What Are the Most In-Demand Science & Engineering Jobs in 2022?

Are you considering a career in science and engineering? Read our guide to discover this sector’s most in-demand jobs in 2022.

 

 

What Factors Have Contributed To The High Demand For Science & Engineering Professionals?

 

Ireland has developed a strong reputation as a global hub for Life Sciences. Ireland’s life science sector is represented by a diverse variety of organisations – from well-established multinationals to domestic start-ups – across a wide range of industries including Pharmaceuticals, Biologics, Vaccines, Manufacturing, Medical Technologies to name a few.

 

Over the past few years, there have been many major job announcements as major employers in the sector build new sites and expand existing ones. For 2021, there were positive job announcements from several major multinationals including Gilead, Edwards Life Science, Hovione, AstraZeneca and more. 

 

 

What Are the Most In-Demand Science Jobs in 2022?

 

1. QC Analyst (Chemistry & Potency)

Quality Control, more commonly referred to as QC, is a key function within life science organisations. The QC department is responsible for maintaining a consistent level of quality throughout the manufacturing process and ensuring uniformity across all products. As part of their role, QC Analysts test samples to check that they align with predefined criteria e.g. internal standards, external regulations, and industry-wide standards. 

 

QC (Chemistry) Analysts test the quality of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API) and drugs using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and Gas Chromatography (GC) testing methods. 

 

QC (Potency) Analysts boast a more niche skillset that centres around testing the strength of drug products. Key players in bioassay development, QC (Potency) Analysts are highly sought-after within the biopharmaceutical sector, particularly in the area of vaccine development. 

 

How Much Do QC Analysts Earn? 

Depending on the experience of the candidate, the typical salary for a QC Analyst in Dublin ranges from €32,000 – €58,000. Those working outside of the capital can expect a salary range of €29,000 – €53,000. 

 

2. QC Micro Lead

The QC Microbiology (or Micro) team works to identify microbes in products and track down the source of contamination. Team members have the specialist knowledge and skills to tackle the unique microbiological challenges presented in the manufacturing phase of the pharmaceutical lifecycle and apply a wide range of QC solutions. 

 

A QC Micro Lead is a senior professional responsible for overseeing the daily activities and performance of the QC Micro Lab team. In addition to having a strong knowledge of QC Micro practices and procedures, they must also possess management and leadership skills. As such, there is much demand among employers for individuals with the right skillsets and experience. 

 

How Much Do QC Micro Leads Earn? 

The average salary for QC Micro Leads in Dublin ranges from €60,000 – €80,000, whereas those in the rest of the country typically earns between €50,000 – €70,000. 

 

 

3. QA Specialist

Quality Assurance (QA) can be defined as a“part of quality management focused on providing confidence that quality requirements will be fulfilled.” A Quality Assurance (QA) specialist is responsible for making sure that the final product meets the organisation’s quality standards. This is achieved by eliminating all process variants through the creation and implementation of strict processes and procedures. This is a process-oriented role that is suitable for those individuals with an eye for detail. 

 

How Much Do QA Specialists Earn? 

Depending on the candidate’s experience, the typical salary for a QA Specialist in Dublin ranges between €42,000 – €62,000. Those working in the rest of Ireland can expect a salary range of €42,000 – €58,000. 

 

4. Quality Engineer

A key member of the quality team, a Quality Engineer is responsible for making sure that the overall quality of a manufactured product meets predefined standards. Other key responsibilities include writing documentation, formulating quality tests and defining test criteria. 

 

Quality Engineers are in high demand in the Medical Device sector, however, there are also plenty of roles within the areas of pharma and biopharma. We find that most organisations seek out Engineers with a specific area of expertise such as Quality Assurance,  Quality Control, Six Sigma and Quality Risk Management.

 

How Much Do QA Engineers Earn? 

Quality Engineers in Ireland typically earn between €40 – 60,000 per annum. In the contract space, mid-level engineers can command hourly rates of about €30 – 40.

 

 

5. Process Engineer

Process Engineers play a key role in ensuring that raw materials are successfully converted into the desired end product. They achieve this by designing, implementing and optimising both manufacturing equipment and chemical/ biochemical processes. The goal of this role is to develop effective systems that make the best use of workers, equipment, materials, information, and energy.

 

Process Engineers play a valuable role in manufacturing environments, as such they are in high demand within the pharmaceutical manufacturing and medical device manufacturing sectors. In larger companies, Process Engineers may focus on specialised areas, whereas in smaller facilities they often take responsibility for a wide range of tasks.

 

How Much Do Process Engineers Earn? 

Process Engineers working in permanent jobs earn an average salary of €55,000 – 75,000 per annum. Process Engineers are in high demand in the contract space and can earn hourly rates between €30 – 85 depending on their level of experience. 

 

6. Process (Development) Scientists

Process Scientists play a vital role in an organisation’s laboratory team. Their role centres around creating, executing, optimising, and monitoring various processes to maximise productivity and cost-effectiveness. They are also responsible for applying process controls to make sure that the products are of a high quality and are produced in a way that can be accurately replicated.

 

How Much Do Process Scientists Earn? 

In Dublin, a Process Development Chemist can earn between €38,000 – 58,000 and a Process Development Manager can earn between €70,000 – 90,000. Outside of the capital, typical salary ranges are €35,000 – 58,000 and €65,000 – 85,000 respectively. 

 

 

Why Work in Life Science & Engineering? 

 

Ireland’s Life Science & Engineering sector offers many future-proof career options with excellent prospects. Directly employing over 50,000 people, the Engineering and Life Science sector is a major employer in Ireland and offers a breadth of attractive career options. Constant high demand for qualified and experienced candidates among major multinationals means that this is a particularly well-paid sector. 

 

To discover more about the most in-demand Life Science & Engineering jobs, contact Berkley today and make an appointment with one of our expert Technical Recruitment Consultants.