How to Break into Life Sciences Localization

Explore the path into life sciences localization and how targeted training can help you meet industry standards and market demands.

Jan 8 / Alfonso González Bartolessis

As healthcare, biotechnology, and medical innovation continue to expand globally, the demand for accurate and compliant multilingual communication has never been higher.

Life sciences localization plays a crucial role in ensuring that medical information, clinical data, and patient-facing materials can be safely and effectively used across languages and markets.

For language professionals, this specialization offers both meaningful impact and long-term career opportunities. However, it is also a field that sets particularly high standards.

Entering life sciences localization requires more than excellent linguistic skills. It demands preparation, specialization, and a clear understanding of industry expectations.

In this new article, we will discuss the core skills, resources, and pro tips provided by our Life Science experts, Ekaterina Chasnikova, Francesco Saina, and Elisa Manzanal Merino. Let’s dive deep into life science localization.

1. What is Life Sciences Localization
2. Terminology, Documentation, and Reliable References by Elisa Manzanal Merino
3. Core Skills Needed to Enter Life Sciences Localization
4. Market Realities, Technology, and Emerging Opportunities by Ekaterina Chashnikova
5. Why Continuous Education Is Essential in Life Sciences
6. Building a Sustainable Career Through Specialization and Networking by Francesco Saina

1. What is Life Sciences Localization

Life sciences localization encompasses the translation and adaptation of content related to pharmaceuticals, medical devices, clinical research, biotechnology, and healthcare services.

Moreover, it operates in a highly regulated environment where accuracy, consistency, and compliance are essential.

Texts in this domain often sit at the intersection of multiple disciplines: medicine, science, regulation, economics, and intercultural communication. Errors or inconsistencies are not merely stylistic issues, but can also impact regulatory approval processes, clinical outcomes, and patient safety.

This makes life sciences localization one of the most demanding, but also one of the most professionally rewarding, specialization areas.

At TranslaStars, we’re committed to helping language professionals develop their skills in this particular field and evolve in their careers.

Not by chance, one of our best-selling on-demand courses is Fundamentals of Medicine for Translators and Interpreters (FMTI), hosted by Pablo Mugüerza, a doctor and experienced medical translator, where you will learn the anatomy and physiology of the corresponding apparatus or system, the main translation difficulties of each apparatus, and how to translate other medical words and concepts.

Breaking into life sciences localization means moving beyond words and into the complex world of medicine and science. Language professionals working in this field must be prepared to handle highly specialized content, manage complex terminology, and adapt their writing to diverse audiences, all while meeting the highest standard of accuracy and reliability.

Elisa Manzanal Merino, experienced pharmaceutical translator and tutor, explains that “Because the field is so multidisciplinary, translators must navigate highly complex information with rigour and precision. [...] Thus, having an excellent grasp of our working languages is not sufficient; a solid grounding in medical and scientific knowledge is equally essential.”

And, speaking of terminology, this is often one of the most time-consuming phases of the translation process, which is why thorough documentation is indispensable.

Consulting reliable reference sources and, when necessary, seeking clarification from subject-matter experts helps ensure that terminological choices are “well-grounded and coherent.” In the absence of client-provided glossaries, building dedicated terminology databases is a practical strategy to maintain both intra- and interdocument consistency.

Equally important is the ability to recognise the communicative context in which medical texts are produced. Life sciences content is written for highly diverse audiences—“healthcare professionals, clinical researchers, ethics committees, patients [and] caregivers”—each requiring a different level of technicality, tone, and structure.

Language professionals must therefore be able to move confidently between highly specialised texts aimed at scientific audiences and materials intended for non-specialist readers. In these cases, careful reflection is required to assess whether the chosen terminology and phrasing are appropriate for the “intended audience and communicative purpose.”

The importance of a solid background in life sciences: understanding core concepts, processes and terminology provides the basis for accurate interpretation and informed decision-making.

Continuous learning not only in translation, but also in life-science disciplines: ongoing training is crucial. Reading extensively in your working languages, especially materials written by healthcare professionals, helps you acquire new concepts, expand your subject-matter knowledge and become familiar with how experts communicate. This exposure allows you to reflect that same clarity, precision and style in your translations.

Familiarise yourself with medical text genres and their conventions: medical translation involves a wide variety of text genres, each with its own communicative purpose, structure and stylistic norms. These include patient information leaflets, summaries of product characteristics, clinical trial documentation, medical treatises, instructions for use for medical devices, regulatory documents, brochures and medical or pharmaceutical marketing materials, among many others.

Use reliable resources: terminological and conceptual accuracy requires consulting trustworthy sources. Here are some examples: MedDRA, EDQM Standard Terms, SNOMED, regulatory authority websites (e.g., EMA, FDA), Cosnautas (for EN-ES translators), and relevant legislation. These tools are invaluable when resolving doubts; and there will always be doubts. In fact, the more you learn, the more you will realise how much there is to question.

Never deliver a translation unless you are fully confident in it: medical translation is a highly specialised and demanding field where serious errors can have critical consequences. Documentation, training and experience equip translators with the problem-solving skills needed to resolve any uncertainty in the source text, e.g., acronyms, ambiguities or complex terms. Do not hesitate to consult clients or colleagues, if needed. Professionalism also means recognising when clarification is needed and asking the right questions. In this field, qualities such as precision, rigour and meticulous attention to detail are highly valued.

Professionals aiming to enter life sciences localization must develop a combination of linguistic, technical, and analytical skills.

As we’ve partially seen above, these include advanced translation and revision competence, strong terminology management practices, and familiarity with industry standards and quality requirements.

A basic understanding of regulatory frameworks and validated workflows is also essential, as is the ability to work methodically and document decisions.

Equally important is a professional mindset grounded in precision, critical thinking, and responsibility. Given the complexity of life sciences content, dedicated training can greatly accelerate competence in these areas.

For example, TranslaStars’ Clinical Trials Explained for Translators (II Edition-2025) provides a focused introduction to clinical trial documentation, regulations, and terminology, helping professionals break into the clinical trials market, work with contract research organizations, and plan their continued professional development in this niche.

Life sciences is one of the most powerful drivers of growth and opportunity in the translation industry. Check our carousel “10 Reasons Why Life Sciences is a Job Generator for Translators” to find out the key trends in this field.

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The life sciences localization market is evolving, but certain fundamentals remain critical for success. Language professionals need to understand where stability meets emerging opportunities, how technology shapes workflows, and which niches are growing.

Ekaterina Chashnikova, director of our Master in AI, Translation and Project Management for Life Sciences program, shared with us the following observations that capture both the enduring requirements and the exciting new prospects within this field:

Some segments of the market have not changed much: clinical trials, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and translation of personal medical records. The documents for translation and the basic clients' needs remain unchanged. MT has sped up the processes some time ago, and AI has not changed much in terms of translation processes. The knowledge of terminology, subject area (i.e., conduct of clinical trials), perfect grammar and clear writing in target language, and basic knowledge of industry standards and regulations remain essential for a translator's success in these areas.

MTPE is the preferred translation method in pharmaceuticals, clinical trials, and medical devices. Knowledge of MTPE and the corresponding software is a must.

New AI-driven translation agencies have pulled over some large clients from older translation companies, so I'd recommend joining the pool of translators in these new companies and learning their translation software.

Localization of medical software and apps is a growing and attractive market.

The market of health-related apps is growing and these apps often have internal localization teams. It's a great opportunity, esp. if you can do a bit of content creation or project management in addition to translation and localization.

Localization and transcreation of promotional materials remain a human-centered area where AI can help but will probably not replace human translators. If you know the local marketing regulations and possess creative writing skills, this can be a great niche.

Look wider than just pharmaceuticals and medical devices. Explore genetics, nutrition, veterinary medicine, and other related areas to find growing markets with demand for translation and localization.

This is a time of continuing industry transformation. Think as a market analyst or businessman, not a wage laborer, and you will succeed.

New treatments, technologies, regulations, and standards are introduced regularly, directly affecting the content that needs to be localized, making the field evolve day by day. For this reason, continuous education is not optional, but an integral part of professional practice.

Ongoing learning may include reading specialized publications, following regulatory updates, refining technical skills, and staying informed about new tools and workflows.

Structured education plays a crucial role in supporting this process, helping professionals consolidate knowledge and apply it in real-world scenarios.

Our expert course Marketing Translations for the Pharmaceutical Companies (II Edition), for example, provides targeted training in regulatory-compliant marketing content, promotional materials, and sector-specific communication strategies. This course equips professionals with the knowledge and tools to adapt language effectively for different audiences, while maintaining compliance and accuracy.

Enroll now and learn more!

As we’ve seen above, in addition to medical and pharmaceutical knowledge, professionals must often engage with regulatory, economic-financial, and intercultural dimensions.

Professional growth is also strongly supported by networking, both within and beyond the language industry.

Participating in sector-specific events, engaging with professional associations, and connecting with colleagues active in life sciences can open valuable learning and career opportunities. In this context, specialized training programs play a key role in providing structured guidance, industry insight, and access to expert knowledge.

This is what Francesco Saina, University Lecturer and Researcher, states about this specific topic:

In my opinion, what sets the life sciences sector apart from others (and, consequently, the skills a translator must have to enter this market) is the variety of specializations that converge within it: not only specialist medical, scientific and pharmaceutical knowledge, but also regulatory, economic, financial and intercultural expertise.

In order to work with content localization in this field, it is necessary to be able to move easily between all these areas, which often overlap in texts in this sector. I would say that you need to continuously train yourself in the various specializations I have mentioned (including by reading magazines and/or online portals), participate in industry events (not necessarily aimed specifically at linguists, in fact), network with colleagues, associations and organisations active in this field and, finally, take specific courses, such as those offered by TranslaStars.

* originally provided in Italian.

Life sciences localization is a demanding yet highly rewarding specialization. Success requires a combination of advanced linguistic skills, deep subject-matter knowledge, familiarity with regulatory standards, and the ability to navigate diverse audiences and text genres.

Continuous learning, engagement with emerging technologies, and awareness of evolving market opportunities are equally essential for building a sustainable career.

For language professionals ready to take their expertise to the next level, structured, specialized training provides a clear advantage. TranslaStars’ Master in AI, Translation & Localization for Life Sciences offers a comprehensive program that integrates cutting-edge AI tools, industry workflows, and practical applications across medical, pharmaceutical, and biotech content.

This Master equips participants with the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to succeed in a competitive, evolving field while positioning them at the forefront of innovation in life sciences communication.