Work Environment
This occupation is typically found in the following Career Sector(s):
Videos on the Web
- Biochemist- from: Youtube Search
- Biochemist & Biophysicist- from: YouTube Video
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.
- Thinking Creatively Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
- 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.
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
- Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
- Interacting With Computers Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
- 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.
Working Life
Biochemistry is the study of chemical processes in organisms. Biochemists may look into changes that occur in the body due to disease, examine how hormones work, or how plants convert sunlight into chemical energy. They carry out research and development of products to solve problems in industry, agriculture and medicine.
At the start of pharmaceutical research projects, biochemists usually investigate how a disease develops and spreads. The results help to decide what biological properties and chemical structure a drug should have, and what form it should take, for example, as a tablet or lotion.
They analyse and interpret data related to patient samples, this assists with the investigation diagnosis and treatment of diseases. They are responsible for the evaluation and quality assessment of diagnostic tests.
Work on a new drug involves routine testing, often using laboratory animals. The biochemist must test the drug's strength and look for possible side effects. In their research, biochemists may work with chemists, biologists, pharmacists and medical doctors.
Clinical biochemists in the health service analyse body tissues and fluids to help with routine diagnosis, and help to monitor treatment. Biochemists test body fluids like blood to detect changes in the body caused by disease.
Biochemists use computers for data handling and routine analysis. Sophisticated equipment can carry out thousands of tests per hour. Other tests, for example to find a drug taken in an overdose, may be intricate and take several days of manual testing.
Biochemists in the agrochemical industry help develop products like insecticides and fertilisers.
Most commonly reported Work Tasks
- Share research findings by writing scientific articles or by making presentations at scientific conferences.
- Teach or advise undergraduate or graduate students or supervise their research.
- Study physical principles of living cells or organisms and their electrical or mechanical energy, applying methods and knowledge of mathematics, physics, chemistry, or biology.
- Manage laboratory teams or monitor the quality of a team's work.
- Develop new methods to study the mechanisms of biological processes.
- Write grant proposals to obtain funding for research.
- Design or perform experiments with equipment, such as lasers, accelerators, or mass spectrometers.
- Determine the three-dimensional structure of biological macromolecules.
- Design or build laboratory equipment needed for special research projects.
- Prepare reports or recommendations, based upon research outcomes.
Further Information
- Biochemist- from: N.C.S. [UK]
- Biochemist- from: GradIreland
Qualities - Biochemist
As a biochemist, you must be able to think logically. You will need a thorough and methodical approach to your work, a very high degree of accuracy and an enquiring mind. You must be able to plan and use practical experiments. You need good communication skills for working in a team and must also be able to work independently.
Interests - Biochemist
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.
Creative
Creative people are drawn to careers and activities that enable them to take responsibility for the design, layout or sensory impact of something (visual, auditory etc). They may be atrracted to the traditional artistic pursuits such as painting, sculpture, singing, or music. Or they may show more interest in design activities, such as architecture, animation, or craft areas, such as pottery and ceramics.
Creative people use their personal understanding of people and the world they live in to guide their work. Creative people like to work in unstructured workplaces, enjoy taking risks and prefer a minimum of routine.
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.
Entry / Progression - Biochemist
CORU Requirements
There are a variety of study routes for students wishing to pursue a career in the health and social care professions. However, not all courses lead to the direct path of being able to practise in Ireland once qualified. In Ireland, if you want to practise as a Biochemist, you must be registered with CORU, - Ireland's regulator of health and social care professionals.
One of the functions of the Registration Boards at CORU is to approve and monitor education and training programmes. The purpose of regulating education and training programmes is to ensure that all graduates entering the Register meet the necessary standards and have the knowledge and skills required for public protection. This ensures the delivery of safe and effective practise to the benefit of the service user.
What does this mean when selecting a course to study in Ireland?
This is the current list of Approved Qualifications to work as a Biochemist. If you achieve one of these qualifications, you are eligible to apply for CORU registration.
What about studying abroad, and practising in Ireland once qualified?
If your professional qualification is awarded outside of Ireland and you want to register and work in Ireland, the process is a little more complex. You must first apply to have that qualification recognised by the Registration Board for your profession.
To be eligible to apply for recognition of your international qualification, you must have completed professional training, which gives you eligibility to practise your profession in the country where you were awarded the qualification.
The Registration Board will assess your qualification as well as any other relevant qualifications and work experience for compliance with the standards required for practising in Ireland.
If you are unsure about health and social care regulation, CORU is happy to help with any questions. You can contact CORU at [email protected]
Biochemists typically have a degree in biochemistry, or a related science subject with a substantial biochemical content.
Clinical Biochemist's in the HSE must possess a BSc (Hons) /BA (Mod) in a subject area related to clinical biochemistry/laboratory medicine and diagnostics. Once taken on further specific training, competence assessment and education will be undertaken. A degree in which biochemistry was taken as a subject in the final examination is required in order to be eligible for registration as a Clinical Biochemist.
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, 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, biomedical, pharmaceutical science.
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: biological and chemical sciences, biopharmaceutical chemistry, pharmaceutical, biomedical chemistry, science, bioscience, chemistry, applied biology, applied chemistry, chemical, biochemical engineering.
Search for CAO Courses
Postgraduate route:
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: engineering, chemical, bioprocess, research, biopharmaceutical, chemical sciences, research, biotechnology, business, clinical, diagnostic biochemistry.
A postgraduate qualification like a MSc or PhD is an advantage, especially when applying for research posts, because entry is very competitive.
Some employers give graduates the opportunity to work towards a postgraduate qualification while they are in employment. It may be possible to work your way up from the position of laboratory technician. You would need to study part-time to do this.
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.
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 - Biochemist
Salary Range (thousands per year)* €35k - €110k
Salaries vary based on employer, location, experience, duties, and role.
Data Source(s):
CPL / Morgan McKinley / Collins McNicholas/ HSE
Last Updated: August, 2024
Labour Market Updates - Biochemist
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 - Biochemist
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CORU - Regulating Health & Social Care Professionals
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Life Science Recruitment
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Institute of Biology of Ireland
- School of Biology and Environmental Service,University College Dublin,Belfield,Dublin 4
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- [email protected]
- Click Here
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Academy of Clinical Science & Laboratory Medicine - ACSLM
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Academy of Medical Laboratory Science (ALMS)
- 31 Old Kilmainham, Dublin 8
- (0)1 9059730
- Click Here
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Association of Clinical Biochemists in Ireland
