Hot Spot Countries For Biotechnology Jobs- Worldwide

With the Biotechnology industry booming globally and the requirement for new medical solutions surging exponentially, the demand for Biotech professionals who have experience in different global markets is becoming more evident.

Experience in global markets can give you a competitive edge and also provide you with unique opportunities to work on exciting projects. But where can you find the best opportunities?

The following are the best locations for life science jobs in the world right now in terms of country economy, how innovative the industry is, the quality of life, and the number of job opportunities available in domestic and international biotech companies.

USA

With a healthy economy, pioneering research facilities and leading technology, the USA tops the list of locations for Biotechnology jobs. In the US, life science is an important sector, with hot spots such as Boston and San Diego leading the way for innovation in Biotechnology. In contrast, pharma giants such as Pfizer and J&J have headquarters in New York and New Jersey, respectively. According to a Proclinical report, in 2020, the US pharmaceutical market generated over $530bn, which is 46% of the world's total pharmaceutical sales. Home to 6 of the top 10 pharma companies, including Pfizer, Amgen, and Johnson & Johnson, the industry produces a large number of highly skilled jobs, conducts a huge amount of research and development, and is a significant traded sector that supports US global competitiveness. 

The US is not just popular for its contributions to medicine; it is also the top market in the world for medical technology. According to the Proclinical, in 2020, the US medical device manufacturers market was estimated to be worth $176.7 billion. This is assumed to surge year-on-year with America's aging population and the surging prevalence of chronic diseases. Many emerging firms position themselves in this arena to benefit from the established business infrastructure and access to the latest innovative technologies.

US Life Sciences employs an impressive 1.2 million, making it a great place to build your professional network with the chance to work alongside and learn from some of the best life science talent worldwide. 

GERMANY

Germany comes second on the list, and it is one of the largest and fastest-growing markets for Biotechnology and healthcare in Europe. With the fourth largest national economy in the world, Germany provides great stability for life sciences. From its various life science hubs, which include Frankfurt, Munich and Stuttgart, Germany's top-class manufacturers drive a life science industry that delivers a wide spectrum of pharmaceutical, medical technology, and medical devices to patients across the globe.

Having strengthened from great annual federal funds and being well-equipped with the latest technology, Germany is the ideal place for research efforts. It is a hotspot for innovation, leading to over 1,000 medical technology patents granted there in 2020. Many of these exciting and advanced new concepts are generated by what is known as the "Mittelstand", – which encompasses small and medium-sized enterprises that are an important element of Germany's strong biotechnology industry.

Commonly, Germans work fewer hours than in other parts of Europe and the minimum annual holiday entitlement is typically 30 days, making it an alluring spot if you enjoy a great work life balance. Situated in the center of Europe and with top-notch infrastructure, Germany provides easy access to a number of global cities, encompassing London, Amsterdam and Paris. The cost of living in Germany is amazing, as is their education system, “making it an excellent place to raise a family.” 
Also Read: Highest Paying Careers: Biotechnology Industry

FRANCE

France bags the third place on our list of top locations to work in Biotech. With sales totaling $37.8bn in 2020, France is known for its pharmaceutical industry. It is home to many leading pharma companies, such as Sanofi, Pierre Fabre, Ipsen and Servier, which are supporting pillars of the industry. France also has a growing number of inventive health start-ups, and the French Biotech community has grown significantly in recent years with a strong focus on clinical development. The government invests heavily in R&D, making it a favorable environment for foreign investors to develop new medical advancements.

In response to the Covid-19 pandemic, the French have prioritized supporting Biotech and biopharma companies. To sustain the pace, France further concentrated its commitment to innovation by setting out billions of euros for medical infrastructure, tax credits and financial support to digitize production and attract manufacturing from abroad. This is all with the aim of becoming a leader in Europe by 2030.

A 35-hour week is a standard in France, making it easier than other countries to achieve a good work-life balance.

SINGAPORE

Innovation and investment have resulted in rapid growth for the life sciences industry in Singapore due to a significant push for more R&D and increased biomanufacturing and clinical research activity. Many top global pharma and medical device companies, such as J&J, have based their Asian headquarters in Singapore. As numerous firms are using Singapore as their gateway to Asia, there is an increasing demand for professionals with expertise in the laboratory, technical sales and regulatory affairs. Quality and engineering-associated skills are also in high demand thanks to the abundance of Biotech start-ups popping up there.

As well as being a crucial location for pharma, Singapore is also establishing itself as a hub for medical technology. In 2019, the Singapore government identified medtech as one of its priority areas, recognizing that the sector has a high growth capacity. With a strong ecosystem and supportive infrastructure, Singapore has attracted entrepreneurs worldwide, “creating a collaborative and top-notch community of start-ups”.

With one of the strongest economies in the world, high salaries, the best quality of life and opportunities in a variety of Biotech sub-sectors, Singapore is an amazing location to work in Biotech.
Also Read: Tips To Negotiate A Pay Rise Like A Pro: Biotech Industry

SWITZERLAND

Nested in the heart of Europe, Switzerland is famous around the world for its participation in Biotech. Big multinational corporations such as Roche and Novartis, which have headquarters in Basel and SME life science companies throughout the country benefit from Switzerland's infrastructure and highly experienced and skilled professionals. Switzerland is not a member of the EU, which provides more freedom for firms when they are looking for approval for medicines or medical devices with a more straightforward regulatory pathway.

With over 250 Biotech companies, Switzerland provides over 50,000 jobs in the sector and, together with the pharmaceutical and chemical industries, this contributes to more than 40% of Switzerland's exports. All the top technology firms, such as Google and IBM, have a strong presence in Switzerland and both pharma and Biotechs are looking at how AI and big data can advance drug discovery, enhance drug design, aid patient access to healthcare and improve processes.

With a wide range of opportunities to work with some of the greatest innovators in life sciences, Switzerland is a fantastic place to further your career, with employees benefiting from high salaries and low tax rates. 

UK

The UK has an impressive track record in Biotech breakthroughs. It is driving the next generation of medical advancements, with some of the most proficient life science professionals in the world and top-notch research facilities. Having the advantage of great public and private investment opportunities, the UK is a center for R&D. It is home to several exciting Biotech start-ups as well as many huge multinationals, including GSK and AstraZeneca.

The UK's Biotech industry is significant to the country's economy and stability, providing employment to over a quarter of a million people and producing a revenue of £80 billion each year. In 2021, the UK government announced a 10-year plan for the Biotech industry, which is set to build on the country's pandemic response and focus on solving some of healthcare's greatest challenges, including cancer and dementia. The plan focuses to support the sector's growth, attract more investment and create more high skilled employment opportunities.

The UK attracts migrants from across the globe, making it extremely diverse, thanks to its strong economy, high standard of living and great quality of life. Longer paid holidays, free access to healthcare and high salaries also make it a winning location to prosper in your career.

JAPAN

A great amalgam of a stable economy, an aging population, and growing technology opportunities makes Japan a great environment for Biotech. The forward-thinking Japanese incorporate cutting-edge technology and the country has a strong regulatory process, making it an exciting place for medical advancements. Japan has a highly educated population and is home to many emerging entrepreneurs, many of them based in Fukuoka, which is Japan's answer to Silicon Valley - a hotspot for new start-ups.

Japan is the second-largest pharmaceutical and medtech market in the world, and its pharmaceutical drug market accounts for 7% of the global USD 1.2 trillion market. Several esteemed pharma and medical device manufacturers, such as Takeda, Daiichi Sankyo and Olympus, were founded or have a presence in Tokyo. Such organizations offer various great chances to prosper in a rewarding career. As well as job stability, Japanese companies also offer attractive employee perks like medical care and pension plans.

ITALY

Italy bags the 8th place on our list, one of the strongest exporters in Europe. It has excellent life science manufacturing capabilities, with 66,000 working in pharma, over 13,000 working in Biotech and 76,000 in medical devices. Italy is one of the leading pharmaceutical producers in Europe, and in 2019, the sector possessed a production value of over €34 billion. The country is facing fierce competition from emerging markets. Yet, the strong presence of many top 10 global pharmas in Italy, such as Pfizer and AbbVie, is helping to improve Italy's R&D efforts, giving them a competitive edge.

Rich in culture and beautiful landscapes, Italy offers a relaxed way of life. Family time is important to Italians and workers in the country try to maintain a healthy work-life balance. To secure a job in Italy, you will commonly need to have special life science skills and a good understanding of the language.

SPAIN

Spain has become one of the most dynamic and competitive biotech markets in the world, with several worldwide biotech and pharma firms picking Spain not only to distribute their products but also to establish their R&D and production facilities. The country takes pride in its ongoing commitment to R&D and beneficial investment frameworks, with the pharma industry receiving over 20% of total private R&D investment in the country, employing 45,000 people in Spain, 52% of whom are women, and two-thirds have higher education qualifications.

Local pharma organizations include Genomics, Esteve and Almirall, and several global top 10 pharmas, such as Sanofi and Merck, have a presence in Spain. Healthcare technology in Spain also provides great potential for development with approximately 28,000 working in this area.

Apart from its thriving Biotech market, Spain also facilitates many opportunities for you to expand your professional network. 

AUSTRALIA

Pumped by a rise in biotechnology and an up-and-coming medical devices sector, Australia is becoming one of the leading Biotech markets, growing by an impressive 16% between 2017 and 2019. Generous investment from the world-renowned Australian regulatory bodies, along with government R&D tax incentives, has encouraged various highly innovative Biotechnology and health technology companies – both home-grown and from overseas – to take foundation in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane.

The biotech industry in Australia employs 243,40 people, and life science professionals looking to work in Biotech and med tech will find impressive opportunities there. Many world-renowned multinational life science firms, such as AbbVie, Johnson & Johnson, and IQVIA, have a strong presence in Australia and provide a wide spectrum of positions. At the same time, there is also a high demand for people with skills and experience in the growing areas of digital health technology and medicinal cannabis.