I’m living in Ringsend currently so it looks like luas and bus. But not sure how consistent it’ll be. I don’t mind taking the luas and then walking to the site.
Hi all,
I’m looking for some advice from people who have been through apprenticeships, engineering roles, or automation.
I’m currently doing a manufacturing engineering/automation apprenticeship and a year in with a large pharma company. On paper, it is a very good opportunity. The company is well known, the industry is strong, and I know having pharma/automation experience could open doors in the future.
However, I’m starting to have a few concerns about the apprenticeship and whether it is the right fit long term.
The main issue is that the learning structure feels quite poor at the moment. I expected there to be a clearer training plan, with regular exposure to systems, troubleshooting, projects, and hands-on learning. Instead, I often feel like I have to push or “annoy” people to get work or learning opportunities which sometimes happens othertimes I can be left to my own devices for days .
My manager is not always on site and barely interacts with me, and while people are generally nice, there does not seem to be a very organised pathway for apprentices in the team. No one is generally responsible for my learning and sometimes the days of doing no real work can get to me.
I’m also worried about whether I’ll actually come out of the apprenticeship with strong practical skills. I don’t want to spend years in a role where I’m technically in automation/engineering but not really developing enough to be useful or confident later on.
Im wondering at this point am I just wasting my time or is it just about toughing it out to get the degree st the end.
Thanks
Have an interview scheduled with Roche tomorrow for 45 minutes, it’s for one of the QA positions and in Canada.
I am really nervous and kinda desperately want to crack it, if anyone had experience please provide advice on what to prepare for or any tips and tricks to crack it.
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Hi all, looking for some perspective on a situation in work.
A few years ago, a role was essentially created for me as part of a promotion (I skipped a few grades). It came as a surprise, but I was delighted and my background suited the position. I stepped into a gap that needed to be filled.
Fast forward to now: I’ve had performance and career discussions with my current manager (different from the one who promoted me, as she has since left). I’ve been open that I want to progress, and we both agree I’ve probably gone as far as I can in my current role. He also said he’d like to keep me, but understands I’ll likely move on since there’s no clear upward path.
During my time here, I’ve led multiple projects that have supported the broader business. I’ve mostly done this “quietly,” so I suspect some people don’t fully understand what I do day-to-day, despite receiving some public recognition within the company.
Now the company has decided to hire team leads to take over more of the day-to-day work, which would free me up to focus on bigger, strategic projects. I raised a concern about whether this means my role is being phased out, but I was told the opposite — that my role is actually being redefined, looking to promote me.I’ve even been asked what I’m interested in so it can be built into the new version of the role.
I’m not sure how to interpret all of this. Is this a genuine opportunity to shape a more strategic role, or should I be cautious?
Would really appreciate any advice or similar experiences.
Hi all,
Hope you are all enjoying the sunny days we have (occasionally)
I was asked to provide with a salary expectation for a graduate intern position in Newbridge Pfizer. I was wondering if 34-36k would be a reasonable expectation.
Please let me know what you think. Thank you in advance.
Ps: i have a 6 months QC student experience in an analytical lab and currently want to gain experience in a manufacturing environment
My accountant has told me that since I have been the director of an umbrella company in Ireland for more than 280 days in the last 2 years, when I am completing my form 11 I will need to declare my Danish income and pay Irish tax on it. There is a DTA in place for Ireland & Denmark but I’d still end up paying a far higher effective tax rate.
Is this accurate?
Why wouldn’t I just qualify for split year treatment?
Hi all, posting here as a query for some advice.
Recently out of college with 10 months process engineering experience for a Pharma company in Limerick, as a graduate process engineer on 40k.
I’ve been offered a 12-month contractor process engineer role at 40euro/hour, in a different Pharma company in Limerick also. Wondering if this is too good to be true and is possible cause for concern? (Since I have less than a years experience) Is there any caveats I’m not aware of in the contractor engineer world?
Thanks in advance.
Got offered 39k as a graduate for a role in QC with no prior work experience. Just wondering if this is underpaid or decent enough for a graduate. Its also shift work but mornings and evening only so that bring my salary up to slightly over mid 40s
Hello all! I am looking for advice. When I graduated with a 1st class honours in biopharmaceutical science in 2025 I was told doors and opportunities would fly open for me. It’s been a year since then and…nothing. My degree did not have an internship/work experience component and I feel as though that has been a huge disadvantage to me. I find myself feeling burnt out 24/7 with the competitiveness of the field, I apply for jobs every day, tailor my cv and cover letter to said jobs and either hear nothing or am rejected. I feel hopeless because entry level positions either want 1-2 years of experience coming in or you need connections to even get a call back. I have a masters position in Biotherapeutics in DCU for this autumn but I feel as though I’ll be overqualified with a masters and no professional experience so I’m thinking of putting off the masters so I can save and study abroad for the next academic year (but I’m praying I can find a job before then). What advice would you give me, a recent graduate, in landing a graduate job either in Ireland or in Europe (Netherlands, Berlin are where I’m most eager to go). I just feel so lost and like I wasted my time doing my degree despite how passionate I am for life sciences
I am planning to study general science in UCD and specialise into either Neuroscience or Genetics.
I understand that both of these degrees are research heavy (and academia isn't cool nowadays because of the conditions). I also know that I would probably need at least a masters to entre the workforce. Let alone starting a thing of my own.
I'm stuck between Engineering and Science. Most of you here have experience in science. My question is: if you were to go back, would you do it again? Considering all the changes in that space.
Thank You
What’s the starting salary for a qc separations analyst at BMS if anyone works there or knows? Also is it shift based work or normal working hours?
Hello! I am planning on getting my MSc from UCC(due to the indurstry placement) in something related to pharma. what I wanted to ask was if getting a job through this pathway is easy or not(in MFG or as a bioprocess associate entry level in a multinational). I have heard that the job market is tough especially for a foreigner like me, althought i dont need sponsorship(just need experience before going back).
For those contracting, how much do companies charge on top of contracting rate? I've heard a figure of 10-20 euro...
Does anyone know the salary range for Manufacturing Snr Manager/ Assoc Director?
Failed organic chemistry exam (in 2nd year) and am seriously struggling to even get started on studying for the repeat. I scraped 20 percent in the exam. The tiny bit I did know has been long forgotten. There's only like 4 past exam papers to work on and there's no solutions. Textbooks are just too much alltogether, videos would be ideal but I feel like trying to piece together a jigsaw puzzle with a million pieces when jumping between YouTube videos. I'm very concerned I won't pass the repeat and that I'm worried that's going to have a severe impact on my health. Has anyone been in this situation, or any advice?
26y/o with a BSc and MSc in the life sciences, I’m working in biopharma manufacturing for the last 3 years. Job is great, nice coworkers, good role, good salary and I’ve switched between a few different roles internally.
However, I’m getting unmotivated recently with the corporate and office environment and feel a calling to do a PhD to get back into doing real, basic scientific research (my academic background is in cancer immunotherapies). Don’t think my reason for doing it is prestige but more for my own personal interest in scientific theory and being involved in biological research.
Although a PhD does feel like I’m taking a step backwards, e.g. career progression, loss of income. It also feels like I’m starting over again in a way.
The Irish PhD stipend barely covers the cost of living (~€25,000/year) but European countries (Germany, Switzerland, Sweden) offer better salaries and a change of location could also be a good thing (never moved out of Ireland yet).
I’d definitely love to return to the biopharmaceutical industry after my PhD and it could always open pathways to newer and more senior industry roles also.
I’m feeling fairly lost and stagnant atm so any career advice and realism appreciated !
Hi everyone I need some career advice. I’m basically finished my degree in chemical sciences with medicinal chemistry from TUD. I’ve done my internship as a environmental technician and I have a part-time position as an environmental technician (I have 1.5 years experience on my belt) I only work one day a week though at the company I did my internship (pharma company) at and I can’t seem to find any positions to get into QC. I’ve tried recruiters. I’ve tried applying for jobs internally, but there’s no available positions in the QC department at the moment so I’m at a loss I’m applying for every single QC position and lab technician jobs I find online. All the available jobs at the moment are very senior position. There’s nothing at the moment for entry-level even jobs that only require 1 to 2 years of experience. I was just wondering if there’s anywhere roles I can apply for that may be adjacent to Pharma or just any labs thanks.
I am a healthcare professional interested in switching to the Pharma/ medical devices industry. I am interested in validation or quality roles. Any advice on entry level positions to apply for and expected salary. I will be starting a post graduate diploma in Process Validation and Regulatory Affairs this September and plan to do the SQT ISO 13485 cert in October. Am I on the right track?
I've been promoted from junior engineer to engineer at my company but my contract offer is only 2% above what I am currently on. It is also under the general salary range in the industry for my level of experience (2 years).
Is it fair to ask for more money if my level of responsibility will likely not change (sole engineer over area, more so a title change). If so how do I navigate this?
Any advice or past experiences welcome 🙏
Update: I did mishear, it is €17.35 an hour 😭 considering I’d be on a 3 day shift if only be making about gross €29k a year, but I’m not sure if you’d usually get a shift premium for those hours? In anyways I’m not sure if it’s worth relocating for but I have no other options if it goes well.
I just had a call with a recruiter recommending me for a QA warehouse specialist role based in dundalk. It’s a 7am-7pm shift 3 days on 4 days off. When she told me the hourly rate I may have misheard because I think she said €70.35 an hour but now that I’ve settled and thought about I’m wondering if I misheard and it’s actually €17.35/hr? Would that be more in line with industry standards? Also to note I’m entry level and this would be my first position after graduating.