Career snapshot
After graduating in 2001, Emer worked in research at ADM, a food ingredients company in Ringaskiddy, Co Cork, investigating ingredient production processes.
To specialise in the pharmaceutical validation industry, Emer moved to GlaxoSmithKline, in Currabinny, Co Cork, as a validation engineer. In May, 2004 she moved to Genzyme in Waterford, a pharmaceutical and biotechnology facility which manufactures and packages tablets. Emer validates the plant’s new equipment, processes and control systems. “I verify and document that equipment, instrumentation and processes are installed, operate and perform as designed or specified,” says Emer.
“While my degree is not linked directly to my career choice, it has provided a very broad base for me, providing a background in microbiology, chemistry and technology. Validation is the type of job where you learn as you go along and then use this knowledge and experience in new projects.”
What’s so brilliant about your job?
“My job allows me to work on projects all over the plant, which means that you are continuously involved on new processes and products. My technical knowledge is always increasing and always being challenged as I have to apply knowledge from past experience to a new piece of equipment or process.”
What do you like least about your job?
“There is very little I dislike about my job. If pushed, I would say that the pressure of a deadline is never pleasant, but there is always a great sense of satisfaction when one is met and a project has been satisfactorily completed.”
How do you spend a typical day?
“My day typically starts at 8am but I usually come in earlier than that to go through mail and sort out my schedule. It is vital that you are organised as you need to fit in your day’s work around meetings and other issues which might arise during the day. ”
My works varies from day to day; it depends on what stage of a project you are at. If I am in the process of creating a protocol I will be based at my desk. But if I am executing a protocol, I will be based in the plant at the equipment and might not get to my desk at all.”
Does your work require a lot of equipment?
“Yes. My work involves directly working on equipment and instrumentation. This could vary from filling line equipment to tablet hardness testers and moisture analysers.”
Are you a science/engineering/technology nerd?
“Not at all! I do have a big interest in food and nutrition which stems from my degree but other than that, no.”
Did science/engineering/technology give you a buzz at school?
“Science would always have been my preferred choice over business studies at school. But languages would have been a close second. We had good facilities, with well equipped labs, which helped to foster an interest in the sciences. It’s always easier when you see something happen in front of your eyes as opposed to just reading about it in a text book.”
What has been the highlight of your career to date?
“It hasn’t happened yet… I hope!”
