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Living and Working in Rome

Tom Gorton our consultant managing the role
Posted by Tom Gorton
Published on 6 March 2025

Rome is a popular tourist place; all hails from its rich history, diverse culture, good climate, and mouth-watering cuisines. However, besides its warm Mediterranean climate and stunning historical sites, the Eternal City is known for its incredible employment rate, which is 65.3%. So, whether you need a life sciences or project cost engineer job, you can easily find your dream position without much struggle.

A Glimpse into Rome Beauty and History

Rome, founded on 21 April 753 BC by Romulus, is the capital of Italy and home to many archaeological sites. From a Palazzo Spada featuring eight impressive colonnades creating a mesmerising optical illusion to breathtaking hiking spots like Monte Mario, the city has a lot to offer.

Not only this, but there are a lot of sculptures, including the emperor Augustus and the giant bronze statue of Hercules, that truly represent art and give a glimpse into Greek mythology. The Fountain of Trevi, in which, according to tradition, people have to throw coins and make a wish, is also the centre of attention.

When it comes to food, Rome has a rich street food culture that includes sweet and savoury dishes. Some popular mentions are Porketta, Supplì, Saltimbocca, Meatballs, and Oxtail Stew. Overall, the cost of living in Rome is quite low compared to other international hubs. For a family of four, the estimated cost is around 3,122.8$ (2,979.0€) without rent.

Job Market in Rome

Rome's job or labour market, including project customer manager jobs, is seeing huge growth. In 2023, there were an additional 50,000 units compared to 2022 and over 95,000 more than in 2021.

The job culture is well-balanced, giving workers the time to enjoy their personal lives without getting exhausted by the mundane routine. Working hours range from 36 to 40 hours per week, depending on the work.

There's also a 1.5—to 2-hour lunch break, enough to have a good lunch while also getting some rest. Italian employees are entitled to a legal 22 to 26 days, or around four weeks, of paid annual leave, and female employees can get five months of paid maternity leave. 

Life Sciences in Rome

Like many other EU regions, the life sciences sector in Rome is highly productive, with active investments in R&D. Currently, 5,537 companies in Italy work in this sector, and around 1.8 million people are employed in it particularly in roles like Project Cost Engineers and Project Planners.

However, to ensure an abundance of new talent, the Sapienza University of Rome is offering a multitude of life sciences programs, including a Master of Science in Biochemistry.

The life sciences industry in Italy, including pharmaceuticals, healthcare services, biotechnology, and Medtech, is also significant for the country's economy. It contributes 11% to Italy's GDP, fuelling continuous growth, and is home to popular companies like Eli Lilly, Pfizer, and GlaxoSmithKline.

Tips for Expats to Work and Stay in Rome

If you are an expat living and looking for life sciences or project cost engineer jobs in Rome, here are some tips you should follow to make your stay easy and comfortable:

  • Master the Italian language to interact with locals and find some good project cost engineer jobs.
  • Be mindful of Rome's etiquettes like dress code, greetings, and business practices.
  • Stay updated about the life sciences industry in Rome to know what's trending and shape your skill set accordingly.
  • Attend local events and seminars to build a strong network and maximise your chances of landing a job.

Finding your next job in Rome

Living and working in Rome isn't difficult, especially if you are aware of local culture and have enough know-how of the city's life sciences sector. However, if you are still unable to find reliable project cost engineer jobs in Rome, visit QCS Staffing and pave the way for a successful career or send us your resume today.