Amgen graduate Conor Hughes outlines biotech career path in Ireland

Conor Hughes, a process development associate in inspection at Amgen, says his role showcases the opportunities available in Ireland’s biotechnology sector.

Hughes’ interest in science began in childhood, attending the Young Scientist Exhibition and Trinity’s Science Gallery from ages six to twelve. He later studied chemical engineering at University College Dublin, completing a 12‑month internship with Amgen before joining the company’s graduate programme.

In his current position, Hughes starts each day reviewing inspection performance in a cross‑functional meeting, then works on problem‑solving to optimise inspection machines that can process up to 400 vials and 300 syringes per minute. He develops vision tools using image‑processing to detect defects, and his duties alternate between meetings, manufacturing floor work and leading new product introductions.

The graduate programme rotates participants through various departments, encouraging attendance at meetings, questioning and collaboration with senior staff. Hughes notes that his growing expertise has made him a point of contact for colleagues in Ireland and at Amgen sites in California and Puerto Rico, particularly on visual inspection and deep‑learning projects.

Amgen also supports continuous professional development through weekly technology‑sharing forums, giving employees exposure to functions beyond their daily tasks.

Source: Silicon Republic. Photo: Yuri Shkoda / Pexels.