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

Industrial chemists are experts in the properties and chemical structure of materials such as oil, metal and plastics, drugs, fertilisers and food. Some work in research and development whereas others work in production. They create new chemicals, devise and control production-processing methods, and ensure that the quality of products is maintained.  
 
Some industrial chemists specialise in research and development work, which is carried out mainly in the laboratory. They carry out experiments to produce the chemical that has the right properties. Development involves making the chemical on a larger scale to see whether this can be done at a reasonable cost.  
 
Production chemists make sure that production processes run efficiently. For example, they might have to work out how to produce large amounts of chemical as cheaply as possible. They are usually responsible for safety, quality control and staff training. Chemists are also employed in marketing and other management functions in industry.  
 
Industrial chemists usually work alongside chemical and control engineers, who are responsible for the design and construction of production plant. Depending on the product, they may also consult other scientists such as metallurgists, geologists, agricultural scientists, pharmacologists, biochemists or food technologists.  
 
They may carry out research and analysis to develop and test theories, techniques and processes.

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.

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.

Employers will expect entrants to this career to hold a relevant degree. A number of universities and institutes throughout the country offer degree courses in Chemistry. Degrees in Applied Chemistry and Pure Chemistry are also relevant if they include some industrial chemistry.

Training & Development 

FET Centre Traineeship: Quality Management, Life Sciences Manufacturing Operations, Manufacturing Technician, Pharmaceutical Manufacturing, Laboratory Assistant in centres around Ireland at NFQ Levels 5-6 Search FET Courses

FET PLC Courses: Applied Laboratory Science, Applied Science - Forensics, Applied Science/Laboratory Techniques, Applied Science - Pharmacy Studies, Forensics - Applied Science, Engineering Technology, Biotechnology at NFQ Levels 5-6 Search FET PLC Courses

Apprenticeship: Lab Tech & Lab Analyst, Polymer Processing Technologist Apprenticeships at NFQ levels 6-7 Search Apprenticeships

Higher Education CAO Entry: Science (Bioscience/Chemistry), Analytical and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Engineering - Mechanical & Polymer Engineering, Analytical Chemistry with Quality Assurance, Chemical Sciences with Medicinal Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Chemistry, Science - Applied Biology or Applied Chemistry, Engineering - Chemical & Biochemical Engineering at NFQ Levels 7-8 Search CAO courses

Postgraduate & Doctoral Study Options Chemistry, Chemistry - Analytical Chemistry, Chemistry - Environmental Analytical Chemistry, Chemistry - Analysis of Pharmaceutical Compounds, Chemistry - Research, Engineering - Chemical & Biopharmaceutical Engineering, Engineering - Chemical Engineering at NFQ levels 9-10.  

Professional Development & Associations 

Smart Futures

SFI Science foundation Ireland

Last Updated: October, 2023

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €45k - €85k

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

Data Source(s):
CPL / Morgan McKinley/ Collins McNicolas/ Sigmar / Azon

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 occupation has been identified as a Job in Demand by the most recent National Skills Bulletin.

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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