For international students interested in pursuing pharmaceutical studies in Ireland, several popular courses are available at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. These courses provide comprehensive training in various aspects of pharmaceutical science, pharmacy practice, and related disciplines. Some of the most popular Pharma courses for international students in Ireland include:
- Master of Pharmacy
- Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Pharmacology
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology
- Clinical Research
- Regulatory Affairs
Several pharmaceutical companies have a significant presence in Ireland, conducting various activities such as manufacturing, research and development, and commercial operations. 90+ pharmaceutical companies operate in Ireland and have a global reputation for operational and innovational excellence. The country's favorable business environment, skilled workforce, and supportive government policies have attracted many multinational pharmaceutical companies to establish a presence in Ireland. The BIG THREE ~ The big three Pharmaceutical companies in Ireland are Pfizer (with operations in 7 locations), Abbott(with operations in 11 locations), and third is Johnson and Johnson (with operations in 3 locations). Some of the notable pharmaceutical companies with operations in Ireland are furnished below
- Pfizer: Pfizer is one of the world's largest pharmaceutical companies and has a significant presence in Ireland. It operates manufacturing facilities in several locations across the country, including Dublin, Cork, and Ringaskiddy.
- Merck Sharp & Dohme (MSD): MSD is a global healthcare company known as Merck & Co. in the United States and Canada. In Ireland, MSD has manufacturing sites in Cork and Carlow, as well as offices in Dublin.
- Novartis: Novartis is a Swiss multinational pharmaceutical company with operations in Ireland. It operates manufacturing facilities in Cork and Ringaskiddy, as well as a business service center in Dublin.
- laxoSmithKline (GSK): GSK is a British multinational pharmaceutical company with a presence in Ireland. It has manufacturing sites in Cork and Dungarvan, as well as commercial operations in Dublin.
- AbbVie: AbbVie is a global biopharmaceutical company with manufacturing and commercial operations in Ireland. It operates a manufacturing facility in Sligo and a commercial office in Dublin.
- Eli Lilly and Company: Eli Lilly is an American pharmaceutical company with a presence in Ireland. It operates manufacturing sites in Kinsale and Dunderrow, as well as a business services center in Cork.
- Sanofi: Sanofi is a French multinational pharmaceutical company with operations in Ireland. It has manufacturing facilities in Waterford and commercial operations in Dublin.
- Janssen Pharmaceuticals: Janssen, a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson, has a presence in Ireland with manufacturing facilities in Cork and Ringaskiddy.
- Amgen: Amgen is an American biotechnology company with operations in Ireland. It operates a manufacturing facility in Dun Laoghaire.
- Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS): BMS is a global biopharmaceutical company with a presence in Ireland. It operates manufacturing facilities in Cruiserath and Ringaskiddy.
Some of the most popular jobs within the Pharma industry in Ireland include:
- Quality Assurance (QA) Specialist/Manager: QA specialists and managers ensure that pharmaceutical products meet regulatory requirements and quality standards. They are responsible for developing and implementing quality systems, conducting audits, and overseeing compliance with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) guidelines. QA roles are in high demand to maintain product quality and regulatory compliance.
- Regulatory Affairs Specialist/Manager: Regulatory affairs professionals are responsible for ensuring that pharmaceutical products comply with regulatory requirements and obtain necessary approvals for market authorization. They liaise with regulatory authorities, prepare regulatory submissions, and provide guidance on compliance issues. With evolving regulations in the pharmaceutical industry, there is a growing demand for regulatory affairs expertise.
- Manufacturing/Production Operator: Manufacturing and production operators work in pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities, operating equipment, monitoring production processes, and ensuring product quality and safety. With Ireland being a hub for pharmaceutical manufacturing, there is a continuous need for skilled operators to support production activities.
- Supply Chain and Logistics Specialist: Supply chain and logistics specialists manage the movement of pharmaceutical products from manufacturing facilities to distribution centers and ultimately to customers. They coordinate logistics operations, optimize inventory management, and ensure timely delivery of products. With the complexity of global supply chains in the pharmaceutical industry, supply chain expertise is highly valued.
- Clinical Research Associate (CRA): Clinical research associates coordinate and monitor clinical trials to ensure compliance with protocols, regulatory requirements, and Good Clinical Practice (GCP) guidelines. They work closely with investigators, site staff, and sponsors to facilitate the conduct of clinical trials. As Ireland participates in numerous clinical research studies, there is a demand for skilled CRAs.
- Medical Affairs Specialist: Medical affairs professionals provide scientific and medical expertise to support the development, marketing, and regulatory activities of pharmaceutical companies. They communicate product information to healthcare professionals, conduct medical education programs, and contribute to evidence generation activities.
If you're looking for pharmaceutical job opportunities in Ireland, several websites specialize in listing vacancies within the pharmaceutical industry. Here are some of the best websites where you can learn about pharma jobs in Ireland:
- Irishjobs.ie
- Jobs.ie
- PharmiWeb.jobs
- BioPharmX
- Careerjet.ie
- Monster Ireland
- Indeed Ireland
In Ireland, certain occupations are classified as critical skills, meaning there is a shortage of qualified professionals in these fields, and employers are actively seeking to fill positions. While the critical skills list is subject to change, below pharmaceutical-related occupations make it to the list.
- Biomedical Engineers
- Chemical Engineers
- Quality Control/Quality Assurance Specialists
- Pharmacists
- Research Scientists
- Clinical Research Associates
- Supply Chain and Logistics Manager
Here is the link to Critical Skills Occupations List
