Most commonly reported Work Activities

• Documenting/Recording Information Entering, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
• Organising, Planning, and Prioritising Work Developing specific goals and plans to prioritise, organise, and accomplish your work.
• Interacting With Computers Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
• Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
• 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.
• Scheduling Work and Activities Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
• Performing Administrative Activities Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
• Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.

The Work

Clinical trials scientists work in the pharmaceutical industry. They carry out clinical trials or tests on the effectiveness and safety of new drugs and medicines. Trials take place over a lengthy period - sometimes it can take years before results are clear.  
 
Trials scientists decide on the sise of the study, the methods to be used in collecting and analysing data, and how to report and publicise eventual findings. They also liaise and co-ordinate with research staff, general practitioners, hospital doctors and other medical professionals.  
 
In addition to laboratory based research, trials frequently involve the assistance of willing, healthy volunteers and patients. This helps to confirm the results of initial laboratory tests carried out on animals. Trials scientists are responsible for ensuring that guidelines governing the use of humans or animals in clinical trials are strictly observed.  
 
Statistical methods are used to analyse and evaluate the large amount of data generated by trials. Computers are also used to support research and analysis. They also have the responsibility to interpret results and write technical reports.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Schedule subjects for appointments, procedures, or inpatient stays as required by study protocols.
• Perform specific protocol procedures such as interviewing subjects, taking vital signs, and performing electrocardiograms.
• Assess eligibility of potential subjects through methods such as screening interviews, reviews of medical records, or discussions with physicians and nurses.
• Prepare study-related documentation, such as protocol worksheets, procedural manuals, adverse event reports, institutional review board documents, or progress reports.
• Inform patients or caregivers about study aspects and outcomes to be expected.
• Record adverse event and side effect data and confer with investigators regarding the reporting of events to oversight agencies.
• Monitor study activities to ensure compliance with protocols and with all relevant local, federal, and state regulatory and institutional polices.
• Oversee subject enrollment to ensure that informed consent is properly obtained and documented.
• Maintain required records of study activity including case report forms, drug dispensation records, or regulatory forms.
• Identify protocol problems, inform investigators of problems, or assist in problem resolution efforts, such as protocol revisions.

Further Information

• Clinical Trials Scientist - from: N.C.S. [UK]

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

Enterprising

Enterprising people like situations that involve using resources for personal or corporate economic gain. Such people may have an opportunistic frame of mind, and are drawn to commerce, trade and making deals. Some pursue sales and marketing occupations. Many will eventually end up owning their own business, or in management roles in larger organisations. They tend to be very goal-oriented and work best when focused on a target. Some have an entrepreneurial inclination.

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.

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 is via a degree in a subject such as Biology, Chemistry, Pharmacy, Pharmacology or Nursing. Some companies prefer to recruit people with a postgraduate qualification.  
  

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 Apprenticeships at NFQ levels 6-7 Search Apprenticeships

Higher Education CAO Entry: Biology, Chemistry, Pharmacy, Pharmacology or Nursing at NFQ Levels 6-8 Search CAO courses

Postgraduate & Doctoral Study Options Clinical Trials, Clinical & Diagnostic Biochemistry, Clinical & Translational Research, Clinical Chemistry, Clinical Laboratory Science ,  at NFQ levels 9-10.  

Professional Development & Associations 

Smart Futures

SFI Science foundation Ireland

Last Updated: November, 2023

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €40k - €95k

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

Data Source(s):
Brightwater / CPL / Morgan McKinley / Osborne/ Clark

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.

• Biotechnology Ireland

  • Enterprise Ireland, Lifescience & Food Commercialisation Group (EI Bio), East Point Business Park, Dublin 3
  • (01) 727 2000
  • Click Here

• Irish Research Council

  • Brooklawn House, Crampton Avenue, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4
  • (01) 231 5000
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here