Meet Fiona Stapleton, a seasoned senior specialist, downstream manufacturing support engineer, with a passion for manufacturing medicines that help to transform patients’ lives. With a career spanning five years at Cruiserath Biologics, Fiona’s journey from a downstream manufacturing intern to her current role reflects her dedication to excellence and continuous growth in her respective field.
Fiona’s career trajectory underscores her commitment to mastering every aspect of bioprocessing. Beginning as a downstream manufacturing intern at Bristol Myers Squibb Ireland (BMS) in January 2019, she gained hands-on experience in the field while pursuing her Bachelor of Science in biotechnology at Dublin City University. She interned at BMS for nine months before returning to university to complete her degree.
After graduating in June 2020 she returned to the organisation as a downstream bioprocess specialist where she spent two years learning manufacturing processes to ensure the highest quality standards. She was then promoted to the position of senior bioprocess specialist in September 2022 and for the past two years, Fiona has played a pivotal role in driving innovation within BMS. During this time Fiona pursued a postgraduate degree in biopharmaceutical processing at Atlantic Technological University, graduating in 2022. She aimed to leverage her knowledge and experience to advance within the company.
Since March 2024, Fiona has assumed the position of senior specialist, downstream manufacturing support engineer within the downstream manufacturing department at Cruiserath Biologics. Her role revolves around harnessing cutting-edge technologies and methodologies to enhance manufacturing processes, ultimately contributing to the development of medications. With her keen eye for detail and unwavering commitment to excellence, Fiona ensures that every aspect of bioprocessing meets stringent regulatory requirements while also striving for operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
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When asked to sum up her role in a sentence, Fiona said: “At BMS, we’re not just innovating for innovation’s sake; we’re innovating for our patients, ensuring they receive the medicines they need”, emphasising the critical mission of manufacturing vital medicines for patients. Her dedication to this mission resonates with the BMS mission of transforming patients’ lives through science.
At Cruiserath Biologics, Fiona finds herself surrounded by a culture of collaboration and support, where colleagues are always willing to lend a helping hand and provide the necessary training and guidance.
Looking ahead, Fiona envisions continuing her journey within Cruiserath Biologics, furthering her career in manufacturing, and leveraging every opportunity to enhance her skills and expertise.
Ready to shape the future of medicine? Apply for the internship programme at Bristol Myers Squibb Ireland and join a team dedicated to making a difference in patients’ lives. For more information, please visit careers.bms.com














