Career Zoo, Ireland’s keynote career event for professionals and graduates, will turn the spotlight on science and research with the launch of BioCluster Zone in Dublin on Saturday.
Career Zoo runs from 10am-5pm on 13 September in the Convention Centre Dublin. One of its features is the new BioCluster Zone, the first platform of its kind to showcase opportunities in Ireland’s thriving life-sciences sector.
For example, job opportunities with Science Foundation Ireland (SFI)’s research centres are one of the highlights of Career Zoo, and the Irish Research Council will be showcasing opportunities with its employment-based programmes.
Ireland on the life-sciences map
Ireland is the No 1 location in Europe for life-sciences investment, with 25,000 direct employees, according to Career Zoo. Exports totalled €50.8bn in 2013 (30pc of the national total), and the country is home to nine out of the top 10 pharma and biotech companies, with 18 biopharmaceutical plants.
One such company is Amgen, which will have a huge presence at BioCluster Zone.
Kerry Ingalls, the company’s senior vice-president of Regional Manufacturing, said Amgen is looking forward to meeting many talented individuals who would like to explore the possibility of a career in Amgen.
“Our mission, and our deep and broad pipeline of potential new medicines, makes Amgen a place where our staff can make a positive difference in people’s lives while pursuing a challenging and fulfilling career,” Ingalls said.
Amgen isn’t the only life-sciences firm looking for staff: BMS, MSD, PPD, NIBRT, BioMarin, Horizon, Johnson & Johnson, Regeneron and The Tech Group will also be among the companies seeking recruits at Career Zoo.
Over at Tech Town, a dedicated Bank of Ireland-sponsored space at Career Zoo that will showcase the growing Irish tech sector, Aer Lingus, Ammeon, Intercom, Layer Labz, Ocuco, Swrve, System Dynamics, Vantage and Silicon Republic Featured Employer Version 1 will all be looking for employees.
Fun and games at Career Zoo
A hologram developed by an indigenous tech company will welcome attendees to Tech Town. Johnson & Johnson is bringing a robot, Pulse College has a Transformer, and attendees can try their luck at Carnival Basketball with Squarespace or ping-pong with ServiceSource.
Career Zoo on Saturday will also see the return of the Career Workshop series, a Career Clinic, where attendees can obtain career advice, and Tech Box, where tech activities will take place.
Career Zoo is free to attend, but registration in advance is recommended.