Most commonly reported Work Activities

•   Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
•   Documenting/Recording Information Entering, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
•   Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
•   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.
•   Interacting With Computers Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
•   Analysing Data or Information Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
•   Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
•   Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
•   Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

Working Life

Virology is all about understanding viruses, some of the planets most varied life forms. They are responsible for infections ranging from the common which have being with humanity for centuries, such as chicken pox, malaria or the common cold, to new emerging viruses, such as Ebola or Coronavirus.

Virologists are both medical doctors and medical scientists. This means they partake in the diagnoses, treatment, and prevention of viral infection while also pushing forward research on viruses known and unknown.

Their scientific responsibilities may mean time spent working on research in laboratories, or it may mean delivering scientific guidance to medical, veterinary or public health professionals.

Their research may focus on diagnosing viral infections examining the effectiveness of antiviral drugs or studying increasing resistance of viruses to treatment. Another field of study is studying viruses in animal populations, either for animal health purposes or to understand which viruses may switch to human populations.

As medical doctors they will often work on the most complex cases, treating patients suffering from long term infections such as HIV or cases of rare or tropical viral infections which most medical professionals would not have the expertise to treat effectively.

As public health doctors they educate the community on the spread of viruses and measures that need to be taken to protect against them. Within hospitals they may be central to infection control, where their expertise on how viruses spread is key to keeping patients safe from exposure.

As you can tell, the expertise of virologists is highly demanded, so it is a speciality with many possible pathways, even working in research there are a huge variety of laboratory settings available, from academic research to corporate pharmaceutical development.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Isolate and maintain cultures of bacteria or other microorganisms in prescribed or developed media, controlling moisture, aeration, temperature, and nutrition.
• Study growth, structure, development, and general characteristics of bacteria and other microorganisms to understand their relationship to human, plant, and animal health.
• Examine physiological, morphological, and cultural characteristics, using microscope, to identify and classify microorganisms in human, water, and food specimens.
• Provide laboratory services for health departments, community environmental health programmes, and physicians needing information for diagnosis and treatment.
• Investigate the relationship between organisms and disease, including the control of epidemics and the effects of antibiotics on microorganisms.
• Prepare technical reports and recommendations, based upon research outcomes.
• Supervise biological technologists and technicians and other scientists.
• Monitor and perform tests on water, food, and the environment to detect harmful microorganisms or to obtain information about sources of pollution, contamination, or infection.
• Use a variety of specialised equipment, such as electron microscopes, gas and high-pressure liquid chromatographs, electrophoresis units, thermocyclers, fluorescence-activated cell sorters, and phosphorimagers.
• Observe action of microorganisms upon living tissues of plants, higher animals, and other microorganisms, and on dead organic matter.

Further Information

• Become a Virologist- from: The Royal College of Pathologist
• Virology (healthcare scientist)- from: NHS

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.

 Social

The Social person's interests focus on interacting with the people in their environment. In all cases, the Social person enjoys the personal contact with other people in preference to the impersonal dealings with things, data and ideas found in other groups.

Many will seek out positions where there is direct contact with the public in some advisory role, whether a receptionist or a counsellor. Social people are motivated by an interest in different types of people and like diversity in their work environments. Many are drawn towards careers in the caring professions and social welfare area, whilst others prefer teaching and other 'informing' roles.

There is no undergraduate degree in Ireland offering virology as a major, however many courses offer modules in virology so careful research of the options available on science courses is important.

Most virologists will have studied in biology, chemistry, or a related specialty such as microbiology or biomedical sciences before progressing to a postgraduate in virology. A grounding in organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, cell biology, biochemistry, microbiology, physics and mathematics will help any undergraduate hoping to advance to a postgraduate in virology.

Sample Education and Training Pathways
A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research. 

Further Education (FET)
Further Education & Training (FET) Courses are delivered by local ETBs, ranging in duration from several weeks up to 20 months. Courses are designed to meet the labour market needs and often include a large element of work experience.

Example search terms include: quality management, life sciences, manufacturing operations, manufacturing technician, pharmaceutical manufacturing, laboratory assistant, engineering technology.

Search for FET Courses

PLC Courses (FET)
PLC courses are full-time courses, one or two years duration, with awards at Level 5 and 6 on the NFQ. They are offered nationally in Schools and Colleges of Further Education.

Example search terms include: applied laboratory science, applied science, forensics, laboratory techniques, pharmacy studies, engineering technology, biotechnology.

Search for PLC Courses

Apprenticeships: 
Apprenticeships are structured work-based training programs that combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. They run from 2 – 4 years and are open to individuals of all ages, including school leavers, those seeking a career change, and existing employees who wish to upskill.

Examples: Lab Tech, Lab Analyst.

Search for Apprenticeships

Higher Education CAO (Undergraduate) 
Higher Education courses at Levels 6 to 8 on the NFQ, delivered in Universities and Technological Universities & Institutes. Courses run from 2 – 5 years and places are allocated on a points-based system, processed by the Central Application Office.

Example search terms include: organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, cell biology, biochemistry, microbiology, biology, chemistry, microbiology, biomedical sciences, physics, mathematics.

Search for CAO Courses

Higher Education (Postgraduate)
Postgraduate courses are courses at Levels 9 and 10 on the NFQ and usually last 1 – 2 years full time, or longer if a PhD or part time. Entrants typically require an undergraduate award (Level 8).

Example search terms include: medicine.

Search for Postgraduate Courses

Medical virologists will undergo medical training via an undergraduate or postgraduate medicine course.

The Royal College of Pathologists provides an outline of the path to becoming a medical virologist in the UK:

• Undergraduate training at medical school.
• The UK Foundation Training Programme or equivalent.
• Core Medical Training (CMT) or Acute Care Common Stem (ACCS) training.
• Specialty training in infections and medical virology.

You can also choose to specialise in infectious diseases and tropical medicine.

Professional Development 

Professional development (CPD) courses are specialised training, formal education, or advanced professional learning that improves skills, professional knowledge, competency, and overall effectiveness in the professional world.

• Smart Futures
• SFI Science Foundation Ireland
• IACS Irish Assoc of Clinical Scientists

Check the Useful Contacts tab on this page to see if there are any professional bodies listed who may provide training related to this career.

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €55k - €120k

Salaries vary by employer, role, duties, shift pattern, location, and experience.

Due to the combined nature of the Virologist their income can vary depending on stage of career and whether they are practicing as a medical doctor or working as a research scientist.

Data Source(s):
Morgan McKinley/ Lincoln/ Excel/ Indeed/ Sigmar/ HSE

Last Updated: August, 2024

Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Chemical scientists; Biological scientists; Biochemists; Physical scientists; Social and humanities scientists; Natural and social science professionals n.e.c.; Conservation professionals; Environment professionals; Research and development managers.  

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.

• UCD National Virus Reference Laboratory

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