Work Environment
This occupation is typically found in the following Career Sector(s):
Videos on the Web
- Epidemiologist- from: Youtube Search
- What is Epidemiology?- from: Risk Bites [Video]
- What We Do - Epidemiology- from: Ottawa Public Health [Video]
Most commonly reported Work Activities
- 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.
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
- Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
- Communicating with Persons Outside Organisation Communicating with people outside the organisation, representing the organisation to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
- 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.
Working Life
Epidemiologists strive to identify what the disease is, who has it, how it is spreading and what sort of environment it thrives in.
The goal of an epidemiologist is ultimately to reduce public health risks by studying disease patterns. They may work on forecasting the spread of deadly diseases or trying to create strategies for containing the growth of epidemics.
There is extensive analytical work and research involved in the responsibilities of an epidemiologist. Work will involve making predictions about the likelihood of disease occurrence and modelling prevention strategies.
A significant amount of work carried out by epidemiologists is concerned with the interpretation of data so excellent maths skills and a good grasp of statistics are essential.
Epidemiologists are generally employed by hospitals, medical clinics and universities.
Most commonly reported Work Tasks
- Oversee public health programmes, including statistical analysis, health care planning, surveillance systems, and public health improvement.
- Plan and direct studies to investigate human or animal disease, preventive methods, and treatments for disease.
- Provide expertise in the design, management and evaluation of study protocols and health status questionnaires, sample selection, and analysis.
- Monitor and report incidents of infectious diseases to local and state health agencies.
- Investigate diseases or parasites to determine cause and risk factors, progress, life cycle, or mode of transmission.
- Communicate research findings on various types of diseases to health practitioners, policy makers, and the public.
- Plan, administer and evaluate health safety standards and programmes to improve public health, conferring with health department, industry personnel, physicians, and others.
- Educate healthcare workers, patients, and the public about infectious and communicable diseases, including disease transmission and prevention.
- Conduct research to develop methodologies, instrumentation, and procedures for medical application, analysing data and presenting findings.
- Identify and analyse public health issues related to foodborne parasitic diseases and their impact on public policies, scientific studies, or surveys.
Further Information
- A Guide to Epidemiology- from: Public Health Online
- Being an Epidemiologist with MSF- from: Médecins Sans Frontières
- Who are epidemiologists?- from: cdc.gov
Qualities - Epidemiologist
Epidemiologists must possess the ability to work independently or as part of a group.
Meticulous analytical skills are an essential for the statistical analysis component of an epidemiologists work.
Some epidemiologists take on a public health role, which will require even greater communication skills, for communicating complex scientific information to the general public through the media.
Epidemiologists should have a desire to help people and a determination to find the causes of deadly diseases.
Interests - Epidemiologist
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.
Social
The Social person's interests focus on interacting with the people in their environment. In all cases, the Social person enjoys the personal contact with other people in preference to the impersonal dealings with things, data and ideas found in other groups.
Many will seek out positions where there is direct contact with the public in some advisory role, whether a receptionist or a counsellor. Social people are motivated by an interest in different types of people and like diversity in their work environments. Many are drawn towards careers in the caring professions and social welfare area, whilst others prefer teaching and other 'informing' roles.
Entry / Progression - Epidemiologist
Epidemiologists often have a degree in Medicine but it is not the only route into the field, qualifications in biostatistics, health science, biomedical science, public health and certain highly numerate social sciences.
What is important is that by their end of their training the epidemiologist will have expertise in statistics, public health, medicine, biology and behavioural science. So an epidemiologist who started out in medicine will most likely have further qualifications which developed their statistical capabilities while one who started out in social sciences will likely have trained further in public health and the mechanics of disease spread.
Students wishing to advance to a high level research position will be required to obtain a PhD with a focus on an epidemiology specialty.
Epidemiologists are generally employed by: Hospitals, Public agencies HSE, Medical clinics, and Universities, and Agencies such as MSF.
Sample Education and Training Pathways
A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research.
Further Education (FET)
Further Education & Training (FET) Courses are delivered by local ETBs, ranging in duration from several weeks up to 20 months. Courses are designed to meet the labour market needs and often include a large element of work experience.
Example search terms include: applied science, applied laboratory science, laboratory techniques, environmental science, pre-university, science with environmental studies.
Search for FET Courses
PLC Courses (FET)
PLC courses are full-time courses, one or two years duration, with awards at Level 5 and 6 on the NFQ. They are offered nationally in Schools and Colleges of Further Education.
Example search terms include: applied science, applied laboratory science, laboratory techniques, environmental science, pre-university, science with environmental studies.
Search for PLC Courses
Higher Education CAO (Undergraduate)
Higher Education courses at Levels 6 to 8 on the NFQ, delivered in Universities and Technological Universities & Institutes. Courses run from 2 – 5 years and places are allocated on a points-based system, processed by the Central Application Office.
Example search terms include: medicine, biostatistics, health science, biomedical science, public health.
Search for CAO Courses
Higher Education (Postgraduate)
Postgraduate courses are courses at Levels 9 and 10 on the NFQ and usually last 1 – 2 years full time, or longer if a PhD or part time. Entrants typically require an undergraduate award (Level 8).
Example search terms include: medicine, biostatistics, health science, biomedical science, public health.
Search for Postgraduate Courses
Professional Development
Professional development (CPD) courses are specialised training, formal education, or advanced professional learning that improves skills, professional knowledge, competency, and overall effectiveness in the professional world.
Check the Useful Contacts tab on this page to see if there are any professional bodies listed who may provide training related to this career.
Pay & Salary - Epidemiologist
Salary Range (thousands per year)* €64k - €106k
Salaries can vary greatly depending on stage in career and career path, whether working in academia, working for public or global health bodies or moving between the two. Salaries vary by employer, duties, role, experience, and location.
Data Source(s):
Morgan McKinley/ CPL / HSE/ Indeed
Last Updated: August, 2024
Labour Market Updates - Epidemiologist
Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Chemical scientists, Biological scientists and biochemists, Physical scientists, Social and humanities scientists, Natural and social science professionals n.e.c., Research and development managers.
This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2024).
Average annual employment growth over the five-year period was above average for this occupation, although employment levels remained unchanged between 2022 and 2023. At 26%, the share of non-Irish citizens employed in this occupation was above the national average. Despite a fall in the number of online job adverts (Eurostat/CEDEFOP) in 2023, scientists were the fifth most frequently occurring occupation across all online job adverts.
Employment permits issued were across various roles in industry and health including bio-process associates, QC chemists, and medical scientists. The Recruitment Agency Survey highlighted issues with recruiting process/analytical scientists and microbiologists, while Skills for Growth data identified the need for skills in good manufacturing practices (GMP), quality and validation. The number of biochemistry and chemistry awards made at third level has been growing annually for several years and reached nearly 900 and 1,000 awards respectively in 2022 (up from 580 and 800 in 2018). Similarly, the number of awards made in medical or pharma/bio-pharma fields grew to 1,400 (up from 1,300 in 2018).
A high level of demand for these occupations remains evident, with shortages expected to persist, particularly in the life sciences sector, for those with experience and/or in niche areas.
Useful Contacts - Epidemiologist
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International Epidemiological Association
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Irish Medical Organisation
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Irish Research Council
- Brooklawn House, Crampton Avenue, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4
- (01) 231 5000
- [email protected]
- Click Here
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Irish Medical Council
