Ireland continues to thrive as a global hub for pharmaceutical and MedTech innovation. With 24 of the world’s top 25 biotech and pharma companies operating here and a rapidly expanding MedTech industry, the demand for skilled professionals is soaring in 2025.
As the country experiences a surge in biologics manufacturing, AI-driven diagnostics, and sustainable production, we look at the in-demand roles across both sectors and who is hiring.
Top In-Demand Roles in the Pharmaceutical Sector
Bioprocess & Manufacturing Engineers
With biologics dominating new drug pipelines, engineers with expertise in cell culture, upstream/downstream processing, and GMP manufacturing are in high demand. Facilities in Limerick, Cork, and Sligo are scaling up, driven by companies like Eli Lilly, Regeneron, and AbbVie.
Quality Assurance (QA) & Validation Specialists
Ireland’s manufacturing excellence hinges on its ability to meet stringent regulatory requirements. QA and Computer Systems Validation (CSV) experts are especially sought after in companies like MSD, SK Biotek and J&J as digital tools and automation proliferate in GMP environments.
Regulatory Affairs & Compliance Experts
The evolving global regulatory landscape (including EMA and FDA shifts in AI-use and real-world data) makes regulatory affairs professionals for companies like Sanofi & BioMarin key players in product development and launch strategy.
Supply Chain Specialists with Serialization & ESG Focus
Post-COVID global supply chain disruptions and stricter ESG targets have raised the bar. Pharma companies like Gilead are hiring supply chain professionals skilled in sustainable logistics, digital inventory tracking, and serialization.
Data Scientists & Digital Transformation Analysts
With the increasing use of AI and predictive analytics in drug discovery and pharmacovigilance, companies such as IQVIA need data professionals who understand the regulatory and clinical relevance of data handling in life sciences.
Key In-Demand Roles in the MedTech Sector
R&D Engineers – Diagnostics & Wearables
Ireland’s MedTech sector, particularly in Galway and Limerick with companies like Aerogen, is expanding rapidly in diagnostics and wearable health tech. Engineers with microelectronics, design control, and usability experience are highly sought after.
Software & Embedded Systems Engineers
Smart medical devices rely on embedded systems, connectivity, and cybersecurity. Companies such as Boston Scientific and Medtronic are actively recruiting engineers with experience in embedded C/C++, IoT security, and IEC 62304 standards.
Clinical Affairs & Regulatory Strategy Leads
Clinical Affairs professionals with experience navigating MDR, IVDR, and FDA approvals are essential for companies like Cook Medical in Limerick and Zimmer Biomet in Shannon to support with launching innovative diagnostic and implantable technologies.
Automation & Robotics Specialists
With greater automation across MedTech manufacturing lines, technicians and engineers with robotics, PLC programming, and SCADA knowledge are driving the next generation of precision production in companies like Jabil.
Human Factors & UX Researchers
As the sector grows more patient-centric, demand has risen for experts in user experience, ergonomics, and human factors engineering—critical in product design and safety validation for diagnostics and wearable devices.
2025 Hiring Trends Across Pharma & MedTech
- Contracting is on the rise: Companies are increasingly relying on contract professionals for validation, QA, and project-based engineering work.
- ESG-focused roles are emerging: Hiring in roles tied to sustainability reporting, energy management, and green manufacturing is growing, especially in newly built sites.
- Cross-disciplinary talent is essential: Candidates with hybrid expertise—such as regulatory knowledge combined with data analytics or software development—are especially attractive.
How to Break into or Advance in the Sector
If you’re looking to enter or grow in the Irish pharmaceutical or MedTech sectors in 2025:
- Upskill in emerging areas like AI, data science, digital quality systems (e.g. eQMS), and sustainability practices.
- Get certified with industry-recognised programs (e.g. GAMP 5, Lean Six Sigma, MDR training).
- Engage with professional networks like BioPharmaChem Ireland, Irish Medtech Association, and ISPE Ireland Affiliate.
Ireland’s pharmaceutical and MedTech sectors are not only booming—they’re evolving. Companies are embracing digital transformation, sustainability, and advanced therapies. As a result, talent that can blend technical skill with innovation and adaptability is in high demand.
Whether you’re an engineer, scientist, regulatory professional, or data analyst, the opportunities in 2025 are plentiful—if you’re ready to skill up and step in. Contact SEDA Talent if we can assist you on your career journey or if we can support your company in building teams that matter.
