Building a Career in Bioprocessing: Neal Redmond’s Journey at NIBRT

Neal Redmond is a Bioprocessing Technician at NIBRT who recently joined the team. Neal previously completed his professional placement at NIBRT before returning full-time to continue developing his technical and GMP expertise. In this interview, Neal shares his experience working at NIBRT, and how the role is supporting his growth within the biopharma industry.

Neal Redmond - Bioprocessing Technician at NIBRT

Tell us a bit about your background before NIBRT

Before NIBRT, I obtained a BSc in Biomedical and Molecular Diagnostics from the Technological University of Dublin. I completed my final-year project at the University of Gent in Belgium, focusing on the molecular cloning of E. coli plasmids containing genetically engineered CO₂ transporters into K. phaffii cells to increase CO₂ uptake in yeast cell-based factories. I also worked as an intern in the Irish Blood Transfusion Service, where I was based in the Issue Laboratory, coordinating the dispatch of blood and platelet donations to hospitals nationwide.

I completed my professional placement at NIBRT during my third year, where I worked as a Bioprocessing Technician Intern for seven months. I loved the work environment and learned an enormous amount from both the training staff and my technician team at the time. I was exposed to many aspects of the biopharmaceutical industry that could not be learned in a lecture hall. I returned to NIBRT because I wanted to further develop my knowledge as a bioprocess technician, build on my previous internship experience, and fully apply myself to the role.

What is your experience like working at NIBRT?

On a day-to-day basis, my work at NIBRT is very varied. No two days are the same, which I really like. As a technician, there is always something to do, whether in the plant or at the desk. My responsibilities include practical set-ups, changeovers, procurement, stock management for training sessions, and general plant organisation. Recently, I have been focusing more on plant organisation. This work includes label management, procurement, equipment movement, maintaining consumable stock levels to a consistent standard, and supporting practical set-ups alongside other technicians.

In the future, I hope to upskill and further develop my bioprocessing knowledge by completing NIBRT short courses and acquiring relevant NGQs in fields of interest. I am also keen to undertake training to improve my IT and technical writing skills, as well as to participate in tours of different manufacturing sites to broaden my industry exposure.

"My work at NIBRT can be very varied. No two days are the same, which I really like."

Has NIBRT played a role in your skills development?

Working at NIBRT has significantly strengthened both my technical skills and overall confidence as a bioprocessing technician. The structured training environment has also helped me develop strong GMP awareness, documentation accuracy, and attention to detail. Regular exposure to real-world challenges, such as contamination control, deviation management, and equipment calibration, has prepared me to work effectively in a GMP setting. NIBRT’s open and supportive learning culture has encouraged me to ask questions, communicate more effectively with senior colleagues and trainers, and actively participate in technical discussions and problem-solving. Together, these experiences have made me far more confident in running processes independently and troubleshooting issues as they arise.

NIBRT provides constant opportunities for upskilling, including completing additional modules in areas like upstream processing, downstream purification, and single-use technologies. These opportunities have really supported my development and opened clearer paths toward senior or specialist roles.

Do you feel NIBRT supports your professional development as bioprocessing technician?

NIBRT’s collaboration with the wider biopharma industry has given me valuable exposure to professionals from companies like Pfizer, MSD, and BMS. Being able to network with people currently working in the industry has helped me understand what career paths exist, what skills are most in demand, and how I can continue to align my development with future opportunities. This role also gives me the opportunity to progress into different areas in NIBRT, such as senior technician or even becoming a trainer. With the technician role, I am in contact with many different people from the industry across various aspects, including supplier companies and biopharma companies themselves.

NIBRT’s strong emphasis on professional development has been a major support for my long-term career goals. The wide range of training options, whether it’s hands-on courses, industry-aligned certifications, or opportunities to cross-train in different areas of bioprocessing, has given me a clear pathway to continually upskill and broaden my technical capabilities. Having access to structured development at NIBRT makes me feel confident that I can continue progressing within the biopharma sector and remain competitive as the industry evolves. It also reassures me that I am building the right blend of technical expertise, GMP awareness, and practical experience to take on more advanced roles in the future.

"Having access to structured development at NIBRT makes me feel confident that I can continue progressing within the biopharma sector and remain competitive as the industry evolves"

Is there anything you would like to say to anyone considering a role at NIBRT?

If you’re thinking about joining NIBRT, I would absolutely encourage you to go for it! Be ready and willing to learn, ask questions, and take advantage of every training opportunity, as there are many. The more curiosity and enthusiasm you bring, the more you’ll get back. NIBRT is an ideal place to build strong technical foundations, understand GMP expectations, and gain the confidence needed to progress in the bioprocessing industry.

Interested in working at NIBRT? 

Visit our careers page, or contact careers@nibrt.ie