Each month, we publish monthly market information regarding vacancy numbers, and highlight information that may interest our network.

MassBio’s recent report on employment trends in Massachusetts has showed some interesting results. It found that:

• There were almost 90,000 people employed within life sciences in Massachusetts in 2020
• Between 2017 and 2020, Massachusetts consistently had a higher percentage share of life science job postings than the US national average
• The life science industry in Massachusetts employs an estimated 58% of the STEM roles in the area, versus 45% for the national average
• Over the last four years, for job postings stipulating an educational requirement, 90% of those in the Massachusetts life science sector needed a Bachelors degree or higher in comparison to 79% nationally

• The largest group of employment in STEM in Massachusetts are the medical sciences (this includes several subsets including pharmacokinetics, immunology, toxicology and neuroscience)
• The biggest change in demand has been the need for project managers – demand has increased by 160% over the last four years
• Within the engineering space, the largest employed group is industrial engineers. This has seen a 29% growth since 2017, followed by mechanical engineers (although this is a shrinking sector)
• The increase in demand for industrial engineers is thought to be a leading indicator of an increase in manufacturing to come, which is also backed by the MassTech Centre for Advanced Manufacture, who recently announced a grant fund to support SME manufacturers in the STEM sector in Massachusetts

• Another area that has grown a lot and is expected to continue is the biologist technical support function, which has expanded by 13% from 2017
• The data science space is currently underserved, with the third most advertised jobs in life science since 2017
• The bulk of jobs advertised between 2017 and 2020 were for candidates with between two and six years of experience (45% of jobs)

In addition to the MassBio report, there have been a multitude of other articles published over the last month. Some that are particularly interesting include the below:

The life sciences talent squeeze and foreign-born workers – MassBio

Former South Station WeWork could become what else? – Boston Business Journal

In a highly vaccinated field, life sciences leaders weigh mandates – Boston Business Journal

The legislative update, August 9th – MassBio

Boston’s biotechs pull out all the stops in hiring boom ‘on steroids’ – Bloomberg

Improving clinical trial diversity in the life sciences – MassBio

The latest KPMG/REC UK Report on Jobs highlights the sharpest growth in permanent placements in 23 years, and the fastest growth in temporary recruitment in over six years.

This dramatic change in hiring patterns requires hiring managers to change their recruitment processes to adapt to the situation and ensure they are able to source and recruit required staff.

So what advice can I give to make the process work as effectively as possible during these competitive times?

1. Have a very clear job brief so that you know what you are looking for.
2. Use social media to source your applicants.
3. Draw up your shortlist and arrange interviews quickly, as candidates are getting jobs very rapidly.
4. Keep the recruitment process as short as possible. Do not have big gaps between first and second interviews, and do you really need a third interview stage?
5. Stay in touch with your candidates throughout the process.
6. Make your offers as competitive as possible, as good candidates are likely to have multiple offers.
7. Be flexible and willing to negotiate. Offer training to candidates who do not have a complete skillset.

The other major highlight that has come from this report is that candidate availability has decreased dramatically as applicants are able to get roles quickly. This has been a very dramatic shift over the last two months, which once again emphasises the need for hiring managers to change their recruitment methodology to meet these changing market conditions.

My advice to hiring managers is to:

1. Be clear on what you want, and be prepared to be flexible
2. Ensure you have a speedy recruitment and selection process
3. Offer very competitive packages

For more assistance or advice on recruitment methodologies, get in touch with Jonathan Hart-Smith.

On May 26th, we’re attending the MassBio Virtual Career Fair hosted by MassBioEd.

The event is open to anybody working or interested in careers in biotechnology in Massachusetts, and will give attendees access to current opportunities as well as a wealth of information and advice on careers in science.

CK Group will be hosting a virtual booth for drop ins or confidential meetings, where you will be able to:

• Discuss current biotechnology opportunities in Massachusetts
• Talk to us about your job searching strategy
• Get hints and tips on standing out from the competition and job applications to support you during your search

The event has been highly popular so far, so be sure to book in advance to ensure you get a spot with us on the day.

World Health Day is held and celebrated annually on the 7th April, organised by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

This year, World Health Day is aiming to highlight inequalities in health and welfare within and between countries, and build a world that is fairer and healthier post Covid-19.

The global pandemic has exacerbated issues with poverty, gender inequality and discrimination. There is convincing evidence that women have exited the workforce in far greater numbers than men, and those who are living in low-income households or countries have significantly lower life expectancies. An estimated 119 to 124 million people have been driven into extreme poverty within the last 12 months as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Therefore, WHO has issued five calls for action this World Health Day in an effort to close the gaps within societies and their healthcare systems, which are:

1. Accelerate access to Covid-19 technologies
   Many countries are already benefitting from the safe and effective vaccines that have been developed, as well as commodities such as PPE and medical devices. The challenge now is to ensure that they are available to everybody who needs them across the world, and that nobody misses out on live-saving treatment.
   
2. Invest in primary healthcare
   Whilst we in the UK have access to the NHS, half of the world’s population still don’t have access to essential health services.
   
3. Prioritise health and social protection
   In many countries, job losses, disruption to education and threats to nutrition have far exceeded the public health impact of the Covid-19 virus.
   
4. Build safe, healthy and inclusive neighbourhoods
   City leaders are often champions in creating excellent places for people to live, with effective transport systems, clean water and safe housing. However, many communities across the world (especially those in rural areas) are living in poverty with no access to any of these amenities.
   
5. Strengthen data and health information systems
   Increasing access to high-quality data on subjects from race to gender, and education to ethnicity, will be key to highlighting where inequalities exist and what can be done to address them. Ensuring that everybody is represented and included will enable countries to ensure that time and resources are distributed fairly.

Throughout the pandemic, CK Group has supported Covid-19 relief projects through the recruitment of science and clinical staff. We have worked with global pharmaceutical and healthcare companies to help develop diagnostic equipment, medical devices and vaccines, as well as undertake essential clinical trials and provide support to those who need it the most.

Find out how we can support your recruitment activities here.

Or, search our latest jobs here.

While many businesses closed their doors last March and office workers adapted to new ways of working, those in the science sectors have continued on the frontline to keep things moving safely – including many CK contractors.

To mark the fact that is has now been one full year since the Covid-19 pandemic hit the UK and the country was told to stay at home, we interviewed one of our contractors who has been working as Warehouse Operative.

He gave us an insight into his role at a global pharmaceutical and diagnostics company, including what he enjoys the most about his job and how he works through daily challenges.

What is it like working as a Warehouse Operative?

I enjoy the environment in the warehouse as it is always busy, which can be challenging but is also so rewarding.

What is a typical day like for you?

Each shift starts with a group meeting known as a ‘huddle’, where the shift leader updates us on what work is to be done and assigns tasks to the relevant people. We then sanitise our equipment and workstations before we begin.

I drive a VNA forklift truck so I carry out a pre-inspection check to make sure everything is in working order, or report any concerns. Once this is complete, the stock controller will help me prioritise my workload for the evening – although this can change during the shit depending on the quantity of picking being done and how much stock replenishment is required.

How do you deal with shift work?

I find the best way to deal with shifts is through routine, so I try to keep my eating and sleeping patterns as close to a normal day as possible. This seems to work for me.

What do you enjoy the most about your job?

I would say it’s the people I work with who really make the job enjoyable. I am lucky enough to work with a very friendly group and every single person works hard and is always willing to help their colleagues if needed.

What is the hardest part of your job?

There isn’t one thing I’d say I find the hardest at work. Different days provide different challenges but because I work with such a great team these are easier to deal with.

How does it feel to be part of an industry that is helping to fight Covid-19?

It is good to feel like what we are doing is helping make a difference, however I find it easier to just focus on the job in front of me and doing it well. Thinking about Covid all the time both inside and outside work hours can become overwhelming.

How have you found working through an agency? Are there any benefits you have found helpful?

I cannot speak highly enough of the people I deal with at the agency, from helping me through the application process to sorting out any issues I have had, they have all been amazing. Always professional and friendly.

Is there anything else you’d like to add about your job?

This job has made such a difference in these challenging times and really helped keep some form of normality during the lockdowns through a routine.

Search contract roles

Read more ‘day in the life’ interviews

LinkedIn last week released a special edition of its Emerging Jobs Report for 2021, taking a closer look at how Covid-19 has affected the jobs landscape in the UK and, specifically, the roles that have experienced the highest growth over the last several months.

The report found that specialised medical professionals has been one of the fastest growing job categories throughout last year, continuing into 2021.

The demand for laboratory scientists and those working behind-the-scenes on the all important vaccines and medicines used to treat patients grew by 68% in 2020, with the sector growing by 58% overall. Medicine has come out as one of the top skills required by employers with London, Manchester, Glasgow and Birmingham providing the most opportunities for medical science professionals.

Those working in pharmaceuticals have played a significant role during the Covid-19 pandemic, working to keep delivering supplies and finding innovative solutions for those who need them the most – with predictions that this demand will remain high for some time longer.

CK Science specialise in recruitment for the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and chemical sectors, and we help find roles for high-calibre science professionals. We have secured positions for thousands talented scientists since 1991, and have continued to do so throughout the Covid-19 crisis.

Search the latest science roles we have on offer

Alternatively, find out how we can help your business find science talent

Business in the Community (BTIC) in partnership with the government is pleased to announce that the CK Group has signed up to the Race at Work Charter, an initiative designed to improve outcomes for black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) employees in the UK.

The charter builds on the work of the 2017 McGregor-Smith Review, ‘Race in the workplace’, a wake-up call for UK employers, which found that people from BAME backgrounds were still underemployed, underpromoted and under-represented at senior levels. So far more than 200 public, private and charitable organisations have signed up to the charter.

The Race at Work Charter is designed to foster a public commitment to improving outcomes of BAME employees in the workplace. It consists of five principles to ensure organisations address the barriers to BAME recruitment and progression. Organisations that sign up to the charter such as CK Group are publicly committing to:

• Appointing an Executive Sponsor for race
• Capturing data and publicising progress
• Ensuring zero tolerance of harassment and bullying
• Making equality in the workplace the responsibility of all leaders and managers
• Taking action that supports ethnic minority career progression

The 2018 Race at Work Scorecard report by BITC showed that there is still a need for concerted and consistent action from employers across the UK to improve outcomes for BAME employees. The report showed:

• There has been an increase in the number of workers from BAME background who report that they have witnessed or experienced racist harassment or bullying from customers or service users.
• Despite being ambitious, over half of BAME employees still believe they will have to leave their current organisation to progress their career.
• The proportion of managers who report that they have a performance objective to promote equality at work has fallen from 41% in 2015 to 32% in 2018.
• Most significantly, employees have not reported any increase in the number of leaders demonstrating commitment and taking action since 2015.

Sandra Kerr CBE, race equality director at Business in the Community, said:

“We would like to thank CK Group for setting out their commitment to being an inclusive and responsible employer. By signing up to the charter they are showing that they aspire to have one of the most inclusive workplaces in the country. Together we can break down barriers in the workplace, raise the aspirations and achievements of talented individuals, and deliver an enormous boost to the long-term economic position of the UK.”

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