Work Environment
This occupation is typically found in the following Career Sector(s):
Videos on the Web
- Pharmacologist- from: Youtube Search
Most commonly reported Work Activities
- Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
- Thinking Creatively Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
- 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.
- 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.
- Organising, Planning, and Prioritising Work Developing specific goals and plans to prioritise, organise, and accomplish your work.
- 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.
Working Life
Pharmacologists find out how drugs work, and what effects they have by testing tissues to establish side effects.. They may work with food additives, cosmetics, medicines like aspirin and penicillin, and drugs like alcohol, caffeine and heroin. Experiments are very important in pharmacology.
In pharmaceutical companies, pharmacologists work on drugs to treat diseases like cancer, Alsheimer's and heart disease. They may test a new drug on isolated tissues, organs and cells, animals or human volunteers.
In chemical companies pharmacologists work with pesticides, detergents, solvents and food additives. They make sure the product is safe, and find out how effective poisons, pollutants and insecticides are.
Most commonly reported Work Tasks
- Follow strict safety procedures when handling toxic materials to avoid contamination.
- Evaluate effects of drugs, gases, pesticides, parasites, and microorganisms at various levels.
- Plan and direct studies to investigate human or animal disease, preventive methods, and treatments for disease.
- Prepare and analyse organ, tissue, and cell samples to identify toxicity, bacteria, or microorganisms or to study cell structure.
- Conduct research to develop methodologies, instrumentation, and procedures for medical application, analysing data and presenting findings to the scientific audience and general public.
- Teach principles of medicine and medical and laboratory procedures to physicians, residents, students, and technicians.
- Write and publish articles in scientific journals.
- Write applications for research grants.
- Standardise drug dosages, methods of immunisation, and procedures for manufacture of drugs and medicinal compounds.
- Study animal and human health and physiological processes.
Further Information
- Pharmacologist- from: N.C.S. [UK]
- Pharmacologist- from: GradIreland
Qualities - Pharmacologist
You will need an enquiring and analytical mind, and you must be accurate and methodical when doing experiments. You must be able to use a wide range of technical equipment, including computers. Enthusiasm and ability to drive projects forward to conclusion are also very important skills in this sector.
You will need good communication skills. These will be useful when writing reports of your findings, and when working in teams.
- Ability to work accurately in an organised manner.
- Ability to carry out a written methodology in a laboratory context.
- Data gathering, validation, analysis and interpretations skills.
- Excellent communication skills.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Excellent problem solving skills.
- Excellent report writing skills.
- Excellent time management, self-discipline and ability to work without close supervision.
- Excellent information technology skills.
Interests - Pharmacologist
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.
Naturalist
Not surprisingly, some aspect of the natural sciences will run through the Naturalist's interests - from ecological awareness to nutrition and health. People with an interest in horticulture, land usage and farming (including fish) are Naturalists.
Some Naturalists focus on animals rather than plants, and may enjoy working with, training, caring for, or simply herding them. Other Naturalists will prefer working with the end result of nature's produce - the food produced from plants and animals. Naturalists like solving problems with solutions that show some sensitivity to the environmental impact of what they do. They like to see practical results and prefer action to talking and discussing.
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.
Entry / Progression - Pharmacologist
There is a wide range of degree courses available. Pharmacology can be studied as a single honours degree or combined with subjects like physiology, chemistry or, toxicology. Alternatively it is quite common to take a general science degree and a postgraduate qualification in pharmacology. You will usually need a postgraduate qualification like a MSc or PhD to get a pure research post or an applied therapeutic role. Most employers offer specialist training and technical methods required in order to carry out sophisticated lab work.
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: pharmaceutical, manufacturing, quality management, quality assurance.
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: pharmacy technician, applied science, pharmacy studies, applied laboratory science, laboratory techniques, forensics.
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 Analyst, Lab Technician.
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: pharmacy technician, pharmacology, applied biology, biomedical science, biomedical, health and life sciences, bioscience, pharmaceutical science, science.
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: pharmacology, therapeutics, research, biotherapeutics, structured, pharmaceutical manufacturing technology, pharmaceutical medicine, pharmaceutical quality assurance, biotechnology, toxicology, pharmaceutical sciences.
Search for Postgraduate Courses
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.
Irish Association of Pharmacologists
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.
Pay & Salary - Pharmacologist
Salary Range (thousands per year)* €35k - €65k
Salaries vary depending on the employer, location, duties, role, shift pattern, and experience.
Data Source(s):
CPL/ Morgan McKinley/ Indeed
Last Updated: July, 2024
Labour Market Updates - Pharmacologist
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.
Useful Contacts - Pharmacologist
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Smart Futures
- Discover Science & Engineering, Wilton Park House, Wilton Place, Dublin, 2
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- Click Here
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Science Foundation Ireland
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Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland
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Pharmacists in Industry, Education and Regulatory (PIER
