The Expert Group on Future Skills Needs (EGFSN) has identified a range of current and likely future demand in  Ireland for science, technology, engineering and mathematics skills.

Some of these skills are sector or occupation-specific, while others are more generic and required across sectors.

Medical devices sector

Research indicates a strong demand  for those with an understanding of design engineering, good management practices, quality assurance, and understanding of regulatory affairs.

Biopharmaceutical sector

This sector has a demand for organic chemists and those who can combine business, clinical and engineering skills.

In some manufacturing sectors such as food or medical devices, there is a shortage of process diagnostic and control engineers and technicians who can implement lean manufacturing/Six Sigma principles for production processes.

ICT sector

The EGFSN says the ICT sector in Ireland has moved to higher value activities, with a continuing strong demand for software engineers, computer analysts and programmers. ICT companies identified a particular demand for people with very high levels of engineering skills.

Many also identified an important need for more people with combinations of both technical and business skills.

Convergence of technologies

In some areas there is an increasing convergence of IT, biotechnology, nanotechnology and cognitive science.

This is creating many new business opportunities for Ireland, such as web services, enterprise software, personalised medicine, financial services, smart materials and medical devices.

There are opportunities for qualified engineers particularly in key sectors such as:

• ICT
• Biotechnology sensor technology
• Robotics
• Integrated electronics
• Telecommunications and internet
• Financial engineering
• Imaging
• Genetic technology
• Nanotechnology

This is resulting in a demand for hybrid engineers and technologists with backgrounds in science, IT, nanotechnology and cognitive science.

ICT skills feature in most interdisciplinary convergence processes (e.g. business and IT; finance and IT; biotechnology, nanotechnology and IT).

Renewable energy

Science and engineering graduates will be increasingly in demand in the energy sector, particularly renewable energy which is set to become one of the key growth sectors of the economy.

Demand is likely to increase at technician and professional level, combining new technologies and interdisciplinary backgrounds such as science/engineering/business.

Advances in areas such as renewable energy, water treatment and waste may require completely new skills and expertise, from research through to operation/production functions. In addition, with the commitment to the development of the “Green Economy”, there may also be opportunities for workers who relied on the traditional construction sector for many years towards areas of work such as, for example, in energy efficient systems design, installation, repair and maintenance.

Engineering skills

There is a strong demand for design engineers, particularly in R&D in the medical devices sector – especially individuals with experience and/or industry specific knowledge such as process automation design.

In a number of manufacturing sub-sectors such as food processing or medical devices, there is a demand for process diagnostic and control engineers and technicians who can implement lean manufacturing/Six Sigma principles to production processes.

As is the case for science graduates, engineers, especially electronic, electrical, quality control, and design and development, are in demand in the renewable energy sector (e.g. wind, wave and tidal), which is expected to be one of the drivers of future growth.

Ecology and environmental protection are becoming increasingly important, creating new career opportunities for environmental engineers with expertise in the management of ecosystems.

Mathematics

The proficiency level of students in mathematics is a key factor influencing the domestic supply of graduates for sectors with growth potential such as ICT, life sciences and business, financial and professional services.

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!”

Luke O’Neill’s favourite subject at school while studying for the leaving cert was biology. He is now Associate Professor of Biochemistry at the Department of Biochemistry, Trinity College Dublin.

His work involves lecturing in various subjects – such as Biochemistry, Molecular and Cellular Biology, Immunology and Molecular Medicine to both science and medical students. It also involves leading a research team of 12 individuals in the areas of immunology and inflammatory diseases, including 6 post-docs, 4 Ph.D. students and two technicians.

He has written many scientific papers and his work has been published in Nature, the world’s leading science journal. In 1995, among various other awards and achievements, he received the Royal Irish Academy Medal for Biochemistry, and in 1999 was runner-up for the Boyle Medal, presented by the Royal Dublin Society.

How it all began

As with many people who pursue a career in science, Luke recalls having an interest in the natural world, in particular geology and biology, from an early age:

“I liked the exactness of science and also the wonders to be found in biology.”

He didn’t particularly enjoy biology in the early part of secondary school, but loved it by the time he completed the leaving cert. The way a subject is taught is often instrumental in how popular it is with students, and this proved true for Luke as he credits his biology teacher as having a part to play in his love for biology.

The second science subject he completed for leaving cert was chemistry, paving the way for future plans to study science after school.

Career path to becoming a researcher

Luke’s next step was to go to Trinity College Dublin, where he now lectures. For four years he studied for a BA (Mod) in Natural Sciences. Studying for a degree in Natural Science at TCD involves studying a combination of subjects from biology, chemistry, physics, geology, geography and maths, in the first and second year, and then specialising in one particular area, such as Genetics, Environmental Science, Physiology or Biochemistry, for example. Luke preferred to specialise in Biochemistry in third and fourth year. As part of this degree, he would have had to complete a research project in his final year, giving the student experience in the laboratory and a chance to make a contribution to an area of research.

Luke graduated with First Class honours in 1985 from Trinity College and had already decided that research was the area for him:

“The idea of discovering and seeing something no-one had seen before, and contributing to knowledge in the world really stimulated me.”

He decided to pursue a Ph.D. in Pharmacology at the University of London (Royal College of Surgeons) in 1988. He then followed what he terms ” the standard career path” – post-doctoral research, which meant a move to the University of Cambridge, and then a lectureship in Biochemistry at Trinity. The decision to lecture came naturally:

” I wanted to lecture as I feel it’s very important to pass on your enthusiasms and knowledge to the next generation.”

Outstanding Contribution to Biomedical Research

The awards and recognition Luke has so far received speak for themselves in terms of how successful he has been in his career to date – among those mentioned before in 1996 he received the Royal Academy of Medicine in Ireland Conway Medal for Biomedical Research and a year later was presented with an Outstanding Achievement award by the International Cytokine Society.

But more importantly than awards, his research has made many important discoveries and contributions in its respective areas. His Ph.D. project made a discovery that led to a new class of anti-inflammatory drugs – the COX-2 selective inhibitors. His research has made important discoveries into the inner workings of cells of the immune system, responsible for helping our bodies to fight disease. Through his work, he has also discovered new proteins and processes, which have a part to play in diseases such as arthritis and sepsis.

In particular in the last couple of years, his research group have made two key discoveries. The first is they have found that pox viruses (such as small pox itself) have ways of disabling our immune system and therefore not allowing it to do its job properly. They have also found a new human protein in white blood cells that acts as a master switch, turning on the immune response to harmful bacteria in the body. This protein is called Mal. Both of the discoveries could lead to better treatment for certain inflammatory diseases such as arthritis.

A rewarding career choice

Luke considers his choice of career a particularly rewarding one and outlines three main aspects of the job that are most enjoyable: the first is the rewards from the research itself – “The process of discovering new things that may lead to better treatments for various immune and inflammatory diseases.”

He also enjoys learning about progress in his own research areas through the work of other laboratories and research groups, as well as the teaching element, part of his job as a lecturer at TCD.

Apart from rewards, there are also certain advantages, such as getting to travel and being able to work in almost any location:

“Travel is a major bonus – I have given seminars all over the world and spent time in labs in the UK, France, Australia, New Zealand and the USA. Having a Ph.D. means you can get a job anywhere and there is constant travel to conferences.”

Luke also highlights that as a biomedical research scientist he is his own boss and can work to his own schedule, which he certainly finds an advantage.

A look to the future

Looking to the future of biomedical research, in his opinion, the rate of progress and advancements in this area is “astounding”, eventually leading to new and better treatments for human diseases such as cancer, arthritis, MS, Crohn’s disease and AIDS.

Looking at Luke’s personal future in biomedical research, he seems focused on one goal and that is to make further breakthroughs in his own research area.

His advice for students wishing to pursue a similar career path is simple:

“If you like Biology, sign up!”

Anne-Marie Glynn - Molecular Biology

What were the main ‘career decision’ milestones in your life so far?

At secondary school I didn’t really have a favourite subject, so I opted to study biotechnology at NUI Galway, as it included business and French in addition to a diverse range of scientific topics.

(Considering that I came to Germany to do my PhD, perhaps it would have been wiser if I selected to study German rather than French at university!)

After my degree I was offered a job in a hospital lab checking patient samples to check if they had cancer or other diseases. However, I realised that I preferred learning in-depth about a topic, so that I and others could really understand what was going on.

During my degree I spent a summer at the European Molecular Biology Laboratory and loved the international atmosphere, so I decided to return there to study for a PhD.

Who are the people who most influenced your career direction?

My parents have always been fully supportive of whatever I chose to do. They taught me to believe in my abilities.

However, it was my Leaving Cert biology teacher, Mr Keane, who really encouraged me into science. Throughout university I also got lots of support and guidance from lecturers.

Does your job allow you to have a lifestyle you are happy with?

Working in science is excellent if you enjoy travelling. Think back to how different people can be if you go abroad on holidays. Now imagine working with people from different cultures, with different hobbies and languages, and them becoming your friends.

In general you can have the opportunity to travel all over the world to explain your work to other scientists. Besides the international atmosphere, I am extremely fortunate to work in an institute where famous scientific speakers come every week to share their ideas.

The working hours are very flexible. Although we have busy days, scientists also know how to have fun. I’m lucky to have good friends to hang out with, whether by the riverside, going for a cycle or watching a film.

Describe a typical day

Every day is different. Generally I need to book the equipment that I want to use in advance so it is important to be organised. I am flexible and never plan too strictly as one thing you can be sure of in science is that things often don’t go exactly according to plan.

I spend about half my time doing computer work and the other half experimental. Once we have results then you try to publish them to let others know what you did – either by preparing a poster, giving a seminar or writing an article for a journal.

What are your main tasks and responsibilities?

I’m working in an area called cryo-electron tomography of vitreous sections – I guess most people won’t have heard of that before.

It’s basically photography in three dimensions – not like a movie but a photograph that you can enter into to explore not just the areas at the front but also deep into the image. You can twist them around and view it from different sides to see things that have never been seen before. Really small things can be seen in this way with 50 000 times magnification.

In addition to my scientific work, I’m involved in a lot of extra activities – organising scientific retreats and conferences and promoting the interests of PhD students within the organisation.

What are the main challenges?

Science is changing rapidly with new ideas and concepts being proposed all the time. Sometimes it is hard to stay on top of it all. However, I’m fortunate that we have world-famous scientists giving us ‘previews’ of their work on a weekly basis and the chance to discuss it afterwards.

What’s cool?

Did I mention that I work with diamonds? Our samples need to be cut into very small pieces and the only substance strong enough to do this is diamond. It’s very sharp, so it’s a little different to the diamond in a ring.

Following this, I use a microscope and a computer to study the sample in 3D and I paint different areas to make it easier for other people to understand the images and their biological context.

What is your education to date?

Leaving Certificate Vocational at Ballinode College, Sligo which gave me a chance to set up a mini-company in addition to the regular Leaving Cert subjects
BSc Biotechnology at NUI Galway (included scientific subjects, a modern language and business)
PhD awarded jointly by the University of Dundee, Scotland and the European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Germany
What aspects of your education have proven most important for your job?

For me, science constantly evolves. The precise details of the courses are not essential but instead it is important to learn how to critically assess information while maintaining an open mind and learn where to find the answers that you need. Naturally, you must understand the basics about the area you’re interested in but you can never say “That’s it – I’m not going to learn anything else new!”

What have been the most rewarding events in your career so far?

Getting an award from Dr Garret Fitzgerald due to my final year exam results was a highlight, particularly for my parents. During my PhD I helped develop a new technique that enables us to study scientific problems in a new way. Let’s see what the future holds.

What personal qualities do you have that helps you in your career?

I’m flexible, organised and able to communicate both to other scientists and those working in other fields. I’m also willing to try new ideas and have a calm disposition and immense patience.

What is your dream job?

I would love to lecture to share my enthusiasm for science with students. Ideally I think that science should be understood more by the general public and I would enjoy communicating all the breakthroughs in science.

What advice would you give to someone considering this job?

You need to be inquisitive and to question things – not just believe everything that you are told without really considering all aspects related to it. Patience and perseverance would help, as does a lucky streak. It’s important to believe in yourself and your abilities as occasionally it can be a lonely road.

What kinds of work experience would provide a good background for this position?

A short placement in any laboratory environment would give a taster, or even to ask someone if you can follow them around for a few days. Although sometimes the equipment looks complicated to begin with – it’s rather simple once you’re familiar with it.

What were the main ‘career decision’ milestones in your life so far?

Dr Eric Moore, Nanobiotechnology researcher at the Tyndall National Institute, UCC

I took chemistry and physics for my Leaving Cert. In my secondary school we used to stay behind one evening a week to do some fun chemistry experiments that you’d see at the “Magic Show” that UCC would organise every year.

This really got me interested in chemistry, as I was exposed to more than what was just on the Leaving Cert course. I also participated in the Aer Lingus Young Scientist Awards and received a highly recommended on the project that I presented.

I took the chemistry, maths and physics course in UCC and later majored in chemistry. I really enjoyed organic chemistry but in third year when we started with analytical chemistry, this really interested me and I made up my mind to pursue this further.

My fourth year projects were analytical based and I think this influenced my later decision to continue with my education. I had the opportunity when I graduated to work in industry.

I went for the interview and I remember talking to the guy who would be my boss (if I got the job) and I told him that I had also been offered a research MSc in UCC. His advice was to go for it and to be honest, I haven’t looked back since.

My MSc work was really interesting, working on biosensors and I decided to continue with a PhD and then a post doctorate.

I joined Tyndall (what was known as NMRC at the time) to work in the Dr Paul Galvin research group. This was a newly formed team and I was his first post-doctorate. The group is currently working in the field of nanobiotechnology and this is a very exciting and hot topic.

I recently obtained a tenure position within Tyndall and this was also a major career decision in my life.

Who are the people who most influenced your career direction?

My parents have always been very supportive of my career direction and have encouraged me over the years. It can be difficult at times to get to the end of the tunnel and to keep yourself focused on the light.

This is so true when doing a PhD. I have also had great encouragement as a second-level student from my chemistry teacher.

Professor George Guilbault was a big influence on me as he was my PhD supervisor.

Friends also played their part as most of them also pursued careers in chemistry and we still continue to enjoy a close group of friends.

What are the main tasks and responsibilities?

My main task is as principal investigator for Tyndall on a European project called Toxichip. You can find out more about this project on our public website www.toxichip.org.

I am involved in another project called Nano2Life and I am the contact point for Tyndall in this network of excellence. There are 23 partners involved in this project. More information is available on www.nano2life.de.

I am responsible for supervising students (MSc and PhD). I must also secure funding through research grants so an important task is writing project proposals to funding agencies.

I am also responsible for certain equipment in the laboratory and the training of people in their use.

What are the main challenges?

Keeping up to date with advances in technology. As my research is very multi-disciplinary based it can be difficult to keep appraised of all developments in science that can have an influence on your research goals.

The major challenge at the moment is integrating ICT (information and communication technologies) with bio (biology).

We want to fabricate new devices at the nano scale that can be used to detect biological reactions or be used in the biosensor field. Integration of electronic components with biology (DNA, cells and proteins) to make complete sensing systems is a major challenge.

What’s cool?

Developing sensors. You actually get to fabricate devices that have a real purpose and can benefit science and better our standard of living.

I also like the travel aspect to the job. Conferences are a great way to showcase your work and see what is currently being developed by other colleagues and competitors.

What particular skills do you bring to your workplace?

I have good broad chemistry knowledge, ranging from surface attachment chemistry, electrochemistry, analytical skills, micro fluidics and biosensors. I have good writing and presentation skills which are very important in any science discipline.

I also have good problem solving skills. Personal qualities that make me a good fit for my job include being friendly, open and the ability to listen. Being able to work as both an individual and part of a team are also qualities that I possess.

What is your education to date?

For my Leaving Certificate, apart from having to do English, maths and Irish, I chose chemistry, physics, German and geography

Third level – BSc Chemistry (chemistry, maths and physics) MSc Chemistry (analytical) and PhD Chemistry (analytical).

What have been the most rewarding events in your career so far?

My most important and most rewarding event has been my PhD graduation. It is a great feeling having accomplished something like a PhD.

I have lucky to have had funding approved from the EU on a STREP project (Toxichip), which that has allowed me to focus on research that I wanted to do on cell based biosensors.

I have also recently published my first analytical chemistry manuscript. Analytical Chemistry is the top journal in analytical science.

What personal qualities do you have that helps you in your career?

I am a very patient and calm person and also an optimist. I am also very determined and want to excel at things that I do. I will always try my best to get the job done and finish whatever I start. I am also a leader and I try to encourage people.

What is your dream job?

If there were a livable space station in my lifetime, I think I would love to be the person in charge. I would love to travel into space and I can’t think of a better job then to be orbiting Earth in a space station with lots of cool laboratories doing very advanced research.

Working with the best and being in charge probably doesn’t get any better apart from being in space. Perhaps I’ve watched too many episodes of Star Trek.

What advice would you give to someone considering this job?

You need to be committed and a very determined person. This job has its ups but it also has its downs and it can be very hard especially when you are trying to obtain funding to secure your own salary.

My advice would be to make contacts and friends early in your career and establish links with other institutes and universities. Get out there and make yourself know. Travel to conferences and always be on the ready for new opportunities.

What kinds of work experience would provide a good background for this position?

I’ve had a broad range of summer jobs, everything from working in a butchers, to a supermarket, being a labourer, working as a research assistant, clerical work and also some experience working in industry.

It’s hard to say what kind of work experience would provide a good background as most jobs these days require hard-working and friendly people.

Working as a researcher in industry does prepare you for the routine work that you need to do, but I suppose the best advice is to actually pursue a PhD if you like research. Working as a post-doctorate gives you certain freedoms to do more and use your knowledge potential.