From the start of 2026 to mid-March, we analysed our internal data on all client hiring needs. We compared this with the same period last year and have highlighted our key findings.

Placements & Valuable Skills

While total placement volume has seen a modest year-on-year increase, demand for contract roles has risen significantly – from 57% of all scientific placements in Q1 2025 to 70% in Q1 2026. This shift points to a growing preference for flexible, project-based resourcing over permanent hires, largely driven by ongoing caution following the economic challenges of 2025.

We’re also seeing rising demand for more complex and technical skillsets, most notably in flow cytometry, which now features in 21% of all R&D mandates. For discovery leaders, the focus has shifted away from hiring generalists and towards securing specialised expertise, enabling them to navigate a more risk-averse funding environment and deliver critical data readouts.

We also analysed broader UK hiring trends beyond Talentmark clients, and several key technical trends are beginning to emerge:

• 15% of advertised positions require biochemistry as a skill
• 21% of hiring demand in March 2026 is for candidates with cell biology and cell culture experience
• 33% of laboratories currently hiring are seeking GMP experience

Location

Within the Golden Triangle broader industry trends are also influencing hiring behaviour, and there is increasing competition from regional hubs in the North West and the Midlands. Employers report strong demand for scientists who combine wet-lab expertise with data and digital skills. This comes alongside ongoing pressure from a persistent skills shortage in advanced modalities and AI-driven R&D.

Looking to the rest of 2026, market analyses show translational leaders will focus on hiring hybrid “science + data” profiles, increasingly using more flexible, project-based models to stay competitive.