The Work

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

• Biological / Microbiological Scientist - from: N.C.S. [UK]

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.

Studies, analyses and collects information about both plant and animal life. 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. 

Training & Development

FET PLC Courses: Applied Biology - Food Health & Nutrition, Applied Science - Laboratory Techniques, Applied Science - Nutrition & Health, Dietics, Nutrition & Food Science, Food Science Nutrition & Dietetics, Medical Science, Pharmaceutical Science at NFQ Levels 5-6 Search FET PLC Courses

Higher Education CAO Entry: Microbiology, Animal Bioscience, Biology - Applied Biology, Biosciences, Biotechnology, Food Science with Business, Applied Biosciences, Genetics, Health Science & Physiology, Pharmacy, Science, Medicine at NFQ level 7-8   Search CAO courses

Professional Development

Postgraduate Study Options Food Microbiology, Genetics & Microbiology - Research, Microbiology - Structured, Biotechnology - Research , Chemistry - Research, Environmental Science, Medicine - Research at NFQ level 9-10 

Smart Futures

SFI Science foundation Ireland

Irish Assoc of Clinical Scientists

Last Updated: April, 2023

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

* 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.

IBEC in 2021

In surveys conducted by BioPharma Employers identified skills gaps in this occupation. 

• Institute of Biology of Ireland

  • School of Biology and Environmental Service,University College Dublin,Belfield,Dublin 4
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Life Science Recruitment

  • 12 Fitzwilliam Square Dublin 2.
  • (01) 685 4848
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Academy of Medical Laboratory Science (ALMS)

  • 31 Old Kilmainham, Dublin 8
  • (0)1 9059730
  • Click Here

• Academy of Clinical Science & Laboratory Medicine - ACSLM

  • 31 Old Kilmainham, Dublin 8, D08V062
  • 01-9059730
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here