Most commonly reported Work Activities

•   Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
•   Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
•   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.
•   Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
•   Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
•   Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
•   Analysing Data or Information Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
•   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

A Laboratory Manager manages all aspects of the laboratory service in chemical, research or clinical laboratories and ensures appropriate staffing, equipment, quality and safety for accreditation by the Irish National Accreditation Board.

Laboratory Managers, also known as Senior Lab Technicians are responsible for overseeing the work activities and personnel of a scientific laboratory. Laboratory managers are responsible for organising and controlling all aspects of a laboratory environment.

Laboratory Managers could be involved in a variety of research projects such as diagnosing diseases, measuring levels of pollution or developing new products. 

A laboratory manager performs a variety of general and laboratory-specific administrative duties. He/She usually evaluates and hires job applicants, and organises or administers training and laboratory orientation. 

Work involves making risk assessments for the laboratory and ensuring that the company's Health & Safety policy is adhered to as well as keeping track of all laboratory equipment and materials.

Work also involves assisting staff, students or others by providing lab equipment instructions or procedural guidance. The lab Manager must anticipate potential problems and help staff to resolve them as they occur to get back on schedule. A laboratory manager also consult or arrange staff consultations with experts from various fields whose knowledge can help with the completion of work tasks.

Lab Managers act as an interface between the client and laboratory staff and may be required to create and follow a budget. 

An important aspect of a Lab Manager's work is ensuring the proper handling, storage and disposal of hasardous materials. 

Maintenance usually involves inspection, cleaning, calibration, testing and repair of lab equipment; and organisation and cleaning of the lab, including preparation and storage rooms. If necessary, the laboratory manager will contact vendors to provide maintenance services.

A Lab Manager will also determine when the laboratory needs to be open for students or researchers. 

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Hire, supervise, or evaluate engineers, technicians, researchers, or other staff.
• Design or coordinate successive phases of problem analysis, solution proposals, or testing.
• Plan or direct research, development, or production activities.
• Review project activities and prepare and review research, testing, or operational reports.
• Confer with scientists, engineers, regulators, or others to plan or review projects or to provide technical assistance.
• Develop client relationships and communicate with clients to explain proposals, present research findings, establish specifications, or discuss project status.
• Determine scientific or technical goals within broad outlines provided by top management and make detailed plans to accomplish these goals.
• Prepare project proposals.
• Develop or implement policies, standards, or procedures for the architectural, scientific, or technical work performed to ensure regulatory compliance or operations enhancement.
• Recruit personnel or oversee the development or maintenance of staff competence.

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.

 Enterprising

Enterprising people like situations that involve using resources for personal or corporate economic gain. Such people may have an opportunistic frame of mind, and are drawn to commerce, trade and making deals. Some pursue sales and marketing occupations. Many will eventually end up owning their own business, or in management roles in larger organisations. They tend to be very goal-oriented and work best when focused on a target. Some have an entrepreneurial inclination.

There are many pathways to develop towards a career as a Laboratory Manager. Most lab manager will have a degree and possibly post graduate qualifications.

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 assistant, quality management, supervisory management, leadership.

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, lab techniques, pre-apprenticeship, lab science.

Search for PLC Courses

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.

Examples: Lab Technician, Lab Analyst.

Search for Apprenticeships

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: science.

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: clinical laboratory science, biology, research, clinical trials, pharmaceutical sciences.

Search for Postgraduate Courses

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €50k - €100k

Salaries vary by employer, location, duties, role, experience, and sessional shift pattern & conditions.

Data Source(s):
Brightwater / Morgan McKinley/ CPL / Collins McNicholas/ Sigmar

Last Updated: August, 2024

Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Laboratory technicians, Electrical and electronic technicians, Engineering technicians, Quality assurance technicians, Planning, process and production technicians, Science, engineering and production technicians n.e.c.

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2024).

Employment growth was below average for this occupation with employment levels remaining almost unchanged between 2022 and 2023. A half of those employed were in industry, with the remainder spread across most other sectors. Online job adverts (Eurostat/CEDEFOP) were particularly prevalent for lab technicians followed by electrical/electronic technicians, while vacancies advertised through DSP were notable for mechanical, maintenance and electrical technicians.

Employment permits were issued across a number of technician roles including manufacturing, mechanical and maintenance. The Recruitment Agency Survey identified vacancies for maintenance and lab technicians as difficult-to-fill, while Skills for Growth data indicated issues with sourcing lab analysts and maintenance, QA/QC and process technicians. Skills in demand included environmental awareness and monitoring as well as health and safety. With output from new apprenticeships (e.g. lab analyst/technician, OEM engineer, wind turbine maintenance technician) along with other apprenticeship awards for these roles (e.g. manufacturing technology), supply may soon be sufficient to meet demand for these roles, particularly without any employment growth.

While output from new apprenticeships has begun to emerge, demand for this occupation remains strong with shortages persisting in the short term.

• Smart Futures

  • Discover Science & Engineering, Wilton Park House, Wilton Place, Dublin, 2
  • Click Here

• Science Foundation Ireland

  • Wilton Park House, Wilton Place, Dublin, 2
  • 01 - 607 3200
  • [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