Regeneron Limerick

c.p.w.g.w

Hey,

Just looking for anyone who works in Regeneron who might be able to tell me...

What sort of shift pattern/cycle do they run with regards the production line?

fryup

so would i...............anyone?

Berty

Have a rummage down through Glassdoor about Regeneron and see is the answer in there, definitely references to hours so maybe you can both find more:

https://www.glassdoor.ie/Reviews/Regeneron-Pharmaceuticals-Reviews-E981.htm

Mick McCarthys Baby

Anyone know what it’s like to work here as a BPS ? Shift patterns etc ? Few mixed reviews on the glassdoor site

Thargor

The shift pattern is alternating days and nights 7-7, kind of like this:

https://www.bmscentral.com/learn-employee-scheduling/2-2-3-2-2-3-rotating-shift/

You have a long week and a short week alternating, 12 hour shifts, 7-7, so 2 nights on, 2 days off, 2 days on 3 days off. It will make more sense when you do it. Basically a 3 day weekend every 2 weeks and you're never more than a couple of shifts away from 2-3 days off so loads of free time.

The work is grand, you're busy but well trained, it's repetitive but they're very fair and everyone is sound, time flies in there. Great money, 33% shift premium, overtime if you want it, free breakfast, free lunch every day, good breaks, good pension, stock options, bonuses etc, it's about as good as you could hope for, huge opportunity for advancement aswell, once you have a bit of experience you'll be promoted.

fryup

Mick McCarthys Baby wrote: »

Anyone know what it’s like to work here as a BPS ?

and whats that?

AnonZen

Biotech Production Specialist

Vinnie222

Thargor wrote: »

The shift pattern is alternating days and nights 7-7, kind of like this:

https://www.bmscentral.com/learn-employee-scheduling/2-2-3-2-2-3-rotating-shift/

You have a long week and a short week alternating, 12 hour shifts, 7-7, so 2 nights on, 2 days off, 2 days on 3 days off. It will make more sense when you do it. Basically a 3 day weekend every 2 weeks and you're never more than a couple of shifts away from 2-3 days off so loads of free time.

The work is grand, you're busy but well trained, it's repetitive but they're very fair and everyone is sound, time flies in there. Great money, 33% shift premium, overtime if you want it, free breakfast, free lunch every day, good breaks, good pension, stock options, bonuses etc, it's about as good as you could hope for, huge opportunity for advancement aswell, once you have a bit of experience you'll be promoted.

I presume the 1st phone interview is just basic hr questions

Thargor

Yeah as generic as it gets what motivates you type stuff, emphasise your love of science and working as a team, they're big into that, say you like them because of their emphasis on the science, founded by scientists etc, see the website and you'll understand. Also stick to procedure always no exceptions, they're huge into that. Skype interviews these days obviously. I think the first one was phone.

90% of new starts have feck all experience so don't worry about that.

Vinnie222

Thargor wrote: »

Yeah as generic as it gets what motivates you type stuff, emphasise your love of science and working as a team, they're big into that, say you like them because of their emphasis on the science, founded by scientists etc, see the website and you'll understand. Also stick to procedure always no exceptions, they're huge into that. Skype interviews these days obviously. I think the first one was phone.

90% of new starts have feck all experience so don't worry about that.

Thanks. Phone interview next Thursday

fryup

compared to vistakon, what's it like?? anyone know?

Thargor

fryup wrote: »

compared to vistakon, what's it like?? anyone know?

In my experience the place is full of people who moved from Vistakon for the higher wages but I don't know anything about them, nobody seems to regret moving anyway.

Thargor

Vinnie222 wrote: »

Thanks. Phone interview next Thursday

The phone interview will be casual not technical just filtering out time wasters, just talk about your qualifications and experience and the generic what motivates you stuff and how much you love science and teamwork, you prefer shift work to 9 to 5, no issues with night shifts or overtime if needed, what do you know about Regeneron etc, get the companies history and a few current products from the website and wiki. Eylea for macular degeneration was the big breakthrough product for them back in the day, Dupilumab for ezcema is the current big money maker, mention the recent approvals and the exciting looking product pipeline, covid drug etc to show you did your research. Be able to answer what you think your career path would look like, you'd like to be a team lead or supervisor some day maybe.

I don't think I got asked many technical questions tbh, just know it's all bioreactors so know your stuff about them, what they are and what they do, expressing proteins in ecoli and other recombinant systems, monitoring pH and O2 levels, taking samples, making up media and feeds for the reactors, aseptic technique very important always, emphasise that. Maybe read a bit about different gowning levels in cleanrooms, they won't go into much depth anyway, that will cover you aswell if they ask what you expect your day to look like.

Another common question is what would you do if you saw someone doing something wrong, be pretty hard on that they are strict in there, always correct people and if it's serious escalate to supervisor straight away. I can't really think of anything else, best of luck with it.

That's all for bps by the way, QC might be different.

Vinnie222

Thargor wrote: »

The phone interview will be casual not technical just filtering out time wasters, just talk about your qualifications and experience and the generic what motivates you stuff and how much you love science and teamwork, you prefer shift work to 9 to 5, no issues with night shifts or overtime if needed, what do you know about Regeneron etc, get the companies history and a few current products from the website and wiki. Eylea for macular degeneration was the big breakthrough product for them back in the day, Dupilumab for ezcema is the current big money maker, mention the recent approvals and the exciting looking product pipeline, covid drug etc to show you did your research. Be able to answer what you think your career path would look like, you'd like to be a team lead or supervisor some day maybe.

I don't think I got asked many technical questions tbh, just know it's all bioreactors so know your stuff about them, what they are and what they do, expressing proteins in ecoli and other recombinant systems, monitoring pH and O2 levels, taking samples, making up media and feeds for the reactors, aseptic technique very important always, emphasise that. Maybe read a bit about different gowning levels in cleanrooms, they won't go into much depth anyway, that will cover you aswell if they ask what you expect your day to look like.

Another common question is what would you do if you saw someone doing something wrong, be pretty hard on that they are strict in there, always correct people and if it's serious escalate to supervisor straight away. I can't really think of anything else, best of luck with it.

That's all for bps by the way, QC might be different.

That's fantastic. Thanks for the information

Thargor

Tbh I should have said its all bioreactors in upstream, you could just as easily be a placed downstream, which is all filtration and purification of whats harvested from the bioreactors into the final product. Have a read of upstream and downstream processing aswell and you'll be well covered, they dont go into much technical detail.

User142

For the first interview having a solid reason which demonstrates your desire to live in Limerick long term would be advisable. If you currently don't live there that is.

Thargor

User142 wrote: »

For the first interview having a solid reason which demonstrates your desire to live in Limerick long term would be advisable. If you currently don't live there that is.

Lol yeah Why Limerick will be the hardest question in the interview

fryup

what do they make/produce ?

Mick McCarthys Baby

Vinnie222 wrote: »

Thanks. Phone interview next Thursday

Had this phone interview and then followed by 2 x 30 Skype interviews . Very nice people , thought it went well . Was told I would hear back within 2 weeks and sent a follow up email to HR. It has been over 5 weeks and still no update unfortunately . Will try again if it comes up

Thargor

It's not unusual to wait months for the reply in there, they do hirings in the batches of it slows things way down, if you haven't heard from them yet you're still in the process.

Mick McCarthys Baby

Thargor wrote: »

It's not unusual to wait months for the reply in there, they do hirings in the batches of it slows things way down, if you haven't heard from them yet you're still in the process.

Thank you for your reply Thargor . I will keep the faith so

Monkey222

How long did you have to wait to get a phone interview? My application has been under review for 2 weeks now and i had hoped i would at least get an interview, but havent heard anything yet.

Mick McCarthys Baby

Monkey222 wrote: »

How long did you have to wait to get a phone interview? My application has been under review for 2 weeks now and i had hoped i would at least get an interview, but havent heard anything yet.

It was 2-3 weeks after I applied when they got in touch for the phone interview

Monkey222

Mick McCarthys Baby wrote: »

It was 2-3 weeks after I applied when they got in touch for the phone interview

Did you get the position in the end?

Monkey222

Mick McCarthys Baby wrote: »

It was 2-3 weeks after I applied when they got in touch for the phone interview

I assume they contact you through email to schedule the phone interview?

VE2021

Wages lads what are the wages?

Clareman

VE2021 wrote: »

Wages lads what are the wages?

Glassdoor is usually the best place to get details like that

https://www.glassdoor.ie/Salary/Regeneron-Pharmaceuticals-Limerick-Salaries-EI_IE981.0,25_IL.26,34_IM1047.htm

Mick McCarthys Baby

Monkey222 wrote: »

I assume they contact you through email to schedule the phone interview?

I missed a call from them but they followed up with email then

VE2021

They only give averages, I don't want the averages I want the hard facts, case by case

Monkey222

VE2021 wrote: »

They only give averages, I don't want the averages I want the hard facts, case by case

I've been told it's 34k before shift bonus and allowance

Mick McCarthys Baby

Monkey222 wrote: »

Did you get the position in the end?

No ( well not yet anyways but it’s coming up to 2 months ) Haven’t got any feedback unfortunately

Monkey222

Mick McCarthys Baby wrote: »

No ( well not yet anyways but it’s coming up to 2 months ) Haven’t got any feedback unfortunately

It's crazy how long the hiring process is dragged out

Limerick Native

I have heard mixed feedback on the place, jury is still out for me .

Session2019!

I have previously worked there, hard to say if I recommend it or not. It's a busy place and work load is high and so are expectations. Big into image and job titles. Managers and supervisors think they are Kings and Queens and in reality are promoted early to avoid people leaving. Some absolute idiots in some cases.

In the end I left as I was being pushed into an area I didn't want to work in by being given a promotion disguised as a great development opportunity. There career development can be classed as a joke as times.

On the salary side, there not great. They pay just in or below average. My next job came with a 12k increase.

This is just my opinion, some people love it there. The work force is quite young so can be fun if you find the right gang.

Mango Joe

Mick McCarthys Baby wrote: »

No ( well not yet anyways but it’s coming up to 2 months ) Haven’t got any feedback unfortunately

Monkey222 wrote: »

It's crazy how long the hiring process is dragged out

It's odd to hear this because Regeneron used to be famous for having the below hiring method:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_jCF3ZduDUQ

Seriously though - HR Departments who cannot conduct their business without leaving people on tenterhooks for weeks on end through their typical laziness, apathy and inefficiency are a real pet hate of mine....

I sincerely hope it goes your way Monkey.

VE2021

is it better than vistakon

Monkey222

Thanks mango me too, you working there yourself?

Limerick Native

Is it an exciting and collaborative work place ?

Monkey222

Anyone know how long after a medical you can wait to get a start date with Regeneron?

Dundee123

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/116622645#Comment_116622645

Hey Thargor,

Thanks for sharing this info

I'd like to work in Regeneron and possibly on the manufacturing side. I've no experience of pharma work though.

• Would you have any feedback on how I should approach applying for jobs. Apply directly or through a recruiter?
• Also, I'm assuming I'd need to do some upskilling courses. Are there courses you'd recommend?

Many thanks

Thargor

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118216855#Comment_118216855

Well what's your current skillset/qualifications? Any science degree will cover you, you'll be trained from scratch even if it's not Biotech related, I know a few with very random qualifications like sports nutrition or that kind of thing, do a one year Springboard course if you have no scientific background, they're desperate for staff at the moment getting worse every day so big up any qualification you have and be all enthusiastic about working here and you'll be in with a good shot but a science qualification is pretty much required.

The jobs are up on most job sites and the main website:

https://ie.indeed.com/Regeneron-jobs-in-Limerick,-County-Limerick

Biotech Production Specialist is the main job people go for here, there are hundreds of them, but it's good to be able to say you've applied for other roles aswell they seem to like that so go for a few.

If you're really unqualified you could go for the Manufacturing Support roles in that list, you do see people doing 12-18 months of that then being made into BPSs after that if they're not fcuk ups, a few have gone that route, it's low skill moving stuff around and cleaning equipment but it's better money than a lot of jobs from what I hear and you'll be a shoe in for other roles after it especially if you upskill during it.

They are desperate for staff at the moment with all the young ones finishing their contracts after the big intake last year so there's never been a better time to try. Good luck.

Dundee123

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118218734#Comment_118218734

Thanks very much for that feedback Thargor, that's very helpful...

I've a mixed bag of experience. I've a Civil Engineering degree with 10 years experience and a Masters in business with 5 years experience, so a strong skill set but none that would complement the majority of job specs for Regeneron. I'm looking for stability like a lot of others... I'm thinking I will most likely need to look at entry level positions.

Do they take on folks contact only (I'm seeing a lot of 12-18month contract positions) or are there opportunities to get permanent positions from the get go?

Also, I see when you select the role and salary it gives the average salary. For example €40k/year... Are there opportunities for overtime ect?

Thargor

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118220384#Comment_118220384

If you worked in a place like Regeneron before you'll get a full time position, if it's your first time you'll have to do a contract, most places in Ireland are like this. It's not like other places that string people along with endless contracts though, if you're good at the job you'll do a quick interview at the end and then you're full time. They're begging people to stay on at the minute.

Unlimited opportunities for overtime, begging emails every week for it practically.

Id say looking at your experience your choices are go for entry level and work up or do a one year springboard or conversion course into science and start as a BPS, you'll be doing a contract either way. Thats for the science roles BTW maybe you can get a good job in the offices with that experience, I'm not too sure.

And forget about the 40k, it's 33% shift allowance with bonuses and other stuff, you'll be a lot higher than that whatever role you get...

Dundee123

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118224140#Comment_118224140

Fair play to you Thargor, that gives me a good lie of the land... I'll start submitting some applications and see where it takes me.. thanks again for your help... :-)

Colly1986

Hi folks, 

Just passed my medical for Regeneron, expecting a job offer soon with a bit of luck!

So, does anyone have any info what its like to work there at the moment and what kind of perks come with the job? 

I have heard that they sometimes offer a signing on bonus, any truth in this? 

Cheers :)

GiantPencil

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118697564#Comment_118697564

Haven't heard of people getting signing bonuses. Unless the role you landed is a high position and you've a justification for getting a signing bonus like RSUs in your previous companies that you will lose out on etc. then you probably wouldn't be offered a signing bonus I would think but happy to be corrected on this

Thargor

Nah no signing bonuses for the positions discussed in this thread, not a hope.

juneg

Does anyone know if it is possible to get any summer work for a college student please in Regeneron?

Thanks for reading.

Thargor

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118984678#Comment_118984678

Contact them on the website, all that stuff got cancelled because of covid a couple of years ago but it's all restrictions lifted now.

Wedalco200

Hi I know this is an old thread. But I'm just wondering how long after a medical do you generally hear back? I did one 5 or 6 weeks ago and all went well. Is it normal to wait this long or should I give up!? Cheers..

c.p.w.g.w

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119762803#Comment_119762803

Know of two separate lads, who left my current place for regenoreon...

Lad A, medical and started 3 weeks later

Lad B, medical and started 10 weeks later

Both same job, not quite the lowest rung in there