only 23% of professionals identifying as female.

Employers like Eli Lilly, Zimmer Biomet, and Cook Medical remain anchors of the market, but attrition rates are rising at several firms, creating constant churn. Universities such as Purdue, Indiana University Bloomington, and Ivy Tech Community College continue to supply new graduates, but overall the pool is tightening.

What this means for you: The competition here is not just between candidates—it is between employers. Some companies are responding by offering higher salaries, while others are focusing on culture, benefits, and career progression. As a candidate, you should be prepared for the possibility of counteroffers from your current employer. Understanding how to navigate those conversations is critical, which is why we recommend reading our piece on the counteroffer conundrum.

How to Take Advantage of These Trends

Across every hub, the job market is active and competitive. Sending applications into job boards alone is not enough to land the best opportunities. At Harba Solutions, we match you directly with employers, guide you through the process, and make sure you stand out.

Ready to find your next role? Apply today at harbasolutions.com/jobs.

Get the Full Report

For the full breakdown of what is happening in Massachusetts, North Carolina, and Indiana, download the H2 2025 Scientific Talent Insights Report. It is packed with data and insights to help guide your next career move.