Work Environment
This occupation is typically found in the following Career Sector(s):
Videos on the Web
- Medical Scientist- from: Youtube Search
- Medical Scientist (Irl) Biomedical Scientist (UK)- from: icould [UK] Video
Most commonly reported Work Activities
- 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.
- Thinking Creatively Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
- Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
- Interacting With Computers Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
- Analysing Data or Information Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
- Organising, Planning, and Prioritising Work Developing specific goals and plans to prioritise, organise, and accomplish your work.
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
- Documenting/Recording Information Entering, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Working Life
in the HSE Medical Scientists are part of a clinical workforce called Health and Social Care Professionals, who work together with medical and nursing colleagues as a team in the delivery of clinical, therapeutic and social care.
Medical Scientists usually work in hospital laboratories, and work in a service used by the entire population at some stage of their lives. They are involved in the analysis of patient samples in order to diagnose disease and inform treatment options as well as ongoing monitoring of the patient's condition. It has been estimated that 70% of diagnoses by clinicians are made as a result of tests carried out by laboratory services.
The work of a medical scientist includes:
- Working in clinical services that underpin laboratory medicine including Cellular Pathology, Clinical Biochemistry, Haematology, Medical Microbiology and Virology, Transfusion and Transplantation Science, Immunology, Molecular Diagnostics and Point of Care Testing.
- Managing the laboratory service and ensuring that the patient receives quality-assured, standardised results which aid in their disease diagnosis, prognosis and therapy.
- Providing infection surveillance to monitor hospital-acquired infections and many novel molecular tests for disease-related genetic aberrations.
Where Will I Work?
Medical Scientists usually work in the public healthcare system in hospitals, specialist laboratories such as the National Virus Reference Laboratory or in the Irish Blood Transfusion Service.
The HSE is the biggest employer in Ireland for this occupation. Further information from the HSE on the duties and skills for this occupation can be found here.
Graduates also work in private healthcare, public health agencies, research laboratories and in pharmaceutical and biotech companies worldwide.
Most commonly reported Work Tasks
- Follow strict safety procedures when handling toxic materials to avoid contamination.
- Evaluate effects of drugs, gases, pesticides, parasites, and microorganisms at various levels.
- Plan and direct studies to investigate human or animal disease, preventive methods, and treatments for disease.
- Prepare and analyse organ, tissue, and cell samples to identify toxicity, bacteria, or microorganisms or to study cell structure.
- Conduct research to develop methodologies, instrumentation, and procedures for medical application, analysing data and presenting findings to the scientific audience and general public.
- Teach principles of medicine and medical and laboratory procedures to physicians, residents, students, and technicians.
- Write and publish articles in scientific journals.
- Write applications for research grants.
- Standardise drug dosages, methods of immunisation, and procedures for manufacture of drugs and medicinal compounds.
- Study animal and human health and physiological processes.
Qualities - Medical Scientist
You should enjoy science, have an interest in healthcare and how diagnostic tests guide treatments for medical conditions to improve patient outcomes.
You should be analytical, detail orientated and be calm under pressure when critical test results are required or in health emergencies.
You should be able to work independently as well as part of a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals. You should be able to manage in a busy working environment without supervision e.g. when on call out of hours.
You should have good interpersonal and communication skills to present information in a clear and concise manner.
Interests - Medical Scientist
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.
Entry / Progression - Medical Scientist
Medical Scientists typically hold a level 8 honors degree. A CORU Approved Course that includes a clinical laboratory internship is required to practice as a Medical Scientist in a hospital laboratory in Ireland.
The Medical Scientists Registration Board, for the purposes of Section 38 (2) (a) of the Act, hereby accepts the following qualifications are acceptable for the purposes of application for registration:
- Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Medical Science from the Galway/Mayo Institute of Technology (GMIT)
- Bachelor of Science (Honours) Biomedical Science, Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT) or Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin)
- Bachelor in Science Honours degree in Biomedical Science from the Joint University College Cork – Cork Institute of Technology course AND Diploma in Clinical Laboratory Practice
- Certificate in Medical Laboratory Science, Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT), Cork Institute of Technology (CIT) or Galway/Mayo Institute of Technology (GMIT) and Bachelor in Science (Applied Science) Honours degree (Biomedical option) from the University of Dublin/Dublin Institute of Technology (Awarded prior to 2002)
- Bachelor of Biomedical Science, Cork Institute of Technology (CIT) AND BSc (Honours) Biomedical Sciences, University College Cork (UCC) (Awarded prior to 2013)
- Diploma in Medical Laboratory Sciences of the Dublin Institute of Technology, (DIT) or the Cork Institute of Technology (CIT) (Awarded prior to 1994)
- Certificate in Medical Laboratory Sciences awarded before 1997 by the Dublin Institute of Technology Kevin Street, the Cork Institute of Technology or the Galway/Mayo Institute of Technology
Schedule 3 Approved Qualifications
As per the HSCP Act 2005 (as amended), the following qualifications are also approved during the Transition/Grandparenting Period:
- Bachelor of Science (Applied Sciences) (Honours) (Biomedical option) from the University of Dublin/the Dublin Institute of Technology Kevin Street
- Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Biomedical Science from the Joint University College Cork — Cork Institute of Technology course
- Diploma in Medical Laboratory Sciences awarded before 1994 by the Dublin Institute of Technology or the Cork Institute of Technology
- Certificate in Medical Laboratory Sciences awarded before 1997 by the Dublin Institute of Technology Kevin Street, the Cork Institute of Technology or the Galway/Mayo Institute of Technology
Graduates who have completed an CORU approved honours degree and a clinical laboratory placement are then eligible to practise as medical scientists in clinical pathology (hospital) laboratories in Ireland as well as other countries.
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: laboratory techniques, pre-university science
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: laboratory techniques, pre-university science
Search for PLC Courses
If you are in a PLC course or considering taking one, you can check to see if there is a progression pathway to courses in the CAO system. The following link will list all PLC courses that are related to the Healthcare sector in Ireland. Use the filters on that page to narrow your search as required.
Search Progression Routes
Note: Courses completed at PLC/FET level require specific FETAC awards and modules to meet minimum entry requirements to apply via CAO for a place under the HELS Higher Education Links Scheme.
Apprenticeships:
Apprenticeships are structured work-based training programs that combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. They run from 2 – 4 years and are open to individuals of all ages, including school leavers, those seeking a career change, and existing employees who wish to upskill. The Laboratory Analyst L7 apprenticeship will give you practical skills to work in a laboratory in industry but does not qualify you to register as a medical scientist to work in a hospital laboratory.
Example: Laboratory Technician or Laboratory Analyst
Search for Apprenticeships
Mature Entry
All candidates are required to apply through CAO. Mature Entry is for those that are 23 years of age or older by 1st January in the year of entry. Mature entry route is based on applying for a course via www.cao.ie by 1st February. Applicants may be required to sit an assessment test or attend an interview.
Places are limited and mature applicants must satisfy the minimum entry requirements for the programme and will also be assessed based on each Colleges [RPL] Recognition of prior learning.
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: medical science, biomedical science, pathology research, pathology structured, medicine, health.
Search for Postgraduate Courses
Career/Professional Development
In the HSE there are many ways to progress your career. You could become a Senior Medical Scientist or a Specialist Medical Scientist in a specific area such as medical microbiology, haematology, clinical chemistry, molecular diagnostics or clinical immunology. Further information on clinical, management and educational pathways for career progression in the HSE is available here.
The HSCP Office is responsible for Leadership, Education and Continuing Professional Development of HSCPs working in the HSE.
HSeLanD the Irish Health Service's online learning and development portal offers an array of training and development opportunities delivered either online or in a classroom setting.
There are also opportunities for career progression in private healthcare, public health agencies, research laboratories and in pharmaceutical and biotech companies worldwide.
Pay & Salary - Medical Scientist
Salary Range (thousands per year)* €35k - €75k
Salaries vary by employer, location, duties, role, experience, and sessional shift pattern & conditions.
Data Source(s):
HSE / Morgan McKinley / CPL
Last Updated: July, 2024
Labour Market Updates - Medical Scientist
This occupation has been identified as a Job in Demand by the most recent National Skills Bulletin.
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 - Medical Scientist
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Academy of Clinical Science & Laboratory Medicine - ACSLM
