On course for a career in life sciences

The demand for life science and pharma professionals in Ireland is high. As a result, salaries are increasing overall and there is an ample number of job opportunities, making it an excellent career choice for young people. What are some of the skills and education courses most valued by the industry? And what will make you stand out from other graduates?

We asked two experts for their views. Susan Hynes is vice-president and site lead at Takeda Dunboyne Biologics, while Aine McKillop is professor of biomedical sciences and associate dean of education (life and health sciences) at Ulster University.

Why might young people consider a career in Stem, particularly in the life sciences?

Susan Hynes: “This is a competitive market, but we can’t just compete on salaries alone. There are also learning opportunities and chances for innovation in a career with real purpose. Here at Takeda, we work with a small patient population who have rare diseases and helping those patients to get a diagnosis is important to our employees.”

What skills are most valued by industry?

Aine McKillop: “A recent report from the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry suggests that the top priorities for the sector are the core scientific disciplines of biological and chemical sciences, and the need for skills in a wide variety of computational disciplines; genomics, bioinformatics and chemoinformatics, clinical pharmacology and immunology.

“Higher education students need to develop the skills to succeed in the new world of work such as career resilience, research and critical thinking, and commitment to lifelong learning. They must also work with all stakeholders such as employers, students, professional, statutory and regulatory bodies, and service users to ensure courses of study are relevant and aligned to the skills needs. Ulster University recognises the importance of stakeholder engagement and this is integral to the design and delivery of the curriculum, providing a wide range of opportunities and support to develop students into highly employable graduates.”

SH: “In general, about 70 per cent of the roles in this industry are Stem-related, but there are, of course, roles in supply chain, human resources and business management. The life sciences in general, but the pharmaceutical industry in particular, need a broad range of different skills. Technical skills are important but so are strong problem-solving and project management skills.

"There are opportunities for movement within the industry, too, so you may start off in manufacturing, for instance, and move to quality or supply chain. And, indeed, we have seen people who are changing industries: we have employees who may have started in technology firms such as IBM or Hewlett Packard.

“A career in Stem opens doors. One factor that our graduates have in common is the right attitude: people who are open to learning, willing to get outside their comfort zone and ready to take every opportunity in a career with purpose.”

Are graduates from other disciplines able to avail of careers in life sciences?

AMcK: “Graduates are able to avail of careers in life sciences as a number of education pathways are available. However, career agility must be further facilitated to meet the demands of the sector. HE institutions, such as Ulster University, provide conversion courses at undergraduate or postgraduate level and short taster courses. Many short courses are part-time, some are distance learning and many are credit bearing that can be used for entry to life science courses through accreditation of prior certificated learning. HE institutions must be inclusive and support widening access to higher education and ensure the students and graduates have positive graduate outcomes. Access bursaries are often available for eligible students to support their education.”

What makes one graduate stand out from another?

AMcK: “Integral to graduate outcomes and valued by employers is work experience. Students are afforded opportunities to undertake work placement or work-related learning as an important part of their course. Ulster University has developed a wide range of work-based learning opportunities that are innovative, and have an international dimension with study abroad opportunities. Career readiness, resilience, and an ability to demonstrate innovation, research and entrepreneurship, are important too.”

What sort of education options are available?

Students with a vague idea that they'd like to work in science, but without a clue as to which area, could consider a broad, general entry science degree, such as those available in UCD, NUI Galway and other higher education institutions, before specialising down the line.

Education options are diverse, and include undergraduate and postgraduate courses, part- and full-time courses by distance learning, professional doctorates, continuous professional development and short courses, higher-level apprenticeships and more.

“Some people are clear on what they want to do in the life sciences and might pick biochemical engineering or biochemistry,” says Susan Hynes of Takeda. “Others who may not understand all the different opportunities could think that they’ll be limited to working in a lab, but we regularly visit schools and universities to show what a career in the pharma industry could look like. If you are studying pharmacology, you might think you’ll be in a hospital or retail unit, but it is a degree you can use in industry, too. I studied analytical science and didn’t know what a career in pharmacy could mean, but here I am today and it is a great industry to work in.”

The industry also offers many opportunities for continuous professional development. “A lot of people working with us are studying for their masters or PhD, and many other companies support this too,” says Hynes. “Here at Takeda, we talk of the ‘Dunboyne University’, where learning and education doesn’t end.”