-
"I was very satisfied with the quality of service I received from Life Science Recruitment during our recruitment campaigns."
- Director of HR/Operations, HSE Hospital, Dublin -
"As a company we have always found that Life Science Recruitment delivered a very professional service"
- Human Resources, Schering Plough -
"As a UK based Medical company Life Science Recruitment came recommended as a potential partner with expert understanding in Ireland."
- Business Unit Director – UK Medical Company -
"LifeScience presenting us with high quality candidates that matched our needs."
- Director of HR – Medical Devices organisation -
"I would recommend Lifescience as The Scientific recruitment partner in Ireland."
- Communications Director – Sanofi Aventis
Media & Communications
How well is Dublin doing in attracting the best workers in the world?
The Sunday Business Post, February 10th 2008
Projects such as the IFSC, Transport 21 and The Digital Hub have significantly increased Dublin'sreputation as an innovative city, according to Eamonn O'Raghallaigh, from the specialist recruitment consultancy lifescience.ie. The company focuses on the recruitment and selection of professionals for the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, healthcare, clinical research, medical device and scientific sectors in Ireland and Britain. "Significant investment in research and development programmes, notably in science and technology, have positioned Dublin strategically in terms of its potential to be a leading global knowledge city," said O'Raghallaigh.
"There are already several cities that identify themselves as knowledge cities, or have strategic plans to become knowledge cities. The list includes Barcelona, Melbourne, Delft, Panama City, Shanghai, Kista Science City (near Stockholm), Bangalore, Palmerston North (NZ), Medina and Dubai." Dublin has the advantage of an already highly educated workforce, said O'Raghallaigh, but infrastructural improvements are now vital to bring Dublin in-line with the leading global knowledge cities.
Lifescience.ie actively targets overseas candidates where there is a shortage of experienced workers locally, specifically in the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors. "Lifescience.ie has recently implemented its strategic global resourcing framework, a tactical plan to resource and recruit professionals from the global market for particular specialist requirements which are not being adequately serviced from the local knowledge-base," said O'Raghallaigh.
"This involves building strong international networks and ongoing aggressive marketing campaigns to generate interest in Ireland as a potential location and to attract highly skilled workers. We have met with considerable success in generating interest particularly in the European, Indo-China and North American human capital markets. There has been a significant increase in the number of quality applicants for the required roles."
According to O'Raghallaigh, current trends in science and healthcare show a constant demand for experienced professionals in the pharmaceutical, allied healthcare and clinical research sectors. "In the pharmaceutical sector, professionals in specialisations such as formulation chemistry, analytical and process development and industrial pharmacy are most in demand, while, in the allied healthcare sector, radiographers (most notably CT and mammography), medical scientists and pharmacists are continuously sought after.
"Another area where we have noted a skills shortage is senior clinical research professionals, particularly in clinical trials management and regulatory affairs." One subject that is consistently raised by potential international candidates is the cost of living in Dublin. "Our unprecedented economic growth in recent years and the concomitant rise in the cost of living have created a reputation that working in Ireland does not represent value for money, taking into account external factors such as relocation expenses and the high cost of housing," said O'Raghallaigh.
"Some candidates feel that these external factors outweigh the benefits gained by an increase in remuneration. They express the opinion that their quality of life as a whole would be better if they relocated within their local market." On a positive note, O'Raghallaigh said Dublin had gained a reputation with international candidates as a city of cultural diversity, amicable people, opportunity and affluence.
"Candidates from the pharmaceutical industry are particularly enthusiastic, considering the fact that 16 of the top 20 pharmaceutical companies have manufacturing operations in Ireland and they see Dublin as a location for significant career progression," he said. "Dublin has also consolidated itself as a centre for excellence in scientific and medical research with investment in these areas significantly increased in recent years. These factors promote Dublin as a city of opportunity for international candidates, albeit an expensive one."
Going forward, recruitment companies will need to adapt to the current trends by diversifying their candidate pool and implementing strategic plans to resource and retain candidates from previously untapped markets, said O'Raghallaigh. "At lifescience.ie, we pre-empted this eventuality in late 2007 with the implementation of our strategic global resourcing framework, progressing from the traditional ‘introduction' method of recruitment, to a more integrated recruitment process providing bespoke advice on work permits, taxation, housing and education to international candidates, making the practical aspects of the relocation process more agreeable."
Britain leads Europe in the ‘brain gain' race, according to O'Raghallaigh. "Over 300,000 foreign students were enrolled in UK colleges and universities in 2004, accounting for 11 percent of all foreign students studying abroad. "The UK highly skilled migrant programme (HSMP) introduced in 2002 has shown to be very successful with only 1,100 admitted in its first year, rising to nearly 27,000 in 2005. Other countries of note that have implemented strategic plans to attract highly skilled foreign workers include Canada, Australia, UAE and France, and the majority of these have met with considerable success."
As recommended in the ten-point plan published by Dublin Chamber, one of the key measures to attract knowledge workers to Dublin would be the introduction of short-term financial incentives to assist in the recruitment and retention of highly skilled workers. "This would have an immediate positive effect, and would somewhat ‘psychologically' offset the high cost of living in Dublin," said O'Raghallaigh.
"The development of infrastructure in Dublin is also critical, with the introduction of WiFi on public transport and throughout the city essential in building Dublin's reputation as a knowledge capital. "With reference to science and technology, the development of a world class science museum is definitely a step forward, keeping with the increasing status of Dublin as a centre for excellence in science and technology research."
O'Raghallaigh said that an expedited immigration application process would also significantly increase Dublin's attractiveness to international candidates. "The introduction of the EU ‘blue card' scheme will be critical in integrating migration trends in the Europe, standardising immigration procedures and allowing easy movement of non-EEA skilled workers within EU states. On a practical level this will greatly assist the recruitment process. Many companies find it difficult to fill immediate requirements with non-EEA applicants due to the time required to process work permits."
In October 2007, EU officials unveiled plans for the ‘blue card' system to help member countries fill the growing need for skilled employees. Possessing an EU-wide work permit would allow skilled workers -- including medical professionals, engineers, IT specialists and other highly qualified workers -- to get work permits, move among EU countries and obtain long-term residency status more easily and quickly, according to the proposal. "Highly qualified" was defined as having a university degree and three years of relevant experience.
The Future of Life Sciences Industry
IMDMT Yearbook 2008, Life Science Section
Eamonn O'Raghallaigh from Life Science Recruitment looks at recent trends in employment and education within the Life science industry
Ireland has positioned itself as a strategic global player in the life sciences industry and has earned an impressive reputation among the scientific community as an attractive location for foreign investment. Ireland attracted more foreign direct investment (FDI) in the life sciences than any other European country from July 2006 to June 2007, accounting for 25 per cent of all FDI in the European Union. With continued investment, including FDI and university and government-funded projects, Ireland's strategic importance as a global centre of excellence in the life sciences is set to increase significantly well into the next decade.
The Life Sciences Sector in Irelandlife science in ireland
The life sciences industry represents a significant source of wealth to the Irish economy, with exports in the pharmaceutical/chemical sector totaling €43.5 billion in 2007. This represents 49% of total Irish exports and continues to make it the primary growth sector in terms of exports. The medical devices/biotechnology sector saw a slight downturn, with exports falling by 2% to €3 billion in 2007, due mainly to the closure of some low-tech manufacturing facilities. However, the sector is set for further growth in 2008 as major expansions in global product supply in the sector were announced, coupled with significant investment in the sector by the government announced in January.
Current Trends in Employment
Employment in the pharmaceutical/chemical sector has increased by 56% over the last 10 years, and there is currently over 24,500 employees within the sector. In the medical devices/biotechnology sector, some 140 companies employ over 26,000 employees. Some indicators point to a tough couple of years ahead in the global pharmaceutical industry, as key players ‘hit a wall' in terms of new products coming to market combined with the expiration of current patents. Some companies have announced plans to ‘streamline' their workforce, with estimates in the region of 10%. It is uncertain how this will affect the employment market in Ireland. However, significant job creation in the life sciences sector is expected in 2008, with recent announcements from Wyeth, Genzyme, Merck, Teva, GSK, Integra and Enfer. Ireland's biotechnology sector is primed for growth, and this success is due in part to the significant R&D investment in the sector in recent years. Irish bioscience will benefit from a combined funding of more $1.3 billion.
Current Skills Requirements
In the pharmaceutical sector, current trends in recruitment show an increased demand for experienced professionals in formulation chemistry, analytical & process development, industrial pharmacy and regulatory affairs. In the medical device and biotechnology sector, again quality and regulatory affairs crop up as ongoing requirements in the sector. Companies have started to consider the value of attracting foreign workers in certain highly specialized fields, and recently the Dublin Chamber of Commerce announced it's ‘Ten Point Plan' to make Dublin a global knowledge city, focusing on attracting the best talent in the world to Ireland. The Ten-Point Plan suggests key measures such as the introduction of short-term financial incentives and an expedited immigration application process to increase the attractiveness of Dublin to international candidates.
Future Skills Requirements
The Expert Group on Future Skills Needs (EGFSN) recently released a report on what actions are needed to ensure that the medical device sector is equipped with the right level of skills and expertise to meet the future challenges of a changing industry. The main recommendations of the report include the establishment of a Centre for Medical Device Manufacturing Excellence in the higher education system, the introduction of a Masters Course in regulatory affairs and a Graduate Diploma or Masters course in the design, management and conduct of clinical trials. Emphasis was also placed on the continuous ongoing development of skills in specific sectors such as regulatory affairs and clinical trials management. In addition, more emphasis needs to be placed on industrial placements in degrees in the life sciences. Many life science graduates are pigeon-holed into specific career paths because of their lack of industry relevant experience.
The Future Importance of Research & Development
Ireland has experienced unprecedented success from the influx of foreign direct investment in the last 15 years, mainly in the areas of manufacturing and more recently in research and development. However, as emerging economies such as India and China now begin to gain a strategic foothold, Ireland's future success is integrally linked to our ability to create a knowledge-based research and development global centre, in conjunction with our current standards of excellence in manufacturing. The highly skilled and educated local human capital market is already in place; the number of PhD's graduating in 2008 is expected to be in excess of 1,000, double the number that graduated 10 years ago. Furthermore, significant funding has been earmarked for the development of further Centers for Science, Engineering & Technology (CSETs). The overall picture shows a definite trend towards a more R&D focused life science sector, which will future-proof Ireland's strategic position as a global life sciences centre.
Moving Forward
The future of the life sciences industry in Ireland remains optimistic, albeit the next couple of years have been described by some as ‘potentially challenging'. Expected growth in the biotechnology and medical devices sectors is strong, particularly in indigenous university-based start-ups, which will bolster Ireland's position as a centre of excellence in R&D. Significant ongoing investment and innovative public-private partnerships will ensure Ireland is ready for the next phase of its economic growth. We have successfully emerged from the ‘teenage years' of sustained significant growth as a global leader in the life sciences, and are now entering the maturity phase, with emphasis placed on critical thinking and innovation. If our success up to this point is taken as an indicator, the future is very bright indeed for the life sciences in Ireland.
THESE COMMUNICATIONS ARE COPYRIGHT OF THE RESPECTED PUBLICATIONS
How well is Dublin doing in attracting the best workers in the world?
The Sunday Business Post, February 10th 2008
Projects such as the IFSC, Transport 21 and The Digital Hub have significantly increased Dublin'sreputation as an innovative city, according to Eamonn O'Raghallaigh, from the specialist recruitment consultancy lifescience.ie. The company focuses on the recruitment and selection of professionals for the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, healthcare, clinical research, medical device and scientific sectors in Ireland and Britain. "Significant investment in research and development programmes, notably in science and technology, have positioned Dublin strategically in terms of its potential to be a leading global knowledge city," said O'Raghallaigh.
"There are already several cities that identify themselves as knowledge cities, or have strategic plans to become knowledge cities. The list includes Barcelona, Melbourne, Delft, Panama City, Shanghai, Kista Science City (near Stockholm), Bangalore, Palmerston North (NZ), Medina and Dubai." Dublin has the advantage of an already highly educated workforce, said O'Raghallaigh, but infrastructural improvements are now vital to bring Dublin in-line with the leading global knowledge cities.
Lifescience.ie actively targets overseas candidates where there is a shortage of experienced workers locally, specifically in the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors. "Lifescience.ie has recently implemented its strategic global resourcing framework, a tactical plan to resource and recruit professionals from the global market for particular specialist requirements which are not being adequately serviced from the local knowledge-base," said O'Raghallaigh.
"This involves building strong international networks and ongoing aggressive marketing campaigns to generate interest in Ireland as a potential location and to attract highly skilled workers. We have met with considerable success in generating interest particularly in the European, Indo-China and North American human capital markets. There has been a significant increase in the number of quality applicants for the required roles."
According to O'Raghallaigh, current trends in science and healthcare show a constant demand for experienced professionals in the pharmaceutical, allied healthcare and clinical research sectors. "In the pharmaceutical sector, professionals in specialisations such as formulation chemistry, analytical and process development and industrial pharmacy are most in demand, while, in the allied healthcare sector, radiographers (most notably CT and mammography), medical scientists and pharmacists are continuously sought after.
"Another area where we have noted a skills shortage is senior clinical research professionals, particularly in clinical trials management and regulatory affairs." One subject that is consistently raised by potential international candidates is the cost of living in Dublin. "Our unprecedented economic growth in recent years and the concomitant rise in the cost of living have created a reputation that working in Ireland does not represent value for money, taking into account external factors such as relocation expenses and the high cost of housing," said O'Raghallaigh.
"Some candidates feel that these external factors outweigh the benefits gained by an increase in remuneration. They express the opinion that their quality of life as a whole would be better if they relocated within their local market." On a positive note, O'Raghallaigh said Dublin had gained a reputation with international candidates as a city of cultural diversity, amicable people, opportunity and affluence.
"Candidates from the pharmaceutical industry are particularly enthusiastic, considering the fact that 16 of the top 20 pharmaceutical companies have manufacturing operations in Ireland and they see Dublin as a location for significant career progression," he said. "Dublin has also consolidated itself as a centre for excellence in scientific and medical research with investment in these areas significantly increased in recent years. These factors promote Dublin as a city of opportunity for international candidates, albeit an expensive one."
Going forward, recruitment companies will need to adapt to the current trends by diversifying their candidate pool and implementing strategic plans to resource and retain candidates from previously untapped markets, said O'Raghallaigh. "At lifescience.ie, we pre-empted this eventuality in late 2007 with the implementation of our strategic global resourcing framework, progressing from the traditional ‘introduction' method of recruitment, to a more integrated recruitment process providing bespoke advice on work permits, taxation, housing and education to international candidates, making the practical aspects of the relocation process more agreeable."
Britain leads Europe in the ‘brain gain' race, according to O'Raghallaigh. "Over 300,000 foreign students were enrolled in UK colleges and universities in 2004, accounting for 11 percent of all foreign students studying abroad. "The UK highly skilled migrant programme (HSMP) introduced in 2002 has shown to be very successful with only 1,100 admitted in its first year, rising to nearly 27,000 in 2005. Other countries of note that have implemented strategic plans to attract highly skilled foreign workers include Canada, Australia, UAE and France, and the majority of these have met with considerable success."
As recommended in the ten-point plan published by Dublin Chamber, one of the key measures to attract knowledge workers to Dublin would be the introduction of short-term financial incentives to assist in the recruitment and retention of highly skilled workers. "This would have an immediate positive effect, and would somewhat ‘psychologically' offset the high cost of living in Dublin," said O'Raghallaigh.
"The development of infrastructure in Dublin is also critical, with the introduction of WiFi on public transport and throughout the city essential in building Dublin's reputation as a knowledge capital. "With reference to science and technology, the development of a world class science museum is definitely a step forward, keeping with the increasing status of Dublin as a centre for excellence in science and technology research."
O'Raghallaigh said that an expedited immigration application process would also significantly increase Dublin's attractiveness to international candidates. "The introduction of the EU ‘blue card' scheme will be critical in integrating migration trends in the Europe, standardising immigration procedures and allowing easy movement of non-EEA skilled workers within EU states. On a practical level this will greatly assist the recruitment process. Many companies find it difficult to fill immediate requirements with non-EEA applicants due to the time required to process work permits."
In October 2007, EU officials unveiled plans for the ‘blue card' system to help member countries fill the growing need for skilled employees. Possessing an EU-wide work permit would allow skilled workers -- including medical professionals, engineers, IT specialists and other highly qualified workers -- to get work permits, move among EU countries and obtain long-term residency status more easily and quickly, according to the proposal. "Highly qualified" was defined as having a university degree and three years of relevant experience.
The Future of Life Sciences Industry
IMDMT Yearbook 2008, Life Science Section
Eamonn O'Raghallaigh from Life Science Recruitment looks at recent trends in employment and education within the Life science industry
Ireland has positioned itself as a strategic global player in the life sciences industry and has earned an impressive reputation among the scientific community as an attractive location for foreign investment. Ireland attracted more foreign direct investment (FDI) in the life sciences than any other European country from July 2006 to June 2007, accounting for 25 per cent of all FDI in the European Union. With continued investment, including FDI and university and government-funded projects, Ireland's strategic importance as a global centre of excellence in the life sciences is set to increase significantly well into the next decade.
The Life Sciences Sector in Irelandlife science in ireland
The life sciences industry represents a significant source of wealth to the Irish economy, with exports in the pharmaceutical/chemical sector totaling €43.5 billion in 2007. This represents 49% of total Irish exports and continues to make it the primary growth sector in terms of exports. The medical devices/biotechnology sector saw a slight downturn, with exports falling by 2% to €3 billion in 2007, due mainly to the closure of some low-tech manufacturing facilities. However, the sector is set for further growth in 2008 as major expansions in global product supply in the sector were announced, coupled with significant investment in the sector by the government announced in January.
Current Trends in Employment
Employment in the pharmaceutical/chemical sector has increased by 56% over the last 10 years, and there is currently over 24,500 employees within the sector. In the medical devices/biotechnology sector, some 140 companies employ over 26,000 employees. Some indicators point to a tough couple of years ahead in the global pharmaceutical industry, as key players ‘hit a wall' in terms of new products coming to market combined with the expiration of current patents. Some companies have announced plans to ‘streamline' their workforce, with estimates in the region of 10%. It is uncertain how this will affect the employment market in Ireland. However, significant job creation in the life sciences sector is expected in 2008, with recent announcements from Wyeth, Genzyme, Merck, Teva, GSK, Integra and Enfer. Ireland's biotechnology sector is primed for growth, and this success is due in part to the significant R&D investment in the sector in recent years. Irish bioscience will benefit from a combined funding of more $1.3 billion.
Current Skills Requirements
In the pharmaceutical sector, current trends in recruitment show an increased demand for experienced professionals in formulation chemistry, analytical & process development, industrial pharmacy and regulatory affairs. In the medical device and biotechnology sector, again quality and regulatory affairs crop up as ongoing requirements in the sector. Companies have started to consider the value of attracting foreign workers in certain highly specialized fields, and recently the Dublin Chamber of Commerce announced it's ‘Ten Point Plan' to make Dublin a global knowledge city, focusing on attracting the best talent in the world to Ireland. The Ten-Point Plan suggests key measures such as the introduction of short-term financial incentives and an expedited immigration application process to increase the attractiveness of Dublin to international candidates.
Future Skills Requirements
The Expert Group on Future Skills Needs (EGFSN) recently released a report on what actions are needed to ensure that the medical device sector is equipped with the right level of skills and expertise to meet the future challenges of a changing industry. The main recommendations of the report include the establishment of a Centre for Medical Device Manufacturing Excellence in the higher education system, the introduction of a Masters Course in regulatory affairs and a Graduate Diploma or Masters course in the design, management and conduct of clinical trials. Emphasis was also placed on the continuous ongoing development of skills in specific sectors such as regulatory affairs and clinical trials management. In addition, more emphasis needs to be placed on industrial placements in degrees in the life sciences. Many life science graduates are pigeon-holed into specific career paths because of their lack of industry relevant experience.
The Future Importance of Research & Development
Ireland has experienced unprecedented success from the influx of foreign direct investment in the last 15 years, mainly in the areas of manufacturing and more recently in research and development. However, as emerging economies such as India and China now begin to gain a strategic foothold, Ireland's future success is integrally linked to our ability to create a knowledge-based research and development global centre, in conjunction with our current standards of excellence in manufacturing. The highly skilled and educated local human capital market is already in place; the number of PhD's graduating in 2008 is expected to be in excess of 1,000, double the number that graduated 10 years ago. Furthermore, significant funding has been earmarked for the development of further Centers for Science, Engineering & Technology (CSETs). The overall picture shows a definite trend towards a more R&D focused life science sector, which will future-proof Ireland's strategic position as a global life sciences centre.
Moving Forward
The future of the life sciences industry in Ireland remains optimistic, albeit the next couple of years have been described by some as ‘potentially challenging'. Expected growth in the biotechnology and medical devices sectors is strong, particularly in indigenous university-based start-ups, which will bolster Ireland's position as a centre of excellence in R&D. Significant ongoing investment and innovative public-private partnerships will ensure Ireland is ready for the next phase of its economic growth. We have successfully emerged from the ‘teenage years' of sustained significant growth as a global leader in the life sciences, and are now entering the maturity phase, with emphasis placed on critical thinking and innovation. If our success up to this point is taken as an indicator, the future is very bright indeed for the life sciences in Ireland.
THESE COMMUNICATIONS ARE COPYRIGHT OF THE RESPECTED PUBLICATIONS
Contact Us Now
Life Science Recruitment Ltd
Newmarket House
Newmarket Square
Dublin 8
Tel: (01) 685 45 45
Fax: (01) 443 05 24
Email: admin@lifescience.ie
