In the past year, there have been some great new Life Sciences start-ups and major expansions in the Irish market. We are home to 10 out of 10 of the world’s top pharmaceutical companies, 24 out of 25 of the world’s top biopharma companies and 18 of the world’s top MedTech companies have a presence in Ireland.
Unlike many booming sectors in Ireland, the expansion has been countrywide, impacting Dublin and more regional counties – such as Wuxi in Dundalk and MSDs new Biotech facility in Swords, and major expansions in Carlow.
There is no overdevelopment of just one location. Even lesser promoted countries such as Donegal and Cavan are seeing big job boosts from large multinationals like Abbott. This gives job seekers a great variety of job options across Ireland.
This is in large with thanks to investment from the IDA. The IDA is continuing to engage and attract significant new entrants to the market, which is promising for the future of life sciences in Ireland.
Life Science Industry trends 2019
The demand for life science and pharma professionals in Ireland is high. As a result, salaries are increasing overall. In some types of roles, the increases are higher than others, which is reflective of the demand for talent.
For example, some of the main life sciences careers in demand in Ireland for 2019 are:
QA, particularly with CMO experience
QA professionals are in high demand due to the increase of virtual manufacturing, as well as an increase in traditional manufacturing.
QPs
There’s been a rise in QP vacancies as a result of Brexit, with companies readying themselves to be able to release a product into the EU from an EU location, so there’s been a migration of jobs from the UK into Ireland.
If you have a degree or experience in either of the above, you’ll notice salaries are inflating quicker than other areas.
Attractive packages abroad are still attracting talent away from Ireland, as the world-renowned Irish work ethic and education, makes Irish life science and science candidates very employable overseas.
How industry changes are affecting science careers
The increase in job options has meant life science and science professionals have more choice and are switching roles more often. Due to this increase in movement, some companies are taking steps to minimise the impact on business operations.
For example, we’re seeing that roles such as QC Analysts can now come with a 3 month notice period in the contract. Typically, a 3-month notice would only have been the case for senior management roles.
Overall, it’s a great time to be involved in the life science and science industry in Ireland. There’s probably never been so much choice for candidates, in such a wide spread of locations.
Science salaries and upskilling opportunities
There’s more and more diversity in the market too in terms of specialist or niche companies, employing cutting edge technology, so there are constant growth and learning opportunities as you progress in your career.
The push/pull factor and salary increases need to be tempered though to make sure they stay at a sustainable level. With the US political agenda trying to encourage more businesses to return to the USA it’s important that Ireland stay competitive, and labour costs are a major factor in that.
Our talent and wit are very important, but it’s always important to remember someone somewhere is looking at the bottom line of a balance sheet, so always be realistic in your salary expectations and work with an experienced recruiter to understand the real market rates.
Life sciences recruitment in Ireland
The Cpl Science recruitment team partner with some of the largest and most exciting companies in the world to find scientists of all disciplines and experience. We work all across Ireland and are the largest technical recruitment division in Ireland.
We’re always looking to meet qualified people at all stages of their career, from new grads to senior level professionals, to take on research and development projects, manage the manufacture of cutting edge medical technology and innovate every single day.
Our specialised Science recruitment team come from a variety of science backgrounds and each specialises in a specific Science area, from Pharmaceutical, Biotechnology and Medical Device and everything in between. This allows us to provide the guidance and expertise you need to find the right role.
If you’re interested in learning more about Life Science jobs and Science jobs in Ireland get in touch, we’d be delighted to advise – [email protected]