Sterling Snapshot | Eoin Doyle, Process Expert

Eoin Doyle joined Sterling’s Cork site in October 2023 as a Process Expert. In his role, Eoin is responsible for production document preparation and process monitoring in new product introduction.

Can you tell me about your background?

I graduated from University College Cork with a degree in Process and Chemical Engineering. I then joined MSD Ireland at their Ballydine site where I spent over three years, two in the product development department. During this time I worked on technical transfers and new product introductions and gained an interest in pharmaceutical commercialisation. In 2023 I saw the advert for the Process Expert role at the Cork site, which had just been acquired by Sterling. The transformation of this site into a CDMO appealed to me due to the opportunity to work on a range of new projects and contribute to the future of the site.

What does your role as Process Expert involve?

There is usually a lot of variation in my role, but fundamentally the role oversees the technical execution of the API processes on plant. The role involves document preparation, monitoring the processes, and responding to any issues. Safety and quality are top priorities along with yield, cycle time, and process performance. I also collaborate with different departments across the site, such as engineering who help us get the equipment ready, and the manufacturing, science and technology team who are the chemistry experts behind the process.

Can you tell us about any exciting projects you have worked on?

When the Cork site was acquired by Sterling, I was involved in the first new product introduction project in the facility. The site has done new product introduction in the past, but a new product under Sterling ownership was a very different and interesting challenge. Personally, it was a very steep learning curve as I had only been on site for around three months, so I was still getting used to the new systems. I really enjoyed this project because it allowed me to work with and get to know many new people on site.

How does your role support our customers?

As a Process Expert, I work quite closely with the technical people on the customer side of the process to make sure what we are doing meets their expectations. We work closely with the NPI managers and partnership management team when interacting with customers, especially when the relationship is new and developing. It’s all about managing the customers’ needs effectively and building a solid partnership so that the customer will trust us to take on their product.

Do you work with any of our other facilities?

I have a lot of communication with the process experts and process engineers at the Cramlington site, which I find is helpful to be able to brainstorm and bounce ideas off people in the same role, within the same organisation. As mentioned before, I also work with various partnership managers depending on which product process I am involved in at the time.

What is your favourite part about working at the Ringaskiddy site?

My favourite part is the interaction and collaboration with colleagues. My favourite days are always those spent problem solving and talking through issues with people from different departments. I really enjoy the mix of social interaction and technically interesting content. I have only worked here for a year and have already been trusted with a lot of responsibility. I enjoy the confidence the site has in people’s skills and knowing I can prove myself and deliver these projects creates a very satisfying work life.