Most commonly reported Work Activities

• Documenting/Recording Information Entering, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
• Interacting With Computers Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Analysing Data or Information Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
• Processing Information Compiling, coding, categorising, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
• Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
• Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
• Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

The Work

A Medicinal Chemist is part of the lab-based early stage drug discovery process.

Their day-to-day working is in the laboratory, and is based in synthetic organic chemistry.

The laboratory carries out different chemical reaction tests and then tries to purify these by doing such things as filtration, or using different solvents and reagents.

The work of a Medicinal Chemist involves Data Handling and Research and requires Practical Lab Skills, and the use of IT and Technology. Communication skills, Team Working, Organisation skills, Problem Solving, and  Time Management skills are also important.

Medicinal Chemists are employed by large pharmaceutical companies such as Glaxo Smith Kline.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Analyse organic or inorganic compounds to determine chemical or physical properties, composition, structure, relationships, or reactions, using chromatography, spectroscopy, or spectrophotometry techniques.
• Conduct quality control tests.
• Maintain laboratory instruments to ensure proper working order and troubleshoot malfunctions when needed.
• Prepare test solutions, compounds, or reagents for laboratory personnel to conduct tests.
• Induce changes in composition of substances by introducing heat, light, energy, or chemical catalysts for quantitative or qualitative analysis.
• Evaluate laboratory safety procedures to ensure compliance with standards or to make improvements as needed.
• Compile and analyse test information to determine process or equipment operating efficiency or to diagnose malfunctions.
• Write technical papers or reports or prepare standards and specifications for processes, facilities, products, or tests.
• Confer with scientists or engineers to conduct analyses of research projects, interpret test results, or develop nonstandard tests.
• Develop, improve, or customise products, equipment, formulas, processes, or analytical methods.

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

Investigative

The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.

Realist

Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.

Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.

Creative

Creative people are drawn to careers and activities that enable them to take responsibility for the design, layout or sensory impact of something (visual, auditory etc). They may be atrracted to the traditional artistic pursuits such as painting, sculpture, singing, or music. Or they may show more interest in design activities, such as architecture, animation, or craft areas, such as pottery and ceramics.

Creative people use their personal understanding of people and the world they live in to guide their work. Creative people like to work in unstructured workplaces, enjoy taking risks and prefer a minimum of routine.

A Bachelor of Science Degree (B.Sc.) in Chemistry will give entrants a grounding in the different types of chemistry with the option to specialise as the programme progresses.

Training & Development 

FET Centre Traineeship: Manufacturing, Engineering Operations, Engineering Technology, Laboratory Assistant, Cleanroom operations at NFQ Level 5-6 Search FET Courses

FET PLC Courses: Civil, Mechanical & Electronics Engineering, Engineering and Electronic Technology, Engineering Technology with Electronics, Pre-University Engineering, Engineering - Preliminary, Engineering Pre University, Engineering Technology at NFQ Levels 5-6 Search FET PLC Courses

Apprenticeship: Engineering programmes NFQ level 6-7  Search Apprenticeships

Higher Education CAO Entry: General Engineering, Chemical & Biopharmaceutical Engineering, Biological and Chemical Sciences, Biological and Chemical Sciences (Common Entry), Chemical & Pharmaceutical Science, Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, Engineering (Process and Chemical Engineering), Drug & Medicinal Product Analysis, Science - Chemical Sciences with Medicinal Chemistry, Science - Medicinal Chemistry & Pharmaceutical Sciences, Science - Pharmaceutical & Medicinal Science, Science - Pharmaceutical & Medicinal Science courses at NFQ Levels 7-8 Search CAO courses

Professional Development 

Postgraduate Study Options Engineering - Chemical & Biopharmaceutical Engineering, Engineering - Chemical & Bioprocess Engineering - Research, Engineering - Chemical Engineering, Chemical Sciences - Research, Engineering - Biopharmaceutical Engineering at NFQ level 9-10

Engineers Ireland To apply for the Engineering title, you will need an accredited qualification and post graduate experience. A list of Engineering accredited programmes are available from Engineers Ireland.  

Smart Futures

SFI Science foundation Ireland

Last Updated: April, 2023

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €35k - €80k

Salaries vary based on employer, location, experience, duties, and role.

Data Source(s):
CPL/ Sigmar/ Brightwater/ Morgan McKInley

Last Updated: July, 2024

* The lower figures typically reflect starting salaries. Higher salaries are awarded to those with greater experience and responsibility. Positions in Dublin sometimes command higher salaries.

View Salary information from Indeed.ie
Note: data not aways available

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).

The annual employment growth rate over the five-year period was above average for this occupation, with employment increasing by almost 2,000 persons between 2021 and 2022. Almost a third of employment was in industry with the remainder spread across many sectors. The number of new employment permits issued grew from 164 to 506 between 2021 and 2022, with two fifths of permits issued for roles in the manufacturing of chemicals/pharma sub-sector for scientists and analysts (e.g. quality control, chemists); other roles include medical scientists/technologists, microbiologists, process development and R&D scientists.

In June 2022, medical scientists were moved to the Critical Skills Employment Permit List due to issues with sourcing suitable candidates; in Summer 2023, the Government announced plans to expand the number of training places for medical scientists by 20 places. The Recruitment Agency Survey identified difficult-to-fill vacancy mentions for analytical and process scientists. Online job adverts for this occupation grew slightly in 2022, almost all related to posts for R&D managers.

This was the most frequently occurring occupation in online job adverts in 2022. With employment levels increasing and demand still evident, shortages are expected to persist for this occupation, particularly in the chemical/pharmaceutical manufacturing sector, for those with experience and/or in niche areas. The recent decline in the value of pharmaceutical exports in Ireland is unlikely to have a significant impact on the demand for skills as, in addition to being in strong demand in the pharma & biopharma processing industry, they are much sought after elsewhere in both the life sciences sector (e.g. medical devices) and other manufacturing (e.g. food & beverage); in addition, Government focus (and investment) on research and innovation will also sustain the already strong demand for these skills. Shortages of analytical, process and medical scientists are likely to continue.

• Institute of Chemistry of Ireland

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