Wecaught up with one of our experienced tutors in BSc in Processtechnology degree program, to gain an insight into what a career in thebiopharma process technology sector involves.
Throughouther career, she has gained vast experience in both drug substance and drugproduct manufacturing. Additionally, she has held senior laboratory roles inboth the microbiology and analytical services field before advancing her careerinto Quality Systems and then to Learning and Development. We gathered thefollowing from her about the process technician routine work and availableopportunities for those who have completed the Ptec degree program.
Whatdo process technicians do?
Afterattaining a Ptech degree, a process technologists’ role in thebiopharmaceutical industry encompasses several duties as they work at allstages of the manufacturing process. These can range from upstream anddownstream operations to working in controlled and aseptic environments such ascleanroom suites, isolators, and restricted access barriers. In the MedTechindustry, a process technologist’s role is to create a quality, compliantmedical device product that meets the required ISO standards.
Whyshould you work in the industry?
Biologicsmanufacturing has grown over the last ten years and has accounted for over$10bn of investments. New Biologics companies emerged, and many existingcompanies are diversifying their activities from "small molecule"chemical-based production towards "large molecule" biologicsmedicine. The biopharma sector is set for further growth, due in part to thesignificant R&D investment the sector has received in recent years.
Theconstant investment and the key place that the biopharma and Medtech industrieshave in the Irish economy will only enhance further growth and new jobs beingcreated. The demand for talent has never been higher.
Whatare the career opportunities available?
Thereare numerous career opportunities in the biopharma and MedTech industries. Theindustry sees the availability of skills and talent as a critical pre-requisitefor future investment, competitiveness, and employment. All staff must haveknowledge of contamination, sterilized processing, and cleanroomoperations.
“Soft”skills, including communications, teamwork, problem-solving, and influencingskills are essential for all roles that can be performed by processtechnologists.
Somecareer opportunities are Maintenance Technician, Manufacturing Team Leader,Process Improvement Specialist, Production Operator/Technician, QualityAssurance/ Quality Control, Regulatory Compliance, and Training Specialist.
Mosttop biopharmaceutical and Medtech companies are always looking for people tofill process technician roles.
