Randox proud to announce sponsorship of Engineering Technology Teachers’ Association conference in Donegal
Diagnostic engineering company, Randox Teoranta, has been officially announced as the main sponsor of the Engineering Technology Teachers’ Association (ETTA) conference. Randox Teoranta, based in Donegal’s coastal town Dungloe, is the global diagnostic company’s hub for world-leading engineering and life sciences in the west of Ireland.
Randox Teoranta’s sponsorship of the renowned ETTA awards comes as it aims to attract Ireland’s top engineers and scientists to join the team which is based in its next-generation life science, engineering, research and manufacturing centre in Donegal.
The company is recognised globally for its commitment to improving healthcare and technology, and in the past year alone scientists and engineers at Randox Teoranta 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. The team is currently working on cutting-edge research for key health issues including kidney disease, thyroid disease and gastrointestinal disorders.
ETTA is a voluntarily administered association which represents teachers of Engineering Technology and Metalwork. Its focus is to promote technology as an exciting career choice for young people, providing a National Engineering Awards programme for second level students. It works in conjunction with Engineers Ireland, third level colleges and the Department of Education to ensure the highest standards of Engineering Technology education.
In attendance on the launch evening in the Letterkenny Institute of Technology were Christina Mc Fadden, Breid Gallagher and Daniel Melly representing Randox Teoranta; Denis Mc Fadden and Jim Morrison from LYIT; and Dr. Martin Gormley, Director of Schools in Donegal ETB. There was also an excellent turnout from branch members on the night.
Chairperson of the Donegal Branch of the ETTA, Sean Mc Fadden said,
“We would like to acknowledge Randox Teoranta and express our sincere thanks on becoming the main sponsors for the ETTA National Conference 2017, bringing their wealth of knowledge, resources and expertise in the field of engineering to the table. Randox has been bringing high-end engineering employment to Donegal since it opened and are always enthusiastic to develop links with the Education sector here. The expansion of Randox Teoranta is an exciting prospect for many of our students with world-class engineering and technology now right on their doorstep.”
Christina Mc Fadden, Engineering Manager at Randox Teoranta said:
“We’re delighted to support these awards which honour the very best engineering students in Ireland. Randox’s success owes a great deal to our team of engineers who hold a prestigious MacRobert Award and are constantly driving new innovations that transform patients’ lives around the world. Since opening our R&D and manufacturing centre in Dungloe in 2010, we’ve provided unrivalled opportunities to mechanical, software and electrical engineers. We are committed to encouraging more people to see engineering as a viable career option, and then to ensure our very talented students are able to pursue outstanding careers here on this island.”
The ETTA Conference and Awards Ceremony will be hosted by Letterkenny Institute of Technology (LYIT) on Friday 17th and Saturday 18th November 2017.
For further information about the Randox Teoranta sponsorship of the ETTA Awards, please contact Randox PR by phoning 028 9445 1016 or emailing 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.
Ready, Set, Go: Randox Teoranta sponsors WAAR three years in a row
On Saturday 25th February, Ireland’s most famous adventurer, Jason Black, launched this year’s WAAR event, which is being sponsored for the third time by Randox Teoranta. The Wild Atlantic Adventure Race which takes place in the Banks, Mullaghdearg, Donegal, raises much needed funds for the ongoing developments at CLG Naomh Mhuire.
World renowned adventurer, Jason Black commented;
“The Wild Atlantic Adventure Race is a brilliant event – an incredible physical challenge in a stunning location. I’m delighted to be involved, and encourage people to become active and set themselves goals. Whether it be climbing Mount Everest or powering through the WAAR, there’s a personal satisfaction that you get from sport that is so unique. That people not just from Ireland but overseas take part as well says all you need to know about the quality of this adventure race.”
With an anticipated 500 plus competitors hoping to take part this year on the 13th May, the race will include a 42.5k cycle, a 2K hike, and a 1K kayak. Adding an extra challenge, this year’s run has been increased by 2.5K to 10K offering contenders a day packed full of activities.
Ciaran Richardson, Head of R&D at Randox Teoranta in Dungloe, who is looking forward to supporting the event for a third time said;
“We are delighted to sponsor the WAAR for a third consecutive year. The whole Donegal community looks forward to it and it’s a significant event promoting the importance of health, fitness and wellbeing. As a global diagnostics company we aim to revolutionise healthcare and WAAR gives us the perfect opportunity to spread our message of preventive health. We are looking forward to the event which is set to be a great success and hopefully we’ll be cheering on some of our own employees at the starting line again this year. “
WAAR committee member, Gavin Ó Dónaill, thanked Randox for their support and commented;
“We are thrilled that Randox Teoranta have been named the 2017 sponsors of WAAR. Without their sponsorship the event would not be possible. This year is set to be the biggest and best yet with an anticipated 500 plus competitors taking part. We have extended the distance of the run to 10K so there will be an added pressure to reach the finish line. We have also introduced a shorter sprint 39K Category to allow more newcomers to participate in WAAR.
At the launch we will also be interviewing local members of the community who have in recent years become more involved in fitness and exercise through walking, running and cycling and have now registered to take part in the event. This represents the true spirit of WAAR.”
Saturday’s event will also include a new element in the form of a nutritional workshop by husband and wife, Jenna Maltese and Tom Coleman, the founders of My Nutrition Ireland who will offer simple effective food guidance to all attendees on the day.
For more information about the WAAR please contact Randox PR on 028 9445 1016 or email RandoxPR@randox.com
Talented Teoranta: David McIntyre’s journey from the 2015 Open Morning to joining Team Randox
It’s not every day you get to have a cup of tea and a chat with someone who’s been involved in revolutionising the face of global health – that’s why we think our Open Mornings are so important.
Our next one is on Friday 23rd December at Randox Teoranta in Dungloe, Donegal – if you’re a scientist, engineer, software developer or software tester we’d love you to join us.
During our 2015 Open Morning, final year Engineering student David McIntyre came along to find out more, and was so inspired he left his CV. Now he’s part of our team. Read more to find out why.
Hi David, how did you start your career with Randox Teoranta?
I first came here on the Christmas Eve Open Morning 2015. I was home for the holidays, and as I was in my final year I was obviously thinking about where I would go after graduation. I already knew a few people who worked here and I’d heard it was doing some impressive things, but I wanted to see for myself what a €25m R&D facility looked like.
What was your first impression of the facilities here?
My first impression didn’t disappoint. It is a top class facility and is packed with the latest technology. You don’t see many companies as high end as this in Donegal- it’s really one of a kind. When I arrived I met Christina the Engineering Manager who gave me a tour of each of the departments. I was really pleased that I got to view the Randox Biochip as I’d heard a lot about it in the news, and I also get to walk about the manufacturing and engineering departments. I got to talk to some of the engineers and ask them questions, and see some of their design work which I was extremely impressed with. It gave me a good feel for the facility, because I could visualise myself here –where I’d be, and who I’d be working with. Everyone was very friendly which put me at ease straight away so I decided to submit my CV at the end of the tour.
How did you find the recruitment process?
As part of the recruitment process I was invited back for six weeks to undergo an assessment period which was a brilliant experience. It actually happened before University started back so it suited me perfectly.
At the end of the six weeks I was offered a full time positon which I was thrilled about. I was delighted that I was able to get a job in my own county and not have to commute long distances to work each day. Currently I live in to Kincasslagh, Belcruit, Co Donegal which is only 15 minutes from Dungloe.
What was the most challenging thing you faced during your first few months?
The most challenging thing that I faced in the beginning was getting used to how everything works. This was my first job related to my degree so I didn’t really know what to expect. It took a while to get used to procedures and dealing with documentation – with a global company there is a lot you have to get right!
I’m well settled in now and really enjoying my role here in Randox, especially working with our 3D printer. To be given the opportunity to work with a 3D printer is great, that’s really been the highlight of my year so far as it’s such a unique piece of equipment. I have had the opportunity to create gears and even bearings which has been really interesting. It’s such an impressive machine. We can design a part and print it the very same day. If you were going to do this via conventional methods you would need to create the drawings and send the drawings to a fabricator and then you would be waiting a week or so to get it back.
What advice do you have for anyone who is interested in engineering?
My advice to anyone who is interested in engineering or science is to definitely come along to the Open Morning 2016 and see what Randox Teoranta has to offer. It’s a fantastic facility in Donegal, in a beautiful location and you will get a good insight as to what goes on in a design and manufacturing facility.
This is something that you don’t really get the opportunity to do in college and it’s a chance to get some behind the scenes knowledge of what it’s really like to work as an engineer. Everyone who works here is very friendly so you can ask as many questions as you like. It worked out great for me – it could do for you too!
For more information about our Randox Teoranta Open Morning on Friday 23rd December please contact randoxpr@randox.com
Make sure to share on your social media platforms using the hashtag #TalentedTeoranta!
Senior R&D Scientist at Randox Teoranta in Dungloe, Dr Sarah Gildea, on her PhD in Equine Influenza Virus and what she loves the most about being home
Since the opening of Randox Teoranta back in 2010, our team of scientists, engineers and software developers has grown significantly.
Career opportunities at our state-of-the-art research, development and manufacturing centre is utilising the talented skill set of Donegal people and newcomers alike, while actively attracing the Donegal Diaspora back to the area.
Donegal graduates who are working away from home have the opportunity to return, or for those from further afield, they have the opportunity to experience the distinct Donegal lifestyle for the first time.
Senior R&D Scientist at Randox Teoranta in Dungloe, Dr Sarah Gildea, returned to her native Donegal to work in Randox Teoranta, after having worked in the Irish Equine Centre in Kildare. She chatted to us about her PhD in Equine Influenza Virus and what she loves the most about being home.
Hi Sarah, can you tell us a little bit about your background and where you started your career?
I’m originally from Ardara which is in the south west of Donegal and about half an hour away from Dungloe where Randox Teoranta is based. Once I graduated from the University of Limerick with a Bsc in Equine Science, I got a job in the Virology Unit of The Irish Equine Centre, which is in Kildare. I stayed there for 13 years and during that time I got the opportunity to complete my PhD in Equine Influenza Virus.
Why did you choose Randox Teoranta?
After travelling to Kildare each week I finally got the opportunity to return home to work last June when I was lucky enough to join the Randox Teoranta team here in Dungloe. Travelling to Kildare was beginning to take its toll on me – I wasn’t home until late Friday evening and then I was away again on Sunday so it was always a short trip home. Don’t get me wrong now, it’s great to travel and see different parts of the world that you wouldn’t get the opportunity to see otherwise, but being a bit of a home bird I had wanted to come home for a while. I never thought that I would get the opportunity to work at home in the field of science, especially veterinary science. So as you can imagine I was delighted when I heard that Randox was opening a new R&D site in Dungloe and was expanding their expertise to include a veterinary division. I thought it was such a rare opportunity to be given the chance to work in my area of expertise so close to where I grew up.
What’s the difference in terms of the facilities between Randox Teoranta and the Irish Equine Centre?
Coming from the Irish Equine Centre where I was involved in diagnosing diseases for race horse trainers and veteran surgeons from all around Ireland to Randox Teoranta where I am developing tests to supply the likes of Irish Equine Centre and like-minded companies had its advantages. I already had a broad knowledge of vet diagnostics and diseases but now instead of diagnosing diseases I am creating the innovative diagnostic tests that the Irish Equine Centre would use. It meant that I already had a good knowledge on the flaws of some of the current tests and my experience gave me a good insight for what’s important when developing new innovative diagnostic tests.
How important is it that companies like Randox invest in places like Dungloe?
By investing in science and engineering at Randox Teoranta I have not only been able to bring back my knowledge and experience to my home county, but also teach and educate those in the community who are interested in pursuing a career in science but don’t necessarily want to travel far from home. Randox Teoranta not only allows me to give back to the community but also make huge savings on travel expenses as I no longer have to commute long distances to work each day. But really the most important thing for me is being close to all my family and friends.
For more information about our Randox Teoranta Open Morning on Friday 23rd December please contact randoxpr@randox.com
Make sure to share on your social media platforms using the hashtag #TalentedTeoranta!
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
Dr. Peter FitzGerald honoured with Cathaoirleach’s Reception in County Donegal
Our Founder and Managing Director, Dr. Peter FitzGerald, was this week honoured at a special Cathaoirleach’s Reception in Dungloe, Co. Donegal.
The reception, which was held in the Dungloe Public Service Centre on Tuesday 7th June, was hosted by the Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council, Cllr Ciaran Brogan, to say thank you to Dr. FitzGerald for Randox’s job creation and investment in Randox Teoranta, Randox’s Donegal site.
Dr. FitzGerald established Randox Teoranta in Dungloe in 2008, as part of Randox’s global expansion plans. The facility currently employs around 100 people, with plans to increase this to 540 by 2020. Randox Teoranta is a highly innovative life-sciences, engineering, research and development and manufacturing centre playing a key role in realising Randox’s mission of improving clinical decision making worldwide.
Cllr Brogan said it was a great privilege for him to be in a position to honour Dr. FitzGerald with a special reception.
“Dr. FitzGerald’s accomplishments are immense, his contribution to the medical diagnostics sector, his commitment to continued research and development and his business acumen are testament to the work of a remarkable individual,” he said. “We are most grateful for his commitment to Dungloe and to County Donegal and to establishing a world class facility in our county, creating professional and highly skilled jobs in what is an exciting industry.
“Credit must also go to Údarás na Gaeltachta who have been strong supporters of this enterprise since it was established in Dungloe in 2008. Their ongoing commitment has seen Randox realise their vision of a world class research and manufacturing centre in Dungloe.
“By creating highly-skilled jobs, Randox now presents great opportunities for Donegal graduates living in other parts of the county and abroad to return to work in their own county.”
Dr. Peter FitzGerald, Founder and Managing Director of Randox, commented;
“I am incredibly grateful to Cllr. Ciaran Brogan, and to the team at Donegal County Council, for today’s event that recognises our commitment to County Donegal. Randox Teoranta in Dungloe is an integral part of our plans for Randox, a company committed to improving and saving lives through innovative diagnostics. Our scientists here are working on pioneering and life-saving research – world-class science that provides significant job opportunities for life scientists, engineers, software developers, and those in a range of associated manufacturing disciplines. We are excited by the potential of our Dungloe site in North West Donegal to transform the high value knowledge economy of the region.”
Also speaking at the event was Mr Seamus Neely, CEO, Donegal County Council CEO, Dr. Ciaran Richardson, Head of Randox Teoranta R&D, and Cllr. Marie Therese Gallagher, Donegal County Council.
Randox promotes Donegal to Diaspora in the US
Donegal will be promoted as a world-class place to live and do business, at a leading Irish-American event in Boston this week.
The annual conference of Irish Networks USA, which connects Irish associations in cities across the US in order to bolster business, cultural, and community links between the United States and Ireland, is taking place between 5th and 8th November.
Irish and Irish-American professionals living across the US will attend the event, to engage with the Irish diaspora and with key envoys from Irish businesses. Supported by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Ireland, those attending will have the opportunity to hear from speakers including the Irish Ambassador to the United States, Anne Anderson, and Mark Redmond, Chief Executive of the American Chamber of Commerce Ireland.
Additional backing for the event comes from Tourism Ireland and leading Donegal-based company, Randox Laboratories, which boasts facilities in Dungloe, as well as Co. Antrim and the Greater Washington DC area. Through reaching out to the Irish diaspora in the US, the company plans to promote the growing economy in Donegal through the creation of hundreds of new jobs over the next few years, as well as promote opportunities at the US facility near Washington DC.
The event kicks off on Thursday evening with a welcome gathering for those who have travelled to Boston from across the US, before the conference begins on Friday 6th November, where attendees will engage on a range of topics including global education, transatlantic business links, and the global Irish diaspora network. Delegates are then invited to celebrate the fifth anniversary of Irish Network Boston at the historic venue of Massachusetts Old State House.
Mark Campbell, Senior Manager at Randox Laboratories, is speaking at the conference:
“We are delighted to promote Donegal as a world-class destination for life-science professionals. Working with the diaspora network, we can get the message out there that Donegal has exciting career opportunities, great community networks and strong infrastructure, proving it to be a highly desirable place to work and live.
Additionally, as Randox expands its operations in the US, we are keen to promote our facility in the Greater Washington DC area where there will be increasing job opportunities over the next few months.”
Randox Teoranta ‘decks the halls’ as part of major recruitment drive
Global biotechnology firm Randox, is announcing that recruitment for the expansion of its facility in Dungloe is now underway. In October the company laid out its vision for Randox Teoranta, its cutting-edge life science and engineering centre, which included a major investment of €25m in the site and a jobs boost of almost 500 posts to be filled by 2020.
The first wave of recruitment for #Dungloe2020 has just begun, with the initial focus on electrical, mechanical and software engineers as Dr Peter FitzGerald, Randox MD explains:
“We are very pleased that the recruitment process is now open for the first of the #Dungloe2020 positions. At the moment, we are keen to hear from those in life sciences, medical device engineering and software; with a particular focus on Software developers and testers, embedded software engineers, those with backgrounds in mechanical design as well as electronic & electrical engineers.
Randox Teoranta is a next generation life-sciences and engineering research and manufacturing centre, the site of pioneering research into conditions impacting human health such as alzheimer’s and diseases of the kidneys and liver. We hope to encourage scientists and engineers returning for Christmas, to consider returning for good to pursue world class careers at home.”
Stiofán Ó Cualáin, CEO, Údarás na Gaeltachta, says they are backing the campaign:
“We are delighted to hear that Randox Teoranta is now commencing its recruitment campaign following the company’s recent announcement of its expansion plans at its facility in An Clochán Liath. Údarás na Gaeltachta, are pleased to be able support Randox Teo. in this recruitment drive. The people that will be employed in these new jobs will play an important role in the growth and continued development of Randox Teoranta. and we wish the company every success with their campaign.”
Randox Teoranta is holding a ‘drop-in’ morning, Wednesday 24th December during the hours of 0900-1200 for anyone interested in the career opportunities available. Representatives from the company will be happy to discuss the #Dungloe2020 expansion and recruitment.
For more information on the #Dungloe2020 positions advertised please visit randox.com or emailrecruitment@randoxteoranta.com
