Most commonly reported Work Activities

• Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Documenting/Recording Information Entering, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
• Analysing Data or Information Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Processing Information Compiling, coding, categorising, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
• Interacting With Computers Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
• Organising, Planning, and Prioritising Work Developing specific goals and plans to prioritise, organise, and accomplish your work.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Thinking Creatively Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.

The Work

Genetic Engineers alter the DNA of an organism in order to change its properties. They have responsibility for setting up experiments, analysing results and writing and presenting reports.  
 
Some work in animal research, for example working with farm animals to make them more profitable to the agricultural industry. Others work on developing plants that are drought or pest resistant, tolerant of herbicides or give higher yields.  
 

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Supervise or direct the work of other geneticists, biologists, technicians, or biometricians working on genetics research projects.
• Plan or conduct basic genomic and biological research related to areas such as regulation of gene expression, protein interactions, metabolic networks, and nucleic acid or protein complexes.
• Prepare results of experimental findings for presentation at professional conferences or in scientific journals.
• Maintain laboratory notebooks that record research methods, procedures, and results.
• Write grants and papers or attend fundraising events to seek research funds.
• Search scientific literature to select and modify methods and procedures most appropriate for genetic research goals.
• Review, approve, or interpret genetic laboratory results.
• Attend clinical and research conferences and read scientific literature to keep abreast of technological advances and current genetic research findings.
• Evaluate genetic data by performing appropriate mathematical or statistical calculations and analyses.
• Analyse determinants responsible for specific inherited traits, and devise methods for altering traits or producing new traits.

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.

Entry to this career is through a degree in genetics or a relevant biological science. Courses are available in educational institutes throughout Ireland. Some employers prefer to recruit candidates with postgraduate qualifications.  

There are many pathways into a career in genetics. Further education skills development can buld your skills to link up with College or Apprenticeship options. There are many branches of the Geneticist role, of manufacturing, research, and design. These are some steps you may take in your journey.  

Training & Development Pathways

FET Centre Traineeship: Quality Management, Life Sciences Manufacturing Operations, Manufacturing Technician, Pharmaceutical Manufacturing, Laboratory Assistant, Engineering Technology 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: Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Genetics, Genetics and Cell Biology, Genetics and Genomics, Biotechnology, Pharmaceutical Science, Animal science, Animal Bioscience at NFQ Levels 7-8 Search CAO courses

Postgraduate & Doctoral Study Options Management, Genetics & Microbiology - Research, Biotechnology, Statistics for Human Genetics, Biological & Biomolecular Science, Biology - Research, Immunology & Global Health at NFQ levels 9-10. 

Professional Development & Associations 

Smart Futures

SFI Science foundation Ireland 

Skillnets Allied medtech & Biopharma

Engineers Ireland

Last Updated: April, 2023

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €35k - €85k

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

Data Source(s):
Morgan McKinley / CPL/ Collins McNicolas/ Sigmar/ Indeed

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.

Science, Engineering, Manufacturing 

The employment growth rate over the five-year period was above average although employment remained relatively stable between 2020 and 2021. Employment permits issued in 2021 were primarily for medical, process, and analytical scientists and chemists. In June 2022, medical scientists were moved to the Critical Skills Employment Permit List due to issues with sourcing suitable candidates. Medical scientists were also identified in the Shifting Sands report as one of the top growing occupations in terms of advertised job vacancies; the top skills sought in job vacancy adverts included pathology, biochemistry, microbiology and quality assurance/control. Vacancies for analytical and process scientists were also identified as difficult to fill in the Recruitment Agency Survey. Both the Skills for Growth and Spotlight on Skills data pointed to issues in sourcing skills for food science and food manufacturing. Education provision for scientists continued to increase strongly with 5,300 graduates at NFQ levels 8-10 in 2020, an additional 500 graduates when compared to 2016. Demand for these skills in the life sciences is likely to continue to grow, with shortages occurring for roles that require a high level of experience and/or in niche areas

• 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