The Work

Marine biologists study plants, animals and micro-organisms that live in the sea. Because oceans and seas are vitally important to life on Earth, marine biologists examine environmental damage, and find out if humans are making safe use of the sea's resources. Much of the work is laboratory based but some time may be spent on research vessels or on field trips at sea.  
 
Marine biologists gather samples and data at sea. For example, they may catch fish and see if they have absorbed dangerous levels of radiation from nuclear waste dumped at sea. In the laboratory, they use equipment like electron microscopes to look at the samples. They present significant findings in reports, scientific journals or at conferences. A long-term project may look at the effect of pollution from an oil refinery on marine life.  
 
A huge number of organisms live in the seas and oceans; many have benefits for humans. For example, biologists have found anti-cancer compounds in some sponge types. There is a continuing need to find out more about marine life and the sea's resources.

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

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.

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.

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.

Most new entrants are graduates. Degrees in Biology or Applied Biology are useful, especially if the course contains marine biology. Some jobs, particularly research posts, require a postgraduate qualification.  
Graduates of the degree in Marine Science may continue their education through various postgraduate studies at NUIG or at other institutions in Ireland and abroad.

Training & Development Pathways

FET Centre Traineeship: Laboratory Assistant NFQ Level 5 Search FET Courses

FET PLC Courses: Applied Science, Applied Laboratory & Pre-University Science, Applied Science - Forensics, Applied Ecology, Applied Ecology & Biodiversity Studies, Pre-University Science at NFQ Levels 5-6 Search FET PLC Courses

Apprenticeship: Accounting, Finance, Sales Apprenticeships NFQ level 6-8 Search Apprenticeships

Higher Education CAO Entry: Applied Freshwater & Marine Biology, Biology - Applied Biology, Wildlife Biology, Science - Applied Biology & Biopharmaceutical Science, Science - Applied Biology or Applied Chemistry, Science - Marine Science, Science - Undenominated NFQ Levels 6-8 Search CAO courses

Professional Development

Postgraduate Study Options Biology - Marine Biology, Biology - Marine Biology Conversion Programme, Biology - Molecular Cell Biology with Bioinnovation, Applied Coastal & Marine Management, Applied Marine Conservation, Coastal & Marine Environments: Physical Processes Policy & Practice, Marine Biological Resources, Marine Sciences - Structured, Bioinformatics & Computational Biology, Bioinformatics & Systems Biology - Research NFQ level 9-10

Last Updated: April, 2023

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €40k - €70k

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

Data Source(s):
Payscale/ Salaryexpert/ 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.

• Science Foundation Ireland

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• IMDO – Irish Maritime Development Office

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• Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM)

  • Crofton House, Crofton Road, Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin
  • (01) 214 4100
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