Boston’s hardest-to-fill jobs

It might be a shock, but many fields involving health care and technology are expected to grow substantially in the US, and Boston is no exception. Although we have dozens of colleges, there are a handful of jobs in the area that employers are desperate to fill. Globe correspondent Scott Kirsner reached out to local recruiters and human resource executives and identified 10 positions that they are constantly looking to fill.

Web developers

The need for web developers continues to rise in the area, as local organizations lean more heavily on information technology to be successful.

Mobile app developers

Under the umbrella of software developers, mobile app developers were chosen as one of the hardest-to-fill jobs in the region. It makes sense since mobile apps have only been around for a few years so far, but are used by so many people. Growth is expected to continue, though, as the demand for computer and mobile device software continues to expand.

Data analytics specialists

Kirsner reported that data analytics is needed in several fields. He said he spoke with a general recruiter who noted that employers are frequently searching for people who can look at big data and pull out important information that can bring about improvements in the way a company or department operates. He said he spoke with a representative of Massachusetts General Hospital who said they need people who can analyze quality data and to understand how to improve the quality and safety of the services offered at the hospital.

Regulatory affairs

Kirsner said that representatives from pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies need people who can work with the FDA to get their products approved. Shown: Executives during the keynote lunch panel at the BIO Convention.

Registered nurses with three or more years of experience

Now that Obamacare is here to stay, the health care system in the US will need a lot more help, especially from nurses. Employment for registered nurses is forecasted to grow 26 percent between 2010 and 2020 thanks to advancements in technology, a focus on preventive care for patients, and the aging baby-boomer population, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported.

Medical coding specialists with experience

Medical coding specialists help hospitals, clinics, and other health care systems keep track of treatments in order to correctly bill insurance companies for patient care. More patients with insurance will require more coding specialists, experts say.

Phlebotomists

An entry-level, yet very important job, phlebotomists are always needed by health care providers, Kirsner reports. He said that because it is entry-level, this profession, which focuses on drawing and testing blood, sees a lot of turnover. He said it is challenging for employers to find people who want to do the job and then keep it.

Clinical trials supervisors and medical affairs

With expected growth of about 22 percent, this job requires leaders who can plan, direct, and coordinate clinical trials and other medical and health services. Especially in a city with hospitals focused on teaching and conducting research, these positions are in high demand.

Digital marketing and customer acquisition

While in general, marketing positions are about on par with the average job growth for all professions, the need for digital marketing is very large. Companies now have a focus on reaching their customers and potential customers online, and need people who can make decisions about their presence on Facebook, Twitter, or Google and how that will translate into revenue.

Software quality assurance

On par with several of the other fields listed in this piece, companies need help with their software, and having quality assurance representatives who can help to clear up problems makes everything run smoother.