Randox unveils returners programme to bring more talented professionals back into the workplace
Global diagnostics manufacturer Randox has launched an initiative to help bring more talented women and men back into the workforce.
Randox Returners has been developed to support professionals who have had a career break for three years or more. The six-month paid scheme gives people the chance to transition back into a working environment without the pressure of taking on a permanent role. Returners will be given the opportunity to work on real-time projects, upgrade their skills and increase their confidence.
Successful candidates will embark on a six-month programme, where they will go through a comprehensive week-long induction and be assigned a personal mentor. As well as the chance of flexible working where possible, there is also the opportunity for the position to become permanent at the end of the scheme.
Linda Magee, Global Head of HR at Randox, said:
“With a returner scheme like this, everyone benefits. In order for us to continually develop and innovate, we need to build teams with ambitious, skilled and dedicated people; and we know there are talented people outside the workforce who want to come back. STEM industries in particular lose highly skilled women, and when you consider this is then combined with an under-representation of women to begin with, it’s clear that action is needed.
“Traditional recruitment methods can be a barrier, with misinformed perceptions about career breaks. We want to challenge this, because we know people can gain new, valuable skills during time away from traditional work. We hope that by offering this programme we’ll appeal to these motivated and experienced people.
“We also want to make sure that once they’ve taken that first step, the experience of being back in work is a positive one. That’s why we’ll provide an extended induction, select a mentor and offer opportunities to improve people’s skills and boost their confidence. It matters to us that our teams succeed, because we depend on them.”
Randox Financial Accountant Michelle Bradley returned to work after a ten-year break to bring up her children.
“Coming back to work after being away for so long was really daunting: the first job I applied for was a much lesser role than ones I had done previously. What impressed me about Randox initially was that they didn’t put me in that role, because there was a role for a more experienced person coming up. When I interviewed for that a month later, I was delighted to get it.
“It was an enormous help to have a mentor, even though it wasn’t an official role then. Bob was very friendly and supportive as I learned a new accounting programme, and that meant my confidence grew quickly. When I needed help to juggle family responsibilities I found Randox understood that, and I’ve now been here over three years.”
Maureen O’Reilly, NI Chamber of Commerce Economist said:
“We are very pleased to welcome the Randox Returners initiative. It is great to see such a positive and practical initiative from the private sector and particularly one focused on encouraging more highly-skilled people back into the workforce.
“I can’t stress how critical this is for an economy like Northern Ireland. We have the highest economic inactivity rate across the UK regions – around 1 in 4 people who could work in Northern Ireland don’t, around 27% in NI compared to around 18% in the south of England.
“Businesses here are currently facing a skills shortage when recruiting for all types of positions, particularly at the senior end of the scale. A CV gap shouldn’t mean the end of the career. Employers are now having to be more flexible, and should recognise that returners can contribute significantly to society and the economy.”
For further information on the Randox Returners programme please visit www.randox.com/randox-returners
Alternatively you can contact Randox PR on 028 9442 2413 or email RandoxPR@randox.com
Randox teams up with top influencers and schools across NI to break barriers with their STEM initiative
Over 50 students from Northern Ireland are gearing up to take part in the first annual ‘STEM Challenge’ hosted at the Randox Science Park. The event, held on International Women in Engineering Day, will round off a week in which the global diagnostics company will unveil a number of initiatives to celebrate and promote women in STEM.
The ‘STEM Challenge’ is aimed at tackling the gender divide and skills gap in the science, technology, engineering and maths industry. On average in the UK women make up just 9% of the engineering workforce. Though Randox is bucking the trend with almost 16% of female engineers, it is still keen to challenge itself to encourage more women to view it as a viable career option.
The week kicks off with the launch of a returnership scheme which is being supported by the NI Chamber of Commerce. This was inspired by the experiences of staff members who returned to work after a career break, and meets a growing demand for a modern approach to recruitment. It will challenge society’s misconceptions surrounding career breaks and support both men and women in restarting their careers. As well as supporting individuals, a UK Government report found that increasing the number of women in work by just five per cent could create £750m extra in tax revenue.
Tackling the gender divide from the opposite end of the career ladder will be the focus at the end of the week. Pupils in Years 10 and 11 from the Belfast Model School for Girls and Victoria College will join R&D scientists and engineers at the new state-of-the-art Randox Science Park for a day of interactive sessions and talks to coincide with International Women in Engineering Day, 23rd June.
Welcoming the students and giving the first talk will be the renowned Máire O’Neill. The Professor of Information Security at Queen’s University Belfast and one-time British Female Inventor of the Year is an inspiring role model and passionate advocate for promoting STEM careers to girls.
The company is also hosting an evening to celebrating local role models in its flagship Randox Health clinic in Holywood. Guests will hear from Dorcas Crawford, senior partner at Edwards & Co., and Johann Muldoon, recently named Best Female Architect in Europe. Both women are recognised for their commitment to equality across industry and their own personal achievements in their fields.
Linda Magee, Global Head of HR for Randox said:
“This promises to be a tremendous week but more than that, it has the potential to have long-lasting benefits. We are pleased to be supported by so many inspiring women as well as the NI Chamber of Commerce.
“Randox is an important employer in the UK and also in Donegal. With our expansion plans comes a need to recruit the very best and brightest people. We hope that our schemes and initiatives will engage young people as well as those who are thinking about returning to work.”
For further information contact Randox PR on 028 9445 1016 or email RandoxPR@randox.com
Careers at Randox Teoranta
World-leading science is happening in Donegal.
It's happening at Randox Teoranta
Tá eolaíocht cheannródaíoch ag tarlú i nDún na nGall.
Tá sé ag tarlú in Randox Teoranta.
Our talented team is growing and we have job opportunities available in:
Randox has invested heavily in developing its facilities in Dungloe, Donegal into a next-generation life science, engineering, research and manufacturing centre. In the past year alone the team have developed a revolutionary test for Alzheimer’s disease, designed drug testing software to be used by police officers in criminal investigations, and engineered new technologies with the ability to detect disease and save lives. This year our team continue to work on cutting-edge research for key health issues including kidney disease, thyroid disease and gastrointestinal disorders.
One of the draws for me when making the decision to move from India to Donegal was knowing that I would be able to experience such a unique lifestyle – working on world-leading science whilst also enjoying the benefits of living in an area of outstanding natural beauty. I don’t think there are many places where you can work on research into Alzheimer’s disease one day, and the next climb to the top of a mountain to witness a view as awe-inspiring as the one from the top of Slieve League. It truly is a great place to work.
I returned to Donegal after having worked in the Irish Equine Centre in Kildare for thirteen years. I now work in Randox’s veterinary diagnostics division – I’m delighted to have been able to find work in my area of expertise so close to where I grew up, and for a company as prestigious as the sponsor of the world-famous Randox Health Grand National. It’s great that Randox is providing highly-skilled jobs for people like me, and we also offer student and graduate placements so our team is a great mix of ages, experiences and interests.
I studied at LYIT as a mature student, graduated in 2013, and started work in Randox Teoranta in September that same year. I was delighted to find such fantastic work in Donegal – I live in Letterkenny so it’s only a short journey to Dungloe. I’m able to take part in lots of social activities with my family and friends, including school events and music festivals, and we always look forward to the annual Wild Atlantic Adventure Race and The Mary from Dungloe Festival, which are both sponsored by Randox Teoranta.
I first came to Randox Teoranta as a motivated final year engineering student searching for the perfect place to begin my career, and my first impression didn’t disappoint. It’s a top class facility and is packed with the latest technology. I work alongside scientists and engineers who are the best in the business – working on the development of tests for the early diagnosis of kidney and liver disease for example. Here in Randox Teoranta we develop diagnostic products that save lives, and I’m so proud to be a part of it.
I did a Biology degree in Italy and then spent three years at Trinity College Dublin completing a PhD in Biochemistry and Immunology. I heard about Randox in 2015 when I was working on a blood cancer immunological assay. I liked the sound of working in a company that had such a global impact – an incredible 5% of the world’s population, which is over 370 million people, receive diagnosis using our products. It is a real privilege that in my job I am able to meet and work with other world-leading scientists from all over the globe.
We Are Randox | Randox QUB and UU placement students making their mark on global healthcare
A female scientist who has been working on the development of a test that diagnoses sepsis is one of the award-winning students in this year’s university placement scheme with Randox Laboratories.
The breakthrough sepsis test is being created by the Randox Molecular Diagnostics team, which Sarah-Louise Morrow from Belfast joined in September. Her innovative work saw her win third place in the Science category at the company’s annual Pinnacle Placement Awards.
Sarah-Louise, a Biochemistry student from Queen’s University Belfast (QUB), said:
“Sepsis is known as the ‘silent killer’, and the faster you can diagnose it the better for the patient. It was so inspiring working with a team here at Randox who are making such valuable contributions to global health and I couldn’t be happier that something I’ve worked on could save lives in the future.”
Now in its 26th year, the Randox placement programme is recognised internationally for providing world-class opportunities for students and graduates – one of the core reasons that the global diagnostics company was established in 1982. Thirty years on, its founder Dr Peter FitzGerald remains as committed as ever to championing new talent and driving innovation.
Between them, this year’s Randox placement students have spearheaded a number of new designs and projects which are being implemented across the company.
Catherine McCooke, a QUB Electrical and Electronic Engineering student designed a new UV radiation exposure detection mechanism; Shannon McKee, a Business Studies student at Ulster University, conducted highly advantageous market research into emerging markets such as Jamaica and Puerto Rico; and Katie Lawther, a QUB Microbiology student introduced a new cellular tissue storage and tracking system.
The title of Randox Placement Student of the Year 2017 went to Robin Walsh, a QUB student from Lisburn who developed a new chemiluminescence signal reagent which is currently being validated and will be shortly released for production.
The 22 year old’s new product delivers significantly positive effects on the chemistry testing carried out by the Randox New Technology team. It increases test output by a factor of three, saving costs and time which ultimately enables the faster delivery of results for patients.
On receiving his award Robin, who studies Chemical Engineering, said;
“The Randox Placement Programme has far exceeded my expectations. My manager and everyone else in my team have been so supportive and encouraging. I worked on high-level projects I wouldn’t have dreamed possible for a placement student to be involved with. I have gained so much experience during my time as I have been able to translate what I’ve learnt in university into a true working environment. I’ve no doubt this experience will set me apart from the competition in the future.”
Congratulating Robin and his fellow placement students, Jolene Jamison, Randox Placement Co-Ordinator said;
“Taking part in a meaningful placement scheme is one of the most important things a student can do. The young people who are selected to join our programme are given the opportunity to carry out ground-breaking research and development, often working with pioneering technologies that are exported globally.
“The scheme is highly valued by the company so it’s important to take time at its end to celebrate our students. We’re very proud of them all – their contributions are going to make a real difference to global health.”
For the first time two of the Randox Placement award winners were selected from the APEX scheme that Randox runs with UU and QUB. This innovative scheme, which enables applicants to submit “video CVS” on social media to showcase their own personalities, includes paid, full-time summer work experience after a student’s first year of studies, a year-long placement, and a full-time job offer upon graduating, should they obtain a 2:1 or above.
Catherine McCooke who won the overall prize in Engineering said:
“After winning a place through the APEX scheme, being awarded the top prize in Engineering at Randox is unbelievable. It’s particularly important to me because I feel very passionately that women should see that there are no barriers to succeeding as an engineer. I’ve worked incredibly hard with some inspiring people, and have felt respected and valued every step of the way.”
The incoming 2017 summer work experience marks the highest intake of APEX students in Randox so far. Anyone interested in applying for the 2018-19 scheme should email recruitment@randox.com.
The top students in the Randox Pinnacle Placement Awards 2017 were:
Science Category
Robin Walsh, Queen’s University Chemical Engineering – New Technology Evaluation Chemistry Team at Randox
Katie Lawther, Queen’s University Microbiology – Monoclonal Development Team at Randox
Sarah-Louise Morrow, Queen’s University Biochemistry – Molecular Diagnostics Team at Randox
Engineering Category
Catherine McCooke, Queen’s University Electrical and Electronic Engineering – R&D Engineering Team at Randox
Ruairi Laverty, Queen’s University Mechanical Engineering – R&D Engineering Team at Randox
Adam Fawcett, The Ulster University Electronic Engineering – Engineering Team at Randox
Business Category
Shannon McKee, The Ulster University Business – Regional Sales Team at Randox
Martin Conway, The Ulster University Marketing – Marketing Team at Randox
Alastair McIlveen, Queen’s University Computer Science – IT Team at Randox
Make sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram to stay up-to-date with the hashtag #WeAreRandox for more Randox staff stories.
For more information about the #WeAreRandox initiative please contact Randox PR by email: randoxpr@randox.com or phone 028 9442 2413
Visit the Randox Teoranta Open Morning to find out what you will do in 2017
This Christmas we are issuing a challenge to life scientists, engineers, software developers and software testers.
As we celebrate the achievements of our team at Randox Teoranta in Dungloe, Donegal during 2016, we are asking potential employees, “What will you do in 2017?”
Our team of scientists, engineers, software developers and software testers at Randox Teoranta work in state-of-the-art facilities on pioneering research, developing innovative and revolutionary technologies that save lives, through earlier and more accurate diagnosis.
In 2016:
- Tara’s scientific team developed a revolutionary test for Alzheimer’s disease.
- Darren engineered new technologies with the ability to detect disease and save lives.
- Maryrose’s team designed drugs testing software to be used by police officers in criminal investigations.
And in 2017 our team will continue to work on cutting-edge research for key health issues including kidney disease, thyroid disease and gastro intestinal disorders.
What will you do in 2017?
If you want to truly make a difference to global healthcare in a team of the best and brightest scientists, engineers, software developers and testers then join us at the Randox Teoranta Open Morning on Friday 23rd December.
Our world-class research, development and manufacturing site in Dungloe offers unrivalled opportunities for graduates and those with industrial experience within:
- Life Sciences
- Mechanical, Embedded and Medical Device Engineering
- Diagnostics
- Software Development and Software Testing
Ciaran Richardson, Head of R&D at Randox Teoranta, commented;
“Our investment in this facility provides highly-skilled job opportunities for life scientists, engineers and software developers, and with such fantastic career opportunities available there’s real room to establish a world-class career in the thriving biotechnology industry.
“The transformative work we’re doing here in our next-generation science and engineering facility is truly ground-breaking so for those who want an unrivalled, challenging and rewarding career, they need look no further than Randox Teoranta.”
On our Open Morning you will have the opportunity to meet with current Randox members of staff, take a tour of our ultra-modern facilities and ask all the questions you’ve ever wanted to know about Randox Teoranta.
We look forward to seeing you there.
Randox Teoranta Open Morning
Friday 23rd December
09:00 – 11:30
Address: Randox Teoranta, Meenmore, Dungloe, Co. Donegal.
Tel: +353 7495 22600
Email: randoxpr@randox.com
Randox welcomes record number of people to its student placement and graduate programme
71 people including scientists, engineers and IT specialists, from across the UK and Europe are taking the first steps in their Randox careers this week, as the company celebrates a record intake to its student placements and graduate programmes.
Now in its 26th year of providing student placements and 6th year for graduate programmes, Randox is recognised internationally for providing world-class opportunities for students and graduates – one of the core reasons that the global diagnostics company was established in 1982. Thirty years on, its founder Dr Peter FitzGerald remains as committed as ever to championing new talent and driving innovation.
Nadine McKerrow, who graduated this summer with a 2.1 in Biomedical Science from Ulster University, said,
“It’s always been my ambition to work for Randox because of the value it puts into R&D which is my speciality. Not only does it invest 16% of turnover into it – which is something very few companies do, but it’s also building the Randox Science Park which will house pioneering R&D labs. The research we do is going to make an incredible difference to saving lives and improving health, and I’m very proud to be part of the team.”
One of a number of people who have moved to Northern Ireland to take up a placement post is Ross Moir, a Chemistry student from the University of Edinburgh. He said,
“When I go into the lab, I am working beside people who came up with the test that detects Alzheimer’s – it’s incredibly inspirational. I’m not standing on the side-lines either – I’m getting right into the nitty-gritty of the work here. On-the-job experience with a company that is right now developing more new tests than any other diagnostics company in the world is an amazing opportunity.”
Randox founder Dr Peter FitzGerald said,
“I am pleased to welcome these ambitious and bright young people from across the UK and Europe to join the Randox team; they are key to continuing our success. It is no exaggeration to say that during the course of their careers many of them, through their innovative work in diagnostics within the labs at Randox, will save lives. The importance of supporting STEM students has never been so important, a fact recognised by business and political leaders across the world, and here at Randox we are delighted to be playing a significant part in that.”
University students across a range of disciplines take part in a 50-week placement with Randox. They gain invaluable experience in fields ranging from Business and Marketing to Biological and Life Sciences, Graphic Design to Mathematics and Physics, and Engineering to Computer Technology. At the end of their placements, subject to attaining a 2.1 degree or above, students are offered a full-time position in their chosen field.
Graduates enter a two-year programme, which is divided into a series of six-month placements, designed to provide a valuable insight into a variety of roles and departments. Many of the successful graduates who join Randox in full-time positions after this have progressed to attain senior positions within the Company.
