The fields of Life Science and Engineering present a myriad of opportunities and emerging trends that have the potential to shape your professional journey.
In-Demand Skills for Life Sciences: Proficiencies in bioprocessing, regulatory affairs, quality control, clinical research, and specialised knowledge in biopharmaceuticals are highly sought after.
The demand for engineering professionals stems from diverse sectors such as manufacturing, energy, and environmental sustainability.
Life Science Sector in Ireland:
In Ireland, the Life Science sector continues to be a hub of innovation encompassing pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, medical devices, and healthcare. It is home to numerous multinational corporations engaged in cutting-edge research, development, and manufacturing within the pharmaceutical and medical product spheres.
Opportunities abound in roles such as bioprocess technicians, quality control analysts, regulatory affairs specialists, clinical research associates, and production managers. This sector thrives on research breakthroughs, innovative practices, and adherence to stringent regulatory standards.
Current Trends and Challenges:
- Emphasis on Sustainability and Green Engineering: Both the Life Science and Engineering sectors prioritise sustainable methodologies, seeking professionals with expertise in eco-friendly technologies.
- Healthcare Innovation: The convergence of Life Sciences and Engineering is fostering groundbreaking advancements in healthcare, focusing on the creation of new medical devices and technologies to improve patient care.
- Navigating Regulatory Standards: Adapting to evolving regulatory frameworks, particularly within pharmaceuticals and medical devices, remains a pivotal challenge and a sought-after skill.
- Biopharmaceuticals: There’s a notable surge in the production and advancement of biologics and biosimilars, heightening the demand for specialists in this specialised field.
- Emphasis on Health and Safety: Both sectors prioritise the safety and well-being of personnel, necessitating professionals with proficiency in occupational health and safety practices to ensure secure work environments.
In-Demand Skills for Life Sciences: Proficiencies in bioprocessing, regulatory affairs, quality control, clinical research, and specialised knowledge in biopharmaceuticals are highly sought after.
Engineering Sector: Pioneering Progress
Ireland’s engineering sector encompasses various disciplines including mechanical, electrical, chemical, and environmental engineering. The demand for engineering professionals stems from diverse sectors such as manufacturing, energy, and environmental sustainability.
Opportunities extend to roles such as manufacturing engineers, process engineers, environmental engineers, and maintenance engineers, with an increasing focus on sustainable engineering practices.
Current Trends and Challenges:
- Focus on Sustainability and Green Engineering: A growing emphasis on sustainable practices extends beyond traditional industries, incorporating eco-conscious approaches across various sectors.
- Sustained Emphasis on Health and Safety: Continuous prioritisation of health and safety standards, particularly within manufacturing domains.
In-Demand Skills for Engineering: Depending on the specialisation, in-demand skills may encompass project management, environmental impact assessment, optimisation of manufacturing processes, and expertise in sustainable engineering practices.
Salary Insights: Recognising Expertise
Salaries within Ireland’s life science and engineering sectors are typically competitive, reflecting their significance to the national economy. Remuneration varies based on factors such as experience, education, and specialisation within the respective fields. Professionals occupying roles in research and development, regulatory affairs, quality control, and bioprocessing often command lucrative salaries. Senior positions and roles requiring specialised expertise, particularly within biopharmaceuticals, may yield even higher compensation. Salaries for positions related to health and safety, project management, and sustainable engineering practices also tend to be competitive. Salary increments, expected to align with a 3% increase to counter inflation, could reach up to 10 to 15% for highly sought-after professionals.
The Emergence of Remote Work: A Paradigm Shift
While some companies have scaled back on remote work, flexibility remains a desirable aspect. Fully on-site models encounter challenges in talent attraction and retention. An overwhelming majority of candidates prefer remote work options, influencing their career decisions. The prevalence of hybrid work models is increasingly becoming the norm.
Contractor Opportunities
Economic uncertainties have spurred a rise in contractor demand since 2023, a trend projected to persist into 2024 as companies favour the flexibility of a contingent workforce. Skill gaps and talent shortages further fuel this demand, with contractors increasingly filling roles alongside permanent positions. Even SMEs are tapping into the contractor pool to supplement their workforce, driven by market inflation aligning permanent salaries with contractor rates. Skillsets in QA/QC, Regulatory Affairs, Validation, Automation & Control, Commissioning & Decommissioning, and Manufacturing are particularly sought after. Contract rates have surged and are anticipated to continue rising in 2024, with contractors increasingly negotiating rate increases upon contract renewals. Recruitment and retention remain focal points for companies leveraging contractor services.
With the normalisation of remote work, geographical barriers have dissolved, enabling contractors from regional areas to work for larger organisations in cities or even abroad. Consequently, regional contract rates in Ireland are converging with those of major urban centres.
Lastly, if you’re looking for assistance in finding your dream life science and engineering job. PE Global are here to help, so please get in touch or email queries@peglobal.net.
