Sunday Business Post: Biopharma The Next Step - Niamh O'Driscoll

Fastnet Recruitment's Managing Director - Niamh O'Driscoll was featured in an article from the Sunday Business Post this weekend - April 27 2014.

The article 'Biopharma: The Next Step' written by Gareth Naughton examines the current environment of the Irish pharmaceutical market ad the effect the patent cliff has had on Ireland's substantial biopharma industry.

'As generics players have taken on a lot of that activity, it is no different to any other sector and it had to change and evolve. It is good to see both as a country and an industry that people have risen to the challenge and reinvested, which is great to see, she said.

An extract is available below. To read the full interview please click here: Biopharma: The Next Step

There is a lot of competition for skilled individuals in the sector, but the country is better-positioned to fill those roles thanks to the long-term presence of pharmaceuticals in Ireland and the growth of biologics facilities in recent years.

''The good thing about the talent pool is that there are more people now with experience. It was very difficult to get the biopharma experience a few years ago because you didn't have a lot of other companies to pull from, she said.

''Our capability as a country to be able to staff these facilities and start-ups has improved significantly which is great and the expertise in terms of technical transfer from other countries and locations has improved our knowledge as well.

Where there is growth, there is competition for talent. O'Driscoll said it was challenging mid-level engineers and scientists with five to ten years' experience. Government plans to promote science and maths at school level will take some time to have an impact, however, Springboard is helping to fill the gap and companies are open to upskillers.

''It is great to see that people who maybe have a background in manufacturing - maybe a regulated industry, but not biopharma - have a chance to retrain through Springboard into a role that will accelerate their career, she said. ''It is a win-win if the person is in situation where they can invest that time into themselves and their career.

Experience is the key for these companies and if someone has the right attitude and the right approach, maybe a technical background, this is a fantastic opportunity for them to transition into an industry that will create a career and future for them, she said.