Global Health Sciences Expansion Fuels Job Creation Across Manufacturing, R&D and Services

January 09, 2026 | Friday | New Job Opportunity

The global health sciences industry continues to witness strong momentum in facility expansions, new manufacturing hubs, and regional investments, reinforcing its role as a key driver of high-value job creation. From medical devices and biopharmaceutical manufacturing to digital health, regulatory services, and workforce platforms, companies are scaling operations to meet rising global demand while strengthening supply chain resilience.

Recent announcements from across the Americas, Europe, and Asia highlight how strategic investments are translating into thousands of new jobs for scientists, engineers, technicians, clinicians, and operations professionals.

Costa Rica Strengthens Position as a Medical Device Manufacturing Hub

Costa Rica has emerged as one of the world’s most dynamic centers for medical device manufacturing and exports, according to a study by the Trade & Investment Promotion Agency of Costa Rica (PROCOMER).

Key indicators of growth include:

  • 22% average annual growth in medical device exports (2020–2024)

  • Exports reaching $8.675 billion, ranking the country 10th globally

  • 52% of all new Latin American medical device investments

  • Over 100 multinational companies operating in the sector

Medical devices now represent 48% of Costa Rica’s total goods exports, supporting jobs across advanced manufacturing, engineering, quality systems, and logistics, and positioning the country as a major employment hub in Latin America.

Fujifilm Expands Biopharma Manufacturing Capacity in Japan

FUJIFILM Corporation has completed one of Japan’s largest bio CDMO facilities at its Toyama Second Factory. The new site is Fujifilm’s first antibody drug manufacturing plant in Japan and is expected to become operational in 2027.

Facility highlights:

  • 2 × 5,000-liter and 2 × 2,000-liter single-use bioreactors

  • Modular kojoX™ facility design to accelerate technology transfer

  • End-to-end services from drug substance to finished goods

The facility will serve as Fujifilm’s bio CDMO hub in Asia, creating demand for skilled professionals in biologics manufacturing, quality assurance, engineering, and packaging.

Samsung Biologics Secures U.S. Footprint, Retains 500+ Jobs

Samsung Biologics announced the acquisition of GSK’s Rockville manufacturing assets for $280 million, securing its first U.S.-based manufacturing site. The deal is expected to close by the end of Q1 2026.

Workforce impact includes:

  • Retention of more than 500 employees

  • Continued production of existing biologic medicines

  • Planned investments to expand capacity and upgrade technology

The move strengthens Samsung Biologics’ global manufacturing network and ensures long-term job stability at the U.S. site.

Identiv Completes Manufacturing Transition to Thailand

Identiv has successfully completed its manufacturing transition from Singapore to a new facility in Bangkok, Thailand, as part of its long-term operational strategy.

Key benefits:

  • Access to a skilled and cost-competitive workforce

  • Enhanced efficiency and scalability

  • Strengthened leadership in advanced IoT manufacturing

The transition supports new hiring across engineering, production, and quality functions.

Alnylam’s $250M Expansion Drives Advanced Manufacturing Jobs

Alnylam Pharmaceuticals has announced a $250 million expansion of its Norton, Massachusetts facility to support its next-generation siRNA enzymatic-ligation manufacturing platform (siRELIS™).

Expansion highlights:

  • Increased capacity for future RNAi product launches

  • Reduced production costs through advanced manufacturing

  • Creation of high-skill roles in automation, bioprocessing, and regulatory operations

The project reinforces Massachusetts’ status as a global life sciences employment hub.

INCOG BioPharma to Add Nearly 1,000 Jobs in Indiana

INCOG BioPharma Services is investing approximately $200 million to expand its injectable drug product manufacturing facility in Fishers, Indiana.

Employment outlook:

  • Nearly 1,000 employees expected by 2030

  • High-value jobs in manufacturing, quality, engineering, and operations

  • Expanded CDMO capacity to meet global biopharma demand

ProPharma Expands India Operations with Hyderabad Office

ProPharma has inaugurated a new office in Hyderabad, India, supporting its continued growth across regulatory, clinical, and compliance services.

Expansion benefits:

  • Capacity for additional hiring across multiple service lines

  • Strengthened Global Capability Center (GCC) presence

  • Modern, collaborative workspace for life sciences professionals

Onkos Surgical Opens New Jersey Innovation Center

Onkos Surgical has opened the NanoCept Innovation Center in Bridgewater Township, New Jersey, enabling in-house innovation and expanded production capacity.

Facility features:

  • 4,600-square-foot innovation and manufacturing site

  • Supports NanoCept® Antibacterial Technology

  • New roles for chemists, engineers, and R&D specialists

Eli Lilly’s $6B Investment Brings High-Skill Jobs to Alabama

Eli Lilly and Company plans to invest over $6 billion in a new manufacturing facility in Huntsville, Alabama.

Job creation includes:

  • 450 permanent high-value jobs

  • 3,000 construction jobs during build-out

  • Strengthened U.S. API manufacturing and supply chain resilience

Conclusion

The steady expansion of manufacturing facilities, innovation centers, and service hubs across the global health sciences industry reflects a strong commitment to long-term growth and workforce development. As companies invest in advanced technologies, localized production, and resilient supply chains, job creation remains a central outcome. For professionals across biopharma, medical devices, healthcare services, and digital health, the current expansion cycle presents sustained opportunities to build meaningful, future-ready careers in a rapidly evolving global industry.

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