The life sciences industry is well-known for being fast-paced, and change is always around the corner. IT skills are at the heart of this transformation, and technologies like AI and data science are crucial, with companies crying out for these skills to stay ahead - especially in drug discovery and precision medicine.
Here, we look at what skills will be important in life sciences by 2025.
How the role of IT in Life Sciences is growing
Life sciences roles are growing increasingly digital, which is helping to improve efficiency. The Financial Market predicted that by 2025, the tech industry will create 149 million new jobs - with life sciences playing a key role in this figure. Roles focused on cybersecurity, data analytics and cloud computing will be increasingly important - especially in protecting health data.
AI is also part of this new wave. According to Think Remote, 37% of businesses across all industries use AI. Those who master this skill gap to get to the other side will be in most demand in the latter '20s, as they will allow researchers more time to focus on the big thinking.
Key IT skills for 2025
With technology becoming so important, certain tech skills stand out in life sciences. Here's a closer look at what companies will be after:
1) Cybersecurity specialists
As more healthcare goes online, cyber threats are increasing. Life sciences companies need cybersecurity professionals to protect the important data, including patient records and research results. The demand for cybersecurity professionals will keep rising. And people who understand data privacy laws and can build secure systems will be crucial.
2) Data science and analytics
Data is everywhere in life sciences. From genomics to drug trials, companies require data scientists to help discover new insights by analysing complex datasets. This demand will only grow as we approach 2025. Expertise in skills such as machine learning and data analytics are required across life sciences to help find the answer to some of the sector's yet unknown breakthroughs.
3) Cloud computing experts
There is a big demand for cloud engineers and architects to manage cloud platforms that store and share vast amounts of data. Cloud systems enable scientists to work together in real time, no matter where they are. And these experts will be in demand to keep these platforms running like clockwork.
4) AI and machine learning engineers
AI will grow more important as it takes the place of other roles, as it has done across so many sectors. It will automate tasks like drug discovery and data processing, which will speed up research. There will be a high demand for IT professionals who can build AI systems. These experts will develop algorithms that help machines learn from data, which will be very important when it involves personalised fields of medicine and genomics.
Industry trends and insights
The World Economic Forum's Future of Jobs Report predicts that roles related to AI, big data, and cloud computing will grow over the '20s. Life sciences companies are adopting these technologies quickly.
It’s also predicted that AI and machine learning will create millions of jobs across industries. In life sciences, these technologies are transforming how companies manage data and decisions, which means more demand for cybersecurity professionals, data scientists, and cloud engineers.
Preparing for the future of IT in life sciences
Looking ahead, it's clear that life sciences companies will depend more on IT professionals to lead the way. Skills in AI, cybersecurity, and cloud computing will become must-haves. But it's not all about tech skills. Understanding the unique needs of life sciences will place IT professionals at the front of the line when they hand out the jobs.
Workers who combine technical knowledge seamlessly with a good knowledge of the healthcare sector will be in high demand. And as technologies like AI and quantum computing advance, new opportunities will open up. So these skills can't be overlooked, and training will be more important than ever for professionals who want to stay in the industry and progress in their careers throughout the latter half of the '20s.
The digital transformation has only just begun
As 2025 approaches, life sciences will increasingly rely on IT professionals to support its digital transformation. Skills like AI and cybersecurity will play a huge role in the future of healthcare and the work of scientific researchers.
The life sciences industry is full of opportunities for IT professionals. Acquiring these skills will help you to stay ahead of the pack now and well into the future. The industry is changing. The only question is whether you're willing to change too.
For more expert advice with your career, contact nufuture.