Most commonly reported Work Activities

• Analysing Data or Information Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
• 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.
• 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.
• Interacting With Computers Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• 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.
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Maintain accurate laboratory records and data.
• Design molecular or cellular laboratory experiments, oversee their execution, and interpret results.
• Write grant applications to obtain funding.
• Perform laboratory procedures following protocols including deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) sequencing, cloning and extraction, ribonucleic acid (RNA) purification, or gel electrophoresis.
• Conduct research on cell organisation and function, including mechanisms of gene expression, cellular bioinformatics, cell signaling, or cell differentiation.
• Prepare or review reports, manuscripts, or meeting presentations.
• Instruct undergraduate and graduate students within the areas of cellular or molecular biology.
• Direct, coordinate, organise, or prioritise biological laboratory activities.
• Compile and analyse molecular or cellular experimental data and adjust experimental designs as necessary.
• Evaluate new technologies to enhance or complement current research.

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.

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.

Scientists need a relevant primary degree. Basic courses in biology, chemistry and physics to gain knowledge of the basics of each science, as well as scientific methods such as observing, making hypotheses and experimenting.

Elective courses can be chosen based on your particular areas of interest or to discover new areas of interest - ecxploring these will help with choosing your speciality area later on. 

Training & Development

FET Centre Traineeship: Quality Management, Life Sciences Manufacturing Operations, Manufacturing Technician, Pharmaceutical Manufacturing, Laboratory Assistant, Engineering Technology 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 Apprenticeships at NFQ levels 6-7 Search Apprenticeships

Higher Education CAO Entry: Science - Molecular Biology with Biopharmaceutical Science, , Biology - Applied Biology, Biomedical & Molecular Diagnostics, Genetics & Cell Biology, Science - Applied Biology or Applied Chemistry, Biotechnology at NFQ level 7-8  Search CAO courses

Professional Development

Postgraduate Study Options Biology - Molecular Cell Biology with Bioinnovation, Cellular & Molecular Biology, Molecular Biology & Biotechnology, Biology - Marine Biology, Molecular Medicine, Bioinformatics & Computational Biology, Biology - Research, Plant Biology & Biotechnology NFQ level 9-10 

Smart Futures

SFI Science foundation Ireland

Last Updated: April, 2023

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €35k - €65k

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

Data Source(s):
Morgan Mckinley / Payscale/ CPL / Sigmar

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 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.

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• Smart Futures

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