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

A biomedical scientist is a scientist whose key role is in the investigation and research of the biology and molecular mechanisms of disease.

Biomedical Science is a diverse and exciting field of research in which the scientist may be involved in discovery of novel causes or therapies for disease.

Biomedical scientists generally work in universities or research laboratories where they may study any form of disease, both in animals and humans, in order to discover new information on how to prevent, detect or treat disease.

Typical laboratory work might include evaluation of the effect of chemical and therapeutic agents on cancer cells or animal tissues using fluorescent imaging, protein biomarker analysis by staining, electrophoresis or immunoassays.

Identification of novel microorganisms and genetic factors causing diseases is a major and rapidly developing field of biomedical research.

Research into disease is conducted in multiple laboratories in Ireland, including the agricultural, fisheries and equine sectors, along with multiple pharmaceutical and research laboratories whose focus is human disease.

A major focus of biomedical science research is in the field of cancer research, where significant breakthroughs in identification of molecular (genetic) alterations in cancer cells has resulted in the development of highly successful targeted therapies, resulting in improved survival for many cancers. Numerous biomedical scientists in research laboratories in Ireland are involved in studies relating to clinical trials, in which new therapies are being evaluated in disease.

Biomedical scientists often specialise in one field of disease research, and may become experts in many fields such as genetic s, stem cell research, pharmaceuticals, biostatistics, nutritional or environmental disease research.

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.

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.

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.

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.

A scientist with a degree in Biomedical or Medical Science or Biomedical Engineering may explore working as a biomedical scientist. 

Graduates with degrees in Genetics, Immunology, Biochemistry and Microbiology also work in biomedical research.

Please note that in the UK the title of Biomedical Scientist is reserved for registered scientists who work in the diagnostic pathology laboratories in the health services. In Ireland, Biomedical Scientists are scientists who work in disease research, and Medical Scientists work in the health services.

Training & Development Pathways

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, Biomedical & Pharmaceutical Science, Biomedical Science/Laboratory Techniques 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: Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Biomedical and Molecular Diagnostics, Biomedical Electronics, Biomedical Engineering, Biomedical Science, Biomedical, Health and Life Sciences, Engineering (Common entry biomedical energy, Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Chemistry, Physics with Biomedical Sciences, Science - (Biological, Biomedical & Biomolecular Sciences) at NFQ Levels 7-8 Search CAO courses

Postgraduate & Doctoral Study Options Biomedical Engineering & Regenerative Medicine - BMERM - Structured, Biomedical Genomics, Biomedical Science, Biomedical Sciences - Intercalated, Engineering - Biomedical, Engineering - Biomedical Engineering, Biotechnology & Business at NFQ levels 9-10.  

Professional Development & Associations 

CORU 

Smart Futures

SFI Science Founda

Last Updated: August, 2023

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €42k - €75k

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

Data Source(s):
Morgan McKinley / Collins McNicolas/ Talent/ 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.

• CORU - Regulating Health & Social Care Professionals

  • Infinity Building, George’s Court, George’s Lane, Smithfield, Dublin 7, D07 E98Y
  • (01) 293 3160
  • [email protected]/ [email protected]/ [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Institute of Biomedical Science

  • 12 Coldbath Square London EC1R 5HL UK
  • + 44 (0)20 7713 0214
  • Click Here

• Tyndall National Institute

  • Lee Maltings Complex, Dyke Parade, Cork City, Ireland
  • 021 2346177
  • [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

• ACSLM Academy of Clinical Science and Laboratory Medicine

  • 31 Old Kilmainham Dublin 8 D08 V062 Ireland
  • 01 9059730
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here