Panda Perspectives: David Kirrane

For David, the decision to enter the world of life sciences was driven by a clear and powerful motivation.

“From the very beginning, it was about being part of something that really matters,” he explains. “I wanted to contribute to therapies that could genuinely improve outcomes for patients. Especially in areas like immuno-oncology, it felt like working at the cutting edge of treatments with the potential to transform lives. That sense of purpose hasn’t faded - it still motivates me every day.”

David began his career at two of the industry’s biggest names, Bristol-Myers Squibb and Pfizer. Those early experiences, he says, gave him a foundation that continues to shape his approach today.

“Working in those environments taught me the value of adaptability and collaboration,” he reflects. “There were always shifting priorities and different stakeholders to align with. You had to stay flexible, communicate clearly, and still maintain the highest standards. Those experiences weren’t just valuable - they became the backbone of how I approach every complex project today.”

From there, David stepped into the dynamic world of greenfield start-ups, taking on commissioning and qualification projects for new biologics facilities at Takeda and Biogen. It was a shift that came with significant pressure - but also unparalleled growth opportunities.

“Start-ups are intense. The deadlines, the expectations, the pressure, it’s huge,” he recalls. “But the flip side is the learning. You’re building systems and processes from scratch, commissioning new equipment, and figuring things out as you go. Of course, there’s frustration when timelines slip or things don’t go to plan, but those moments sharpen your problem-solving instincts. And when you hit a milestone, the sense of achievement is immense.”

Those experiences not only strengthened David’s resilience but also gave him the confidence and clarity to take on more complex, high-stakes projects later in his career.

Today, David is working with Lonza on groundbreaking mRNA manufacturing projects, focusing on computer systems validation for new facilities. It’s a role that, for him, represents the next evolution of everything he’s learned so far.

“mRNA is still such a young technology, and that’s what excites me most,” he says. “There’s constant learning and constant growth. Every audit trail I verify and every automation control I test comes back to one goal - ensuring data integrity and product quality. The stakes feel higher now than ever before, and at the end of the day, patients are depending on these systems working flawlessly. That’s the most rewarding part of what I do.”

Having worked across both established pharma and emerging biologics facilities, David has seen firsthand how different the approaches to quality and validation can be.

“In big pharma, you usually have abundant resources and mature quality systems. That brings consistency and stability, but it can also slow innovation. In biologics start-ups, it’s the opposite - you’re often working fast, with cutting-edge technology and limited historical data, and you’re building the quality framework at the same time operations are getting underway. That demands agility, a risk-based mindset, and close collaboration between QA, engineering, and operations.”

The contrast, he says, has taught him an important lesson about balance.

“In established pharma, the challenge is managing complexity within a structured environment. In biologics, it’s about building robust systems quickly without losing sight of compliance. Both demand rigor, but how you apply it depends on the maturity of the facility and the technology. Ultimately, the key is finding the balance between speed and quality.”

As the industry evolves, David sees digitalisation, automation, and stricter regulatory frameworks shaping the future of quality and compliance.

“The challenge is staying ahead of change,” he explains. “Regulators now expect ALCOA+ principles to run end-to-end, across systems like MES, LIMS, and ERP. That means validating not just each system but also the data flows between them, ensuring accuracy, security, and audit readiness.”

Emerging technologies like AI will add further complexity. “Automation and AI can bring huge efficiency gains, but they’re harder to validate, especially as algorithms evolve. Regulators will expect transparency and accountability, which is still a grey area. On top of that, there are cybersecurity risks and the need to evolve quality people remain engaged and don’t blindly trust automation.”

For quality professionals, he believes adaptability, continuous learning, and communication skills will be just as critical as technical expertise. “The people who can evolve with the indulture so pustry - who understand both the science and the systems - will be the ones who succeed.”

David’s journey has been closely linked to Panda, which has supported him through key career transitions and opportunities.

“I first connected with Panda during a career transition, and what struck me was how much they cared about my goals,” he shares. “They weren’t just scanning my CV - they wanted to understand my motivations. From clear communication about the project and interview preparation to onboarding and ongoing support, the experience was seamless. And it’s reassuring to know they’ll continue to be there as I move into future roles.”

That partnership, he says, has helped shape his career more than he expected. “They’ve matched me with roles that not only suited my skills but also stretched me and opened new doors. That support has been instrumental in helping me grow and diversify.”

So, what advice would David give to professionals considering a career in quality, validation, or CSV?

“Don’t be afraid of steep learning curves. This industry will challenge you constantly, but that’s where the growth is,” he advises. “Build your technical expertise, but don’t neglect soft skills like communication and adaptability. And most importantly, always remember there’s a patient at the end of every process. Every system you validate ultimately protects them. The pressure is real, but the impact you make makes it all worthwhile.”

David Kirrane’s story is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when purpose and expertise align. It’s a journey defined by curiosity, courage, and an unwavering commitment to quality.

Are you ready to take the next step in your life sciences career or interested in sharing your own story in a future Panda Perspectives feature? Get in touch with us here, and a member of our team will reach out to start the conversation.