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!”

Masters of Engineering (Chemical Engineering) at Queen’s University Belfast, 1997

Career snapshot

His engineering career has taken Paul Phillips far from his native Kells, Co Meath, where he attended Kells Community School. After a master’s degree in engineering he began work with the multinational pharmaceutical company Merck Sharp & Dohme in 1997.

He has worked in manufacturing at the company, acting as a supervisor and team leader. This gave him a good knowledge of the equipment and processing carried out in its plants. He has also been involved in improving the company’s output through process development and introducing new processes. His latest project brought him to Singapore as part of a major technology transfer project.

“This has given me the opportunity to coordinate a large complex project and work in a cross functional environment with people from around the world,” he says. “The project involved a lot of preparation work during the last year, which is now culminating in a plant demonstration in Singapore. This has given me a lot of exposure to different technologies, business processes and cultures.”

What’s so brilliant about your job?

“The variety of the job is immense. Every day is different, plus I have had the opportunity to work in the process development and technology transfer side of the business, as well as hands on manufacturing supervision.”

How do you spend typical day?

“I currently start my day at 8:00 and read through emails from abroad that have come in over night. Then I plan my day to ensure that the critical items get completed. A standard day can involve observing production in the field, resolving technical issues, and preparing technical documentation.”

“There is always a constant drive to improve and streamline business systems within the plant. This can involve interesting discussions on a wide range of issues, resulting in improvements in the way we conduct our business.”

Does your work require a lot of equipment?

“Working in a pharmaceutical environment involves working with a large range of equipment, from lab scale glassware to full scale reactors. While there are many areas associated with the pharmaceutical industry, working in bulk manufacturing involves developing a working knowledge of plant equipment from reactors, pumps and condensers to temperature indicators and level sensors etc. It also involves working with computer control systems that are used to control automated production.”

Did science/engineering/technology give you a buzz at school?

“I enjoyed all facets of science at school, including chemistry, maths, physics and technical drawing. For this reason I chose chemical engineering as it draws on a wide range of science and engineering skills, and opens up a wide avenue of areas in which to work.” What has been the highlight of your career to date? “The opportunity to work in different places around the world with a wide variety of people. In college I was fortunate to spend summers working in an oil refinery in Argentina, as well as chemical plants in the US and in England. This has continued since joining Merck Sharp & Dohme, where I have had the opportunity to work in the US and currently Singapore.”

Learn more

Merck Sharp & Dohme in Ireland

Karen Griffin, studying physiology

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

During secondary school I always knew that I wanted to study science in university. I began a general science degree in UCD in 2001 and branched into pharmacology in second year.

It was the subject that I was always interested in. I continued this subject to my honours degree in 2006.

There have been many milestones during my third-level education that encouraged me to further my education to PhD level. One in particular was representing UCD at the London International Youth Science Forum. This fantastic opportunity allowed me not only to come into contact with world renowned scientists, but to visit other colleges and centres of research.

During this trip my interest in research was sparked, and I knew that I wanted to pursue a PhD after my degree.

Who are the people who most influenced your career direction?

My parents and friends have always been and are still very supportive of my science education.
I was heavily influenced as an undergraduate student by my lecturers – the passion and love that each of them showed for their subjects was inspiring and I couldn’t help but get caught up in their passion.

My PhD supervisor has a huge influence on my career direction at the moment. It is wonderful to watch a person you closely work with still get excited and fervent about research.

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

My lifestyle at the moment is somewhere between a student and in full time employment. As a PhD student, I receive a small wage (from a funding agent). All the skills that I am developing (presentations, experimental design, time management) are preparing me for full-time employment and I am very happy doing what I am doing.

Describe a typical day

As a PhD student, part of my time is spent in the lab and part on reading. When I am running experiments, I have to be very organised and time efficient.

At times my job can be very pressurised, meeting deadlines and collecting data.

The work that I am carrying out is quite exciting as it is both original and new, so it carries many challenges.

It can be very frustrating when experiments don’t work, but overcoming these problems is the most rewarding and satisfying part of my job.

What are the main challenges?

Keeping up to date with new research and techniques. I also found when I started in my position that it could have been quite overwhelming, I was studying a new area and was using techniques that I was unfamiliar with, however I enjoy the constant challenge.

What’s cool?

There are so many areas of my job that I find cool. Two in particular that come straight to mind would be the techniques that I am using fMRI (functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging).

I enjoy working on this part of my project and when I talk about my work to people who are connected directly to the science industry and even those who aren’t, it never fails to fascinate.

The second thing that I think is cool is that my work is original and new and knowing some day my project could make a difference to people’s lives gives me such a buzz, that I really look forward to getting into the lab every morning!

What is your education to date?

Secondary school – Leaving Cert, inc chemistry and biology
Degree level – Biology, chemistry, biochemistry (minor), pharmacology (major). The subject of pharmacology strongly influenced my career path.
PhD level – physiology

What aspects of your education have proven most important for your job?

I believe that every subject that I have studied to date has been crucial to my current job. As an undergraduate, I was exposed to many different aspects of science, and this education and understanding has been so important.

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

As an undergraduate student, completing my fourth-year project. This was one of the most important and challenging part of my studies. I was faced with learning new techniques and developing my thinking as a scientist.

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

I feel that I am highly organised, determined and motivated. I think that these qualities are essential in a PhD.

One of the most important qualities that a scientist has to possess is the drive to ask “why” and to be passionate to find the answer.

What is your dream job?

I would love to work as a lab team leader in a top pharmaceutical company.

What advice would you give to someone considering this job?

Having a keen interest in science and research is essential to doing a PhD. My advice to anyone considering a PhD is to understand what it involves, long hours, unsuccessful experiments and some disappointment.

I think that if you know all this and can still be excited by being in a lab and working through all these challenges, then a PhD is a path for you.

What are the three most important personal characteristics required for the job?

Patience, time management and determination.

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

During third-level education, there are many opportunities that provide an insight into the world of research. All science labs allow people to understand what working in a lab is like. It develops good lab skills and record keeping.

The most important opportunity that a third-level student is offered is the chance to carry out a fourth-year project. This usually entails carrying out a small study in a chosen area. The student must learn new techniques, carry out research and write a dissertation.

I feel that it was during the time of my fourth-year project that I really started to understand about research. I loved spending time in the lab, being faced with challenges and overcoming them. I knew a PhD was for me.