Most commonly reported Work Activities

• 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.
• Thinking Creatively Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
• 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.
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
• Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
• Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
• 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.

The Work

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Develop new software applications or customise existing applications to meet specific scientific project needs.
• Communicate research results through conference presentations, scientific publications, or project reports.
• Create novel computational approaches and analytical tools as required by research goals.
• Consult with researchers to analyse problems, recommend technology-based solutions, or determine computational strategies.
• Analyse large molecular datasets, such as raw microarray data, genomic sequence data, or proteomics data, for clinical or basic research purposes.
• Keep abreast of new biochemistries, instrumentation, or software by reading scientific literature and attending professional conferences.
• Develop data models and databases.
• Compile data for use in activities, such as gene expression profiling, genome annotation, or structural bioinformatics.
• Design and apply bioinformatics algorithms including unsupervised and supervised machine learning, dynamic programming, or graphic algorithms.
• Manipulate publicly accessible, commercial, or proprietary genomic, proteomic, or post-genomic databases.

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.

Administrative

Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.

They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.

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.

There are many pathways into a career in Bioinformatics. Bioinformaticians may develop their career in areas such as, pharmaceuticals, medical technology, biotechnology, computational biology, proteomics, computer information science, biology and medical informatics. 

Training & Development 

Post Leaving Cert courses Applied Science courses at NFQ level 5 & 6 may develop your skills and knowledge to progress on to further study to qualify in Bioinformatics at College Search PLC Courses 

Higher Education CAO entry Developing a career in Bioinformatics may require study at Higher level education in Ireland or abroad. in course areas such as Bioinformatics, genetic & cell biology, applied biosciences, Biomedical Science, Biotechnology, Pharmaceutical Biotechnology. at NFQ levels 7-8 Search CAO courses 

Professional Development 

Career development may require Post graduate study & Doctorate study in Bioinformatics and Data science. These postgraduate, masters and Doctoral programmes Bioinformatics & Computational Genomics, Bioinformatics & Computational Biology, Bioinformatics - Research, Biology - Research may be offered at NFQ level 9-10 search Postgrad courses 

Last Updated: April, 2023

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €40k - €75k

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

Data Source(s):
CPL / Morgan McKinley / Lincoln/ Payscale/ SalaryExplorer/ Glassdoor/ HSE

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 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.

• Smart Futures

  • Discover Science & Engineering, Wilton Park House, Wilton Place, Dublin, 2
  • Click Here

• Science Foundation Ireland

  • Wilton Park House, Wilton Place, Dublin, 2
  • 01 - 607 3200
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Association of Clinical Biochemists in Ireland

  • [email protected]
  • Click Here