Work Environment
This occupation is typically found in the following Career Sector(s):
Videos on the Web
- Biological / Microbiological Scientist- from: Youtube Search
- Biomedical Scientist- from: iCould [UK] Video
Working Life
Biologists work on research and development projects. Most of this work takes place in universities. Applied research is into specific practical problems: to find a new drug to fight a disease, for example.
Research and development work involves routine testing. Biologists may experiment on laboratory animals to find out if a drug is toxic or has side effects; this work is an aspect of toxicology. Next, trials on human volunteers will test the product's efficiency, and work out the correct dosage.
Not all work is laboratory based. Biologists need to keep up-to-date with new ideas, techniques and developments by reading academic papers and attending conferences and seminars. Some work involves field studies and surveys.
Senior scientists define and guide research projects. Junior scientists and technicians work in small teams, planning and carrying out their own experiments.
Employment opportunities exist in the pharmaceutical and agrochemical industries. Work in the development of biotechnology products and other aspects of Research and Development (R&D) is also available. Biologists are also employed by the HSE.
Further Information
- Biologist- from: N.C.S. [UK]
Qualities - Biological / Microbiological Scientist
You will need to be inquisitive, have an analytical mind, and enjoy solving problems. Research skills are important, as are good written and oral communication skills. You must be patient, methodical and prepared to repeat experiments. A high degree of accuracy is essential for this type of work.
Interests - Biological / Microbiological Scientist
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 - Biological / Microbiological Scientist
A Microbiological Scientist studies, analyses and collects information about both plant and animal life. Entrants usually hold undergraduate degree in a general biology or science area, with further training in a specialisation area of biology.
The usual entry is through a degree in science, taking microbiology as a major subject. Students, however, who wish to specialise in certain branches of microbiology may proceed through other degree courses. A person, for instance, wishing to specialise in food microbiology could take a primary degree in food science. Agriculture, medicine or veterinary medicine could lead to a career in agricultural or medical microbiology.
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: applied biology, food health and nutrition, applied science, laboratory techniques, nutrition and health, nutrition, food Science,dietetics, medical science, pharmaceutical science.
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 biology, food health and nutrition, applied science, laboratory techniques, nutrition and health, nutrition, food Science,dietetics, medical science, pharmaceutical science.
Search for PLC Courses
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: microbiology, animal bioscience, biology, biotechnology, food science with business, applied biosciences, genetics, health science, physiology, pharmacy, science, medicine.
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: food microbiology, genetics, microbiology, research, structured, biotechnology, chemistry, environmental science, medicine.
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.
SFI Science Foundation Ireland
Irish Assoc of Clinical Scientists
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 - Biological / Microbiological Scientist
Salary Range (thousands per year)* €35k - €80k
Salaries vary based on employer, location, experience, sessional basis, duties, and role.
Data Source(s):
Morgan McKinley / Brightwater / Sigmar/ Collins McNicholas / Indeed
Last Updated: July, 2024
Labour Market Updates - Biological / Microbiological Scientist
This occupation has been identified as a Job in Demand by the most recent National Skills Bulletin.
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 - Biological / Microbiological Scientist
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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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Life Science Recruitment
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Academy of Medical Laboratory Science (ALMS)
- 31 Old Kilmainham, Dublin 8
- (0)1 9059730
- Click Here
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Academy of Clinical Science & Laboratory Medicine - ACSLM
