2024 HPRA Graduate Programme

Accomplish, achieve, and learn in a supportive environment while contributing to the protection of public and animal health

Applications for the 2024 HPRA Graduate Programme opened on 4 September 2023.

The HPRA Graduate Programme consists of two streams. Graduates will gain insight and exposure to different departments, encouraging the development and enhancement of multiple competencies.

The transition from academic life to a work environment can be challenging, The graduate programme employs a three-tier support network to support graduates in the shape of; managers, buddies and fellow graduates.

The allocation of meaningful experience and challenging work is a key pillar supporting the programme. Graduates will be assigned projects over the course of the programme, with the development of both technical and soft skills central to the programme.

Role profiles

Stream 1 - Medical Devices

The medical devices stream runs for 12 months and consists of two, six-month rotations.

1. Assessment and surveillance

   Here you will learn what is needed to place a device on the market and maintain a product through its lifecycle and how to define and classify a medical device.

2. Regulatory and policy

   Here you will learn about the application of legal requirements for medical devices and the structure and objectives of regulatory systems.

Stream 2 - Medicines on our Market

The medicines on our market stream runs for 12 months and consists of three, four-month rotations.

1. Vigilance

   Here you will learn about monitoring the safety of medicine. You will gain practical experience and build knowledge around safety monitoring activities.

2. Health Products Distribution

   Here you will learn about the distribution and storage of medicine and active substances.

3. Inspections

   Here you will learn the different regulations that govern the manufacturing of active substances and medicines.

How to apply

Applicants should submit an application form and CV to jobs@hpra.ie. Please include in the e-mail which stream you are applying for.

Applications closed on 31 October 2023.

For more information on the graduate programme, please see our FAQ page.

If you have any queries regarding the graduate programme, please contact jobs@hpra.ie.

Experiences of the HPRA graduate programme

Michelle Maguire who joined the graduate programme in 2020, has written about her experience in the blog linked below.

Michelle Maguire, Medical Devices stream 

Working at the HPRA – further information

More information about working at the HPRA is available on our main recruitment webpage, including a video of HPRA staff sharing their experiences of working in the HPRA, information about our commitment to learning and development and to work-life balance.

Additionally, the HPRA has received awards showing its commitment to the graduate programme, staff health and wellbeing, and fostering a culture of diversity, equality and inclusion in the workplace. The list below are benefits you would be able to avail of as a Graduate and HPRA employee.

• Flexible working arrangements
• Learning and Development support
• E-learning
• Internal training programmes
• Access to EU Network Training Centre
• Meaningful assignments & projects
• Health & Wellbeing Programme
• Diversity & Inclusion initiatives
• Social club membership
• Tax saver commuter tickets
• Bike to work scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)