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.

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.