4 life sciences jobs that are taking off
But it isn’t just the huge financial opportunities that make this space so exciting. Careers in life sciences can also be incredibly rewarding. Few other professions allow you to fund a high quality of life whilst working with companies that are saving and making lives better.
In this article, we explore four jobs that are a great choice for those considering a career in life sciences
Clinical Trial Assistant (CTA)
Becoming a Clinical Trial Assistant (CTA) is both a challenging and potentially rewarding career. Although CTAs have always played a key role in the life science space, this position has recently developed into a more integral part of ensuring the quality of clinical trials.
Covid-19 has completely changed how clinical trials work. Now more than ever there is an emphasis on the importance of well-designed and well-executed randomised clinical trials. CTAs play a major role in these trials.
At ICON, you can progress your career as a CTA as you move from CTA I to CTA II to senior CTA and beyond. As you build your skills you will have greater input into essential trials, making a greater positive impact.
Medical Writer
There is a growing demand for Medical Writers across the life sciences board. Those that can understand occasionally complex medical topics and communicate them in a clear and compelling way will find great success in a medical writing career.
The demand for competent Medical Writers is increasing. This is primarily in order to establish clear communication surrounding clinical trials in developing regions, new medical device regulation, increased R&D investment/activity, and social media representation.
Drug Safety Associate
Those that pick a Drug Safety Associate career are likely to see a boost in demand for their skills over the next few years. Drug safety is becoming a growing concern across the globe, with the World Health Organisation (WHO) launching its ‘Medication Without Harm’ Initiative in 2017 in the hopes of reducing severe avoidable medication-related harm by 50%.
With costs associated with medication errors costing an estimated $42 billion USD each year across the globe, Drug Safety Associates play a big part in protecting those who take medications and the businesses that produce them.
Project Managers
Project management skills have always been in high demand in the life science and CRO space. This demand will continue to increase as projects become more complex and competition intensifies. Those that can take a strategic approach to projects with high awareness of operational strategy and commercial goals will find their careers taking off.
Typically, project management skills can be applied to various areas of life sciences, opening a wide range of opportunities for career progression. Careers at ICON can see ambitious project managers quickly progress from project manager to project manager II to senior project manager and beyond - taking on bigger challenges and responsibilities with every step.
See where a job at ICON could take you
The life science and CRO space is an exciting and potentially lucrative place to pursue a career. The roles we have outlined in this guide show great promise for the coming years, each with an important role to play in overcoming some of the biggest upcoming life science challenges.
Do you see yourself pursuing a life science career? Already pursuing a career in this area and want to take it to the next level? You can browse clinical trial jobs, pharmacovigilance vacancies, medical writing opportunities, and project management jobs now.
Sign up for post alerts
ICON & You
The potential of together.
Careers that improve the lives of patients, our clients and each other. Are you ready to make a difference?
View jobsRelated jobs at ICON
Salary
Location
Boston, MA
Location
Boston
Multiple US Locations
Boston, MA
Remote Working
Remote
Business Area
ICON Strategic Solutions
Job Categories
Clinical Trial Management
Job Type
Permanent
Description
We are currently seeking a Senior Clinical Trial Manager to join our diverse and dynamic team. As the Senior Clinical Trial Manager, you will hold a crucial role in ensuring the successful delivery of
Reference
JR140959
Expiry date
01/01/0001
Author
Kala MurphyAuthor
Kala MurphySalary
Location
Colombia, Bogota
Location
Bogota
Remote Working
Office Based
Business Area
ICON Strategic Solutions
Job Categories
Study Start Up
Job Type
Permanent
Description
We are currently seeking a Senior Study Start Up Associate to join our diverse and dynamic team. As a Senior Study Start Up Associate at ICON, you will be working within a large-scale, fast-paced envi
Reference
JR141987
Expiry date
01/01/0001
Author
Magda ObregonAuthor
Magda ObregonSalary
Location
Bulgaria, Sofia
Location
Sofia
Warsaw
Remote Working
Office Based
Business Area
ICON Full Service & Corporate Support
Job Categories
Drug Safety
Job Type
Permanent
Description
We are currently seeking an Administrative Assistant to join our diverse and dynamic Pharmacovigilance team. As part of the Pharmacovigilance team at ICON you will play a vital role in providing admin
Reference
JR139689
Expiry date
01/01/0001
Author
Sophie BinghamAuthor
Sophie BinghamSalary
Location
Portugal, Lisbon
Location
Lisbon
Remote Working
Office Based
Business Area
ICON Strategic Solutions
Job Categories
Clinical Data Management
Programming
Clinical Programming
Job Type
Permanent
Description
Job Title: Data Integration and Dashboard Lead Location: Home based in Portugal (approx. 10 percent travel) Employment Type: FSP position supporting a major global pharmaceutical companyOverview We ar
Reference
JR142036
Expiry date
01/01/0001
Author
Jack FisherAuthor
Jack FisherRelated stories
Teaser label
Inside ICONContent type
BlogsPublish date
01/05/2026
Summary
Interviewing at ICON: What to Expect Applying for a new role can feel uncertain, particularly when recruitment processes use digital tools or assessments that may be unfamiliar. At ICON, we want ca
Teaser label
Inside ICONContent type
BlogsPublish date
01/05/2026
Summary
What is an Applicant Tracking System (ATS)? An Applicant Tracking System (ATS) is software used by organisations to manage the recruitment process from job posting through to hiring. It acts as a
Teaser label
Our PeopleContent type
BlogsPublish date
12/10/2025
Summary
Zhong Yao's Journey at ICON Plc in China Zhong Yao's career in clinical research spans over two decades, with leadership roles across major CROs and a commitment to advancing healthcare in China.
Recently viewed jobs
Impactful work. Meaningful careers. Quality rewards.
At ICON, our employees are our greatest strength. That’s why we are committed to empowering you to live your best life, both inside and outside of work. Whether your ambition is lead a global team, become a deep scientific or technical expert, work in-house with our customers or gain experience in a variety of different ICON functions, we will support you in realising your full potential. Learn more about Our Culture at ICON