The Cell and Gene Therapy (CGT) sector is booming. Market forecasts are extraordinary. Regulators are moving faster than ever. Demand for specialized manufacturing has never been higher. 

The sector faces a hard truth: no matter how quickly facilities are built or how advanced the equipment becomes, nothing runs without the right people. 

At Hydrogen Group, we see this reality every day across our global life sciences network. The fact is simple: you cannot scale what you cannot staff. 

The Market is ready. The Workforce is not. 

• The global CGT manufacturing market is projected to reach $106 billion by 2033, with a 26.7% compound annual growth rate 
• The ATMP CDMO market is expected to grow from $5.65 billion in 2023 to over $26 billion by 2032 
• CDMOs already handle manufacturing for 90% of advanced therapy developers 

But the available talent is not keeping up: 

• Over half of manufacturers report critical workforce shortages, more than double the rate from three years ago 
• In the United Kingdom, the CGT workforce has doubled since 2019 but will still fall short by nearly 4,000 roles by 2028 
• In the United States, even during market slowdowns and layoffs, biotech unemployment sits at only 2.8%. That is not a surplus. It is a precision skills gap 

Facilities are expanding, but capacity is sitting idle 

CDMOs are investing heavily in new cleanrooms and facilities. But without the right staff, much of that capacity cannot be fully utilized. 

• 35% of CDMOs report minor constraints, while 20% report moderate to significant capacity limitations 
• Some new sites are opening but running reduced shifts because they cannot hire operators or quality specialists fast enough 

At Hydrogen Group, we understand this is more than a hiring challenge. It is a serious business risk. 

Hiring takes too long. Training takes even longer. 

• Average time to fill a CGT role is between 52 and 60 days 
• For PhDs, the time to reach productivity is 6 to 12 months 
• For many technical roles, it is 1 to 2 years 
• GMP training alone can cost around $125,000 per employee 

Turnover only adds to the challenge. In some advanced therapy companies, 30 to 40% of key positions turn over each year. 

The Talent Bottleneck Is slowing down growth 

Upstream and downstream process experts, viral vector scientists, QA/QC, regulatory affairs, and aseptic processing specialists are all in short supply. 

CDMOs face additional strain because their staff must manage multiple client programs, each with different requirements, documentation, and timelines. 

You cannot simply 'Pay Your Way Out'

While salaries are rising, compensation alone is not solving the problem. 

• Equity and bonus components are lagging 
• Work-life balance influences 70% of job decisions 
• 43% of resignations in life sciences are tied to lack of remote options 
• Only 27% of manufacturing employees feel a sense of belonging 

Simply increasing pay will not address the root issues. 

A Strategic, People-First Solution 

At Hydrogen Group, we believe in going beyond transactional hiring. Here is where forward-looking companies are focusing their efforts: 

Broaden your talent pipeline 

• Rethink degree requirements 
• Build partnerships with universities, community colleges, and technical programs 
• Launch apprenticeships and internal academies 

Accelerate workforce readiness 

• Invest in modular and simulation-based training 
• Crosstrain teams to build resilience 

Make retention a priority 

• Promote from within 
• Offer clear career pathways 
• Address burnout and mental health proactively 

Offer flexibility where possible 

• Flexible shift scheduling 
• Remote work options for documentation-heavy roles 
• Sabbatical and leave programs 

Embrace automation in a thoughtful way 

• Automate processes where practical 
• Upskill teams to work effectively alongside new technologies 

The Bottom Line 

If you cannot staff it, you cannot scale it. Your workforce is not just a HR issue. It is the foundation of your growth and competitive advantage. 

At Hydrogen Group, we are ready to help you build, train, and retain the talent needed to drive cell and gene therapy forward. 

Do not let staffing shortages limit your progress. Reach out to our Life Sciences Specialists today and let us help you build the workforce your future depends on. Contact us now.