Most commonly reported Work Activities

• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
• Documenting/Recording Information Entering, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
• Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Processing Information Compiling, coding, categorising, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
• Communicating with Persons Outside Organisation Communicating with people outside the organisation, representing the organisation to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
• Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
• Interacting With Computers Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.

The Work

The day-to-day work of a Forensic Pathologist is performing autopsies, for example in a case of a stabbing, shooting or head injury, which are common methods of homicide.

Autopsies are usually carried out under the authority of the State coroner, with police present.

The work of a Forensic Pathlogist also involves attendance at court cases and the coroner’s court, to explain medical issues to juries as well as relatives.

Forensic pathologists are supported in their work by clinical, biomedical and forensic scientists. Scientists can specialise, for example, in DNA fingerprinting or the identification of plant material and fibres.

This career area also gives you the opportunity of working with non-medical personnel such as police, barristers and lawyers.

Forensic Pathologists also undertake opinion work for lawyers or other organisations. This may be on behalf of a defendant on a murder charge, or acting in civil proceedings.

Forensic Pathology does not fall within the remit of the health service.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Keep records and prepare reports detailing findings, investigative methods, and laboratory techniques.
• Collect evidence from crime scenes, storing it in conditions that preserve its integrity.
• Testify in court about investigative or analytical methods or findings.
• Use photographic or video equipment to document evidence or crime scenes.
• Visit morgues, examine scenes of crimes, or contact other sources to obtain evidence or information to be used in investigations.
• Reconstruct crime scenes to determine relationships among pieces of evidence.
• Operate and maintain laboratory equipment and apparatus.
• Confer with ballistics, fingerprinting, handwriting, documents, electronics, medical, chemical, or metallurgical experts concerning evidence and its interpretation.
• Prepare solutions, reagents, or sample formulations needed for laboratory work.
• Train new technicians or other personnel on forensic science techniques.

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.

Enterprising

Enterprising people like situations that involve using resources for personal or corporate economic gain. Such people may have an opportunistic frame of mind, and are drawn to commerce, trade and making deals. Some pursue sales and marketing occupations. Many will eventually end up owning their own business, or in management roles in larger organisations. They tend to be very goal-oriented and work best when focused on a target. Some have an entrepreneurial inclination.

You can only become a Forensic Pathologist after graduating from medical school and completing foundation training. Forensic pathology is a specialised branch of histopathology and those intending to pursue a career in forensic pathology should first train in histopathology. 

To become a pathologist, you must first qualify as a medical Doctor.  It is usually during the internship year required for the purposes of registration that most newly qualified doctors decide on which branch of medicine to pursue. Some doctors enter general practice, while others pursue specialisation in hospital practice such as Pathology.  

The run-through training programme is a minimum of five years postgraduate training. Training in forensic pathology will begin after approximately two to three years of training in histopathology and acquisition of Part 1 of the membership examination of the Royal College of Pathologists (MRCPath) in the UK.

Training & Development

There are lab & research based equivelant skill development courses in Ireland. Specialist Forensic Pathology training is not currently available in Ireland. 

Higher education CAO entry: Analytical Chemistry - Environmental Forensic & Pharmaceutical , DNA & Forensic Analysis, DNA & Forensic Analysis at NFQ level 7-8 Search CAO courses

Studying in Northern Ireland & UK: Biomedical Science with DPP - Pathology - Applied Ulster Univ Search UCAS courses

Professional development

Forensicscience Ireland

Last Updated: April, 2023

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €34k - €168k

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

Data Source(s):
Salary expert/ HSE / Gov.ie/ Indeed

Last Updated: August, 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 average employment growth for medical practitioners was slightly above average over the five-year period, with strong growth between 2021 and 2022. Almost 30% of those employed in this occupation were non-Irish citizens, with employment permits still acting as a source of supply of skills; over 2,100 new permits were issued in 2022 across a range of specialities. Supply from the third level education system is set to expand by 200 additional places by 2026 (beginning with an increase of 60 places each in 2022 and 2023). Given the duration of medical training, however, this increased supply is not expected to have an impact on the labour market in the short-to-medium term.

Issues in relation to GPs are being addressed with an announcement that the number of GP training places will be increased to 350 in 2024 from 258 in 2022 and an expansion of the non-EU GP Training Scheme from 50 to 250 by the end of 2024.43 However, the increasing demand for medical practitioners as a result of factors such as the rollout of the Sláintecare Action Plan, the ageing population and the tackling of the lengthy waiting lists (exacerbated as a result of COVID-19) will result in continued shortages for this occupation.

• Forensic Science Ireland (Eolaíocht Fhóiréinseach Éireann)

  • Garda HQ, Phoenix Park, Dublin 8
  • (01) 666 2910
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