Science is integrated into every aspect of modern life, from the food we consume and the skincare products we use to the energy that powers our homes. It drives innovation, promotes economic growth, and addresses the world’s most pressing challenges. This blog explores how science manifests across different industries, how careers have evolved, and why hiring professionals with scientific skills is more important than ever.
“Scientists make this”
It might surprise some to learn that the person behind a solar farm, a sustainable food packaging solution, or a new vaccine is a scientist, not necessarily in the traditional sense, but someone trained in scientific thinking, data analysis, engineering, regulatory compliance, or commercial strategy.
Science is not a job title, it’s a sector
Science is no longer just a job title - it’s a sector, a mindset, and a critical function across industries. Modern scientists may wear a hard hat instead of a lab coat, work in a boardroom rather than a lab, and influence policy, product development, or sustainability strategy.
At Evolve, we don’t just hire “scientists”; we recruit the people who power science across pharmaceuticals, biotech, food manufacturing, environmental science, agriculture, energy, and more. We connect professionals to roles in industries where science underpins every process. Our candidates are analytical chemists, regulatory affairs managers, technical sales reps, and site directors who can perform in various scientific disciplines and every stage of the project life cycle.
Industries where science thrives
Here’s a list of sectors that we support and their scientific impact:
- Pharmaceuticals & Biotechnology – drug discovery, clinical trials, regulatory compliance
- Medical Devices – product development, quality assurance, validation
- Food & Beverage Manufacturing – food safety, quality control, process optimisation
- Environmental Sciences – climate modelling, pollution control, sustainability
- Cosmetics & Personal Care – formulation chemistry, microbiology, product testing
- Agricultural Science – crop science, soil analysis, agri-tech innovation
- Chemical Manufacturing & Processing – process engineering, safety compliance, research and development (R&D)
- Clinical Research Organisations (CROs) – trial management, data analysis, pharmacovigilance
- Mining & Resources – geochemistry, environmental monitoring, materials testing
- Laboratory Services & Diagnostics – pathology, analytical testing, lab automation
- Energy & Renewables – solar, wind, hydrogen, battery storage, carbon capture
Each sector relies on scientific expertise in R&D, operations, compliance, and commercialisation, and they’re experiencing rapid growth. For example, the global biotech market is projected to grow from $1.74 trillion in 2025 to $5.04 trillion by 2034, driven by AI-enabled drug discovery, precision medicine, and agricultural innovation. In Australia, the renewable energy sector now supplies roughly 40% of electricity, a shift that demands engineers, data scientists, validation experts, and regulatory leads.
The evolving face of scientific careers
The modern scientific workforce is more diverse, interdisciplinary, and commercially integrated than ever before. Scientists today aren’t just researchers; they are innovators, strategists, and leaders who work across departments - from microbiologists ensuring food safety to process engineers optimising production lines. Science is integrated into every product development, manufacturing, and market delivery stage.
Roles we place
The breadth of roles reflects the commercialisation of science. We recruit technical talent across all career levels and disciplines, including:
- Laboratory & Technical: Analytical Chemists, Microbiologists, QC Analysts, Product Development Chemists
- Manufacturing & Operations: Production Chemists, Process Engineers, Validation Specialists, GMP/GLP Specialists, Supply Chain & Procurement, Maintenance Technicians (Scientific Facilities)
- Quality & Regulatory: QA/QC Officers, Regulatory Affairs Associates & Managers, Compliance Auditors, Documentation Specialists, Risk & Pharmacovigilance Consultants
- Commercial, Sales & Support: Scientific Sales Representatives, Technical Product Specialists, Application Scientists, Marketing Managers (Scientific Sector), Customer Support (Lab Equipment, Reagents)
- Senior & Executive Appointments: Heads of R&D, Site & Plant Managers, Scientific Directors, Chief Scientific Officers (CSO), Regulatory Affairs Directors, Quality Assurance Managers
Trends shaping the scientific market in 2025
The scientific job market is evolving, driven by innovation, global challenges, and shifting consumer expectations. Here are four key trends and emerging sectors driving demand for talent:
1. Digital transformation & AI integration
AI is revolutionising drug discovery, diagnostics, and manufacturing. Globally, the demand for data professionals, such as data scientists and architects, is increasing. According to Jobs and Skills Australia, digital employment is projected to grow by up to 13.9% by 2030. This surge creates demand for data scientists, AI engineers, and digital transformation specialists who can apply machine learning to scientific problems.
2. Personalised medicine & biotech growth
The global personalised medicine market is projected to reach nearly USD 910 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 8.2%. As healthcare becomes more tailored and data-driven, roles in bioinformatics, molecular diagnostics, and regulatory affairs are expanding.
3. Sustainability & green science
Sustainability is a defining force in science-led industries. From biodegradable packaging to carbon-neutral production, green science reshapes food, energy, and materials sectors. Environmental scientists, green chemists, and renewable energy engineers are in high demand as companies align with ESG goals and circular economy principles.
4. Advanced manufacturing & automation
Smart manufacturing, robotics, and lab automation are transforming how scientific products are developed and scaled. In 2025, manufacturers are adopting AI, digital twins, and predictive maintenance to optimise operations and reduce downtime. This shift creates demand for professionals bridging science, systems engineering, and digital tools.
Why employers partner with Evolve
At Evolve, our consultants combine scientific knowledge with specialised recruitment expertise. Many of our consultants hold science degrees and have worked in the industries they now recruit for. This allows us to understand the technical nuances of every role and deliver qualified candidates that are aligned with your business goals.
Our Value Proposition
- National reach with local market insight
- Access to active and passive scientific talent
- Expertise in niche and hard-to-fill roles
- Compliant, quality-driven recruitment processes
- Proven success in both contract and permanent hiring
We proudly partner with Australia’s leading scientific employers, helping them build teams that innovate, scale, and lead in their respective fields.
Ready to power your scientific team?
Whether you're launching a new novel biotech drug, scaling a manufacturing plant, or navigating regulatory compliance across markets, Evolve connects you with the talent to make it happen.
Looking to hire scientific professionals? Contact our team today
Searching for your next scientific role? Explore current opportunities
