The Work

Embryologists study the causes of infertility through the study of an embryo, development of a foetus and birth of a child.

The use their experise to help patients through programmes of assisted reproduction such as IVF.

They work closely with doctors and other biomedical scientists in order to treat each individual patient's condition.

Their work involves the use of highly specialised and sophisticated technical equipment.

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.

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.

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.

Training is by practical experience after first obtaining an honours primary degree in genetics or a relevant biological science. A number of related degrees are available throughout Ireland.  Embryologists may have trained as research biomedical scientists, PhD’s in biology, molecular biology, pharmacology, or veterinary embryology via Animal science. An embryologist should have their PhD in molecular biology, reproductive science, animal science, or animal reproduction. With relevant job experience, a master's degree would also be acceptable. However, a PhD is advised as it gives candidates a competitive advantage.

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, 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 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), Genetics 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, Genetics & Microbiology - Research, Biological & Biomolecular Science, Biomolecular & Biomedical Science - Research, Clinical Laboratory Science at NFQ levels 9-10.  

Professional Development & Associations 

Smart Futures

SFI Science foundation Ireland

The Irish Association of Clinical Scientists

Irish Association of Clinical Embryologists (note site under redevelopment construction)

Last Updated: April, 2023

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €40k - €90k

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

Data Source(s):
Payscale/ Glassdoor/ Salary expert/ Morgan McKinley

Last Updated: August, 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.

• Association of Clinical Embryologists

  • 24 Muirfield Drive, Astley, Manchester M29 7QJ
  • 020 3725 5848
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Academy of Medical Laboratory Science (ALMS)

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

• National Centre for Medical Genetics

  • Our Lady's Children's hospital, Crumlin, Dublin 12
  • (01) 409 6100
  • Click Here