Science, research and development

As a science graduate, your training will hold you in good stead whatever your choice of work.

The pharmaceutical industry has been a big employer in recent years, and is dominated by global multinational companies. Many of the world’s top medical device companies also have bases in Ireland, and the biotechnology sector is set to grow. The public sector also recruits a substantial number of scientists and this is a particularly important source of jobs in Northern Ireland.

Processing and production is a significant area of employment for science graduates in Ireland, as there are opportunities in a wide range of industries. Graduate schemes are often available, particularly with the large multinationals working in areas such as pharmaceuticals or medical devices.

Research and development (R&D) opportunities are open to virtually all science graduates and available in both academic and industrial fields. There is also an ever-increasing degree of collaboration between industry and academia, as the government has recognised the importance of R&D to the future economic growth of Ireland. There are rich opportunities to travel because many international companies site their R&D plants outside Ireland.

With environmental concerns becoming high on the political agenda, there are widening opportunities for science graduates to look at issues such as climate change, and renewable energy.

There are also broader opportunities that use scientific skills, such as work in the patents office, in technical writing and scientific publishing, in technical sales and marketing, and in teaching.

• Science, research and development FAQs: everything you need to know about getting a job in science, research and development