Most commonly reported Work Activities

• Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Analysing Data or Information Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
• 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.
• Processing Information Compiling, coding, categorising, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
• 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.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
• Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information Estimating sises, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.

The Work

Biotechnologists make products with a biological ingredient or action, like vaccines, antibiotics, drugs and hormones.  
 
Biotechnologists use the techniques of molecular biology such as genetic engineering, to change the way an organism grows or behaves. For example, insulin, a chemical normally made in the human body (but lacking in people with diabetes) has been made from genetically engineered bacteria. It encompasses an ever-growing range of laboratory techniques for the attention and manipulation of molecules, genes and cells.  
 
In agriculture, biotechnologists may change genes to increase crop yields, or make crops more resistant to pests and disease. They use micro-organisms, such as bacteria or yeasts to perform specific industrial or manufacturing processes producing certain drugs and hormones and the bioconversion of organic wastes.  
 
In manufacturing, biotechnologists supervise the production plant, and test the product to monitor its safety and quality. 

Alternative job titles for this role include: Bioengineer; Molecular biologist; Biophysicist; Biochemist and Microbiologist.

Typical employers include:

• Medical technology companies
• Pharmaceutical companies
• Universities
• Scientific foundations and institutions
• Agriculture and crop production companies
• Industries working in areas such as biodegradable plastics, vegetable oil
• Environments research in companies and institutions such as biofuels

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Conduct research, along with life scientists, chemists, and medical scientists, on the engineering aspects of the biological systems of humans and animals.
• Adapt or design computer hardware or software for medical science uses.
• Evaluate the safety, efficiency, and effectiveness of biomedical equipment.
• Develop models or computer simulations of human biobehavioral systems to obtain data for measuring or controlling life processes.
• Research new materials to be used for products, such as implanted artificial organs.
• Write documents describing protocols, policies, standards for use, maintenance, and repair of medical equipment.
• Conduct training or in-services to educate clinicians and other personnel on proper use of equipment.
• Analyse new medical procedures to forecast likely outcomes.
• Advise hospital administrators on the planning, acquisition, and use of medical equipment.
• Advise manufacturing staff regarding problems with fermentation, filtration, or other bioproduction processes.

Further Information

• Biotechnologist - from: N.C.S. [UK]
• Biotechnologist - from: GradIreland

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.

Biotechnology normally requires a graduate qualification. You can develop your skills and knowldge in steps accross a wide range of training & development. 

Training & Development

FET Centre Traineeship: Laboratory Assistant, General Management at NFQ Level 5-6 Search FET Courses

FET PLC Courses: Applied science, Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Operations, Applied Laboratory Science, Applied Science/Laboratory Techniques, Biomedical & Pharmaceutical Science, Biotechnology at NFQ Levels 5-6 Search FET PLC Courses

Apprenticeship: Lab Technician & Lab Analyst Apprenticeships NFQ levels 6-7 Search Apprenticeships

Higher Education CAO Entry: A bachelor’s degree in biotechnology is the most common entry route into the industry. Students can attain a general science certification or diploma before progressing onto a biotechnology degree. Degrees in the following are also doorways to the biotech sector:

• Biochemistry/ Chemistry/ Microbiology/ Process engineering/ Chemical engineering/ Pharmaceutical / ciences/ Biology/ Environmental biology/ Medicine

For further details on eligibility requirements for CAO third level entry following or a QQI-FET PLC qualification, students should visit the CAO course search.

Professional Development  
Postgraduate Study Options PhD or MSc in a relevant subject for is typically needed for research posts.  Some relevant work experience is valued by employers.

Last Updated: April, 2023

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €35k - €70k

Salaries vary by employer, locations, duties, role, and experience: 

Data Source(s):
Brightwater/ Morgan McKinley/ Sigmar / 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 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

• Life Science Recruitment

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

• Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland

  • 18 Shrewsbury Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4
  • (01) 218 4000
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Irish Medical Devices Association

  • c/o Ibec 84/86 Lower Baggot St., Dublin 2.
  • (01) 605 1500
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Clinical Research Development Ireland

  • Clinical Research Development Ireland, 28 Upper Mount Street, Dublin 2
  • (01) 658 2120
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here