Super Hire® Job Function Guide
Use this guide to select the most appropriate job function for your vacancy. Choose the category based on what the person actually does day to day — not their seniority, contract type, or sector buzzwords alone.
How to choose the right function
- Classify by function: Choose the category that best matches the role’s main responsibilities.
- Do not classify by level: Terms like Graduate, Manager, Director, VP, and Head are not job functions.
- Do not classify by contract type: Permanent, contract, freelance, and interim roles should still sit in their actual function.
- Do not classify by sector label alone: HealthTech, CleanTech, Green Tech, or FinTech roles should still be placed by what the person actually does.
Academic Research & University Roles
Area of Focus: Research, teaching, and scientific advancement in universities, institutes, and public research settings.
Relevant STEM Sectors: Academia, Public Sector, Life Sciences, Biotechnology, Pharmaceuticals, MedTech, Engineering, Environmental Science, Aerospace, Technology
Typical Roles:
Postdoctoral Researcher
Research Assistant / Technician
Lecturer / Assistant Professor
Academic Lab Manager
Principal Investigator
AI, Data Science & Bioinformatics
Area of Focus: Data analysis, machine learning, modelling, computational science, and bioinformatics across STEM industries.
Relevant STEM Sectors: Technology, MedTech, Pharmaceuticals, Biotechnology, Life Sciences, Manufacturing, Health, Engineering, Environmental Science, FinTech
Typical Roles:
Data Scientist
AI / ML Engineer
Bioinformatics Analyst
Data Engineer
Computational Scientist
Automation, Robotics & Mechatronics
Area of Focus: Automation, controls, robotics, mechatronic systems, and industrial integration in technical environments.
Relevant STEM Sectors: Manufacturing, Engineering, MedTech, Pharmaceuticals, Biotechnology, Energy, Aerospace, Technology, Logistics
Typical Roles:
Automation Engineer
PLC / SCADA Engineer
Robotics Technician
Mechatronics Engineer
Machine Vision Specialist
Energy, Utilities & Environmental Engineering
Area of Focus: Engineering and technical roles in energy systems, utilities, water, renewable infrastructure, biomethane, bioenergy, and environmental process operations.
Relevant STEM Sectors: Energy, Renewables, Utilities, Environmental Services, Water, Waste Management, Infrastructure, Engineering, Sustainability
Typical Roles:
Process Engineer – Water / Utilities
Anaerobic Digestion Operator
Biogas / Biomethane Engineer
Renewable Energy Project Engineer
Wastewater Process Engineer
Business Development & Sales / Marketing & Product Management
Area of Focus: Commercial growth, marketing, partnerships, and product ownership roles within STEM-driven businesses.
Relevant STEM Sectors: MedTech, Pharmaceuticals, Biotechnology, Engineering, Manufacturing, Technology, Energy, Life Sciences, Clinical Research
Typical Roles:
Business Development Manager
Product Manager
Technical Sales Engineer
Strategic Partnerships Lead
Marketing Manager
Clinical Trials & Research Management
Area of Focus: Clinical investigations, clinical affairs, evidence generation, trial management, and associated compliance activities.
Relevant STEM Sectors: Clinical Research, MedTech, Pharmaceuticals, Biotechnology, Life Sciences, Healthcare
Typical Roles:
Clinical Affairs Manager
Clinical Research Associate (CRA)
Clinical Trial Manager
Clinical Data Manager
Post-Market Clinical Specialist
Cybersecurity & IT Infrastructure
Area of Focus: IT systems, cloud platforms, infrastructure, cyber risk, information security, and enterprise technical architecture.
Relevant STEM Sectors: Technology, HealthTech, MedTech, Pharmaceuticals, Manufacturing, Engineering, Financial Services, Information Security
Typical Roles:
Cybersecurity Analyst
Cloud Engineer
IT Systems Administrator
Network Engineer
Solutions / Systems Architect
Environmental, Health & Sustainability Engineering
Area of Focus: EHS, ESG, sustainability, environmental compliance, occupational health, and risk reduction within technical operations.
Relevant STEM Sectors: Manufacturing, Engineering, MedTech, Pharmaceuticals, Biotechnology, Energy, Environmental Services, Utilities, Public Sector
Typical Roles:
EHS Officer / Advisor
Sustainability Engineer
ISO 14001 Coordinator
Occupational Health Specialist
Environmental Compliance Analyst
Facilities & Utilities Engineering
Area of Focus: Site services, plant utilities, facilities systems, HVAC, water systems, and technical infrastructure supporting operations.
Relevant STEM Sectors: Manufacturing, Pharmaceuticals, MedTech, Biotechnology, Engineering, Life Sciences, Utilities, Food Production
Typical Roles:
Facilities Engineer
Utilities Engineer
HVAC Engineer
Electrical / Facilities Technician
Instrumentation & Controls Technician
Field Service / After Sales
Area of Focus: Customer-site installation, service, commissioning, maintenance, training, and technical support for equipment and systems.
Relevant STEM Sectors: MedTech, Engineering, Manufacturing, Scientific Equipment, Technology, Energy, Laboratory Systems
Typical Roles:
Field Service Engineer
Commissioning Engineer
Calibration Technician
Service Technician
Customer Support Engineer
Finance, Legal & Risk
Area of Focus: Finance, legal, governance, contracts, audit, and enterprise risk roles in regulated or technical business environments.
Relevant STEM Sectors: MedTech, Pharmaceuticals, Biotechnology, Manufacturing, Engineering, Technology, Energy, Life Sciences
Typical Roles:
Finance Manager
FP&A Analyst
Legal Counsel
Contracts Manager
Risk & Insurance Manager
Human Resources & People Operations
Area of Focus: Talent, employee relations, training, recruitment, organisational development, and people operations in STEM organisations.
Relevant STEM Sectors: MedTech, Pharmaceuticals, Biotechnology, Manufacturing, Engineering, Technology, Energy, Clinical Research
Typical Roles:
HR Business Partner
Talent Acquisition Specialist
Learning & Development Partner
GxP Training Coordinator
People Operations Manager
Instrumentation & Scientific Equipment
Area of Focus: Design, support, calibration, metrology, and application of lab, scientific, and instrumentation systems.
Relevant STEM Sectors: Laboratories, MedTech, Pharmaceuticals, Biotechnology, Engineering, Manufacturing, Academia, Scientific Services
Typical Roles:
Instrumentation Engineer
Applications Scientist
Metrology Technician
Calibration Specialist
Scientific Equipment Support Engineer
Laboratory & QC Analysis
Area of Focus: Laboratory testing, quality control, microbiology, chemistry, analytical work, and routine scientific analysis.
Relevant STEM Sectors: Pharmaceuticals, Biotechnology, MedTech, Manufacturing, Life Sciences, Clinical Research, Food Science, Environmental Testing
Typical Roles:
QC Analyst
Microbiology Analyst
Analytical Chemist
Stability Analyst
Laboratory Technician
Maintenance & Reliability
Area of Focus: Asset care, equipment uptime, preventive maintenance, reliability improvement, and maintenance planning in operational environments.
Relevant STEM Sectors: Manufacturing, Engineering, MedTech, Pharmaceuticals, Biotechnology, Utilities, Energy, Food Production
Typical Roles:
Maintenance Technician
Reliability Engineer
Maintenance Planner
CMMS Coordinator
Asset Care Specialist
Manufacturing & Production Operations
Area of Focus: Production execution, plant operations, process support, shift leadership, and manufacturing performance in regulated and technical settings.
Relevant STEM Sectors: Manufacturing, MedTech, Pharmaceuticals, Biotechnology, Engineering, Life Sciences, Food Production, Aerospace
Typical Roles:
Manufacturing Engineer
Production Supervisor / Shift Lead
Process Technician
Operator / Cleanroom Operator
Filling / Production Technician
Medical Affairs, Scientific Communications & Technical Writing
Area of Focus: Medical affairs, scientific communication, technical documentation, medical writing, and external clinical/scientific engagement.
Relevant STEM Sectors: MedTech, Pharmaceuticals, Biotechnology, Clinical Research, Life Sciences, Healthcare
Typical Roles:
Medical Science Liaison
Medical Writer
Scientific Communications Manager
Medical Information Specialist
Technical Writer
Product & Process Engineering
Area of Focus: Development, improvement, transfer, and optimisation of products, packaging, and scalable manufacturing processes.
Relevant STEM Sectors: Manufacturing, MedTech, Pharmaceuticals, Biotechnology, Engineering, Packaging, Life Sciences, Energy
Typical Roles:
Process Engineer
Product Engineer
NPI Engineer
Packaging Engineer
Design Transfer Engineer
Program & Project Management
Area of Focus: Programme delivery, project execution, PMO, governance, change management, and cross-functional implementation of technical initiatives.
Relevant STEM Sectors: MedTech, Pharmaceuticals, Biotechnology, Manufacturing, Engineering, Technology, Energy, Infrastructure, Clinical Research
Typical Roles:
Program Manager
Project Manager
PMO Lead
Technology Transfer Manager
Delivery Enablement Manager
Regulatory Affairs & Compliance
Area of Focus: Regulatory submissions, registrations, compliance strategy, regulatory governance, and adherence to EU/FDA/ISO frameworks.
Relevant STEM Sectors: MedTech, Pharmaceuticals, Biotechnology, Clinical Research, Life Sciences, Healthcare, Manufacturing
Typical Roles:
Regulatory Affairs Specialist
Regulatory Affairs Manager
PRRC
CMC Regulatory Specialist
Regulatory Compliance Lead
Research And Development (R&D)
Area of Focus: Scientific discovery, product development, design engineering, prototype development, and regulated software or device development.
Relevant STEM Sectors: MedTech, Pharmaceuticals, Biotechnology, Engineering, Technology, Life Sciences, Manufacturing, Aerospace
Typical Roles:
R&D Engineer
Mechanical Design Engineer
Embedded / Firmware Engineer
Biomedical Engineer
Scientist / Formulation Scientist
Space & Aerospace Engineering
Area of Focus: Aircraft, aerospace, avionics, aeronautical systems, and related engineering or maintenance pathways.
Relevant STEM Sectors: Aerospace, Aviation, Defence, Engineering, Manufacturing, Maintenance
Typical Roles:
Aerospace Engineer
Aircraft Engineer
Avionics Specialist
Aircraft Maintenance Engineer
Mission Systems Engineer
Quality Engineering & Validation
Area of Focus: Quality systems, validation, supplier quality, CAPA, audit readiness, and quality oversight in regulated technical environments.
Relevant STEM Sectors: MedTech, Pharmaceuticals, Biotechnology, Manufacturing, Engineering, Life Sciences, Clinical Research
Typical Roles:
Quality Engineer
Validation Engineer
CSV Engineer
Supplier Quality Engineer
CAPA Specialist
Supply Chain, Logistics & Procurement
Area of Focus: Planning, sourcing, purchasing, logistics, warehousing, supplier coordination, and materials management.
Relevant STEM Sectors: Manufacturing, MedTech, Pharmaceuticals, Biotechnology, Engineering, Technology, Energy, Life Sciences
Typical Roles:
Production Planner
Buyer / Buyer-Planner
Strategic Sourcing Manager
Logistics Coordinator
Materials Manager