Most commonly reported Work Activities

•   Documenting/Recording Information Entering, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
•   Organising, Planning, and Prioritising Work Developing specific goals and plans to prioritise, organise, and accomplish your work.
•   Interacting With Computers Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
•   Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
•   Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
•   Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
•   Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
•   Scheduling Work and Activities Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
•   Performing Administrative Activities Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
•   Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.

Working Life

Clinical trials scientists work in the pharmaceutical industry. They carry out clinical trials or tests on the effectiveness and safety of new drugs and medicines. Trials take place over a lengthy period - sometimes it can take years before results are clear.  
 
Trials scientists decide on the sise of the study, the methods to be used in collecting and analysing data, and how to report and publicise eventual findings. They also liaise and co-ordinate with research staff, general practitioners, hospital doctors and other medical professionals.  
 
In addition to laboratory based research, trials frequently involve the assistance of willing, healthy volunteers and patients. This helps to confirm the results of initial laboratory tests carried out on animals. Trials scientists are responsible for ensuring that guidelines governing the use of humans or animals in clinical trials are strictly observed.  
 
Statistical methods are used to analyse and evaluate the large amount of data generated by trials. Computers are also used to support research and analysis. They also have the responsibility to interpret results and write technical reports.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Schedule subjects for appointments, procedures, or inpatient stays as required by study protocols.
• Perform specific protocol procedures such as interviewing subjects, taking vital signs, and performing electrocardiograms.
• Assess eligibility of potential subjects through methods such as screening interviews, reviews of medical records, or discussions with physicians and nurses.
• Prepare study-related documentation, such as protocol worksheets, procedural manuals, adverse event reports, institutional review board documents, or progress reports.
• Inform patients or caregivers about study aspects and outcomes to be expected.
• Record adverse event and side effect data and confer with investigators regarding the reporting of events to oversight agencies.
• Monitor study activities to ensure compliance with protocols and with all relevant local, federal, and state regulatory and institutional polices.
• Oversee subject enrollment to ensure that informed consent is properly obtained and documented.
• Maintain required records of study activity including case report forms, drug dispensation records, or regulatory forms.
• Identify protocol problems, inform investigators of problems, or assist in problem resolution efforts, such as protocol revisions.

Further Information

• Clinical Scientist- from: N.C.S. [UK]

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

 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.

 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.

Entry is via a degree in a subject such as biology, chemistry, pharmacy, pharmacology or nursing. Some companies prefer to recruit people with a postgraduate qualification.

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: quality management, life sciences, manufacturing operations, manufacturing technician, pharmaceutical manufacturing, laboratory assistant.

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 laboratory science, applied science, forensics, laboratory techniques, pharmacy studies, engineering technology, biotechnology.

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 Tech, 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: biology, chemistry, pharmacy, pharmacology, nursing.

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 trials, clinical, diagnostic biochemistry, translational research, clinical chemistry, clinical laboratory science.

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.

Smart Futures

SFI Science foundation Ireland

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.

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €40k - €95k

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

Data Source(s):
Brightwater / CPL / Morgan McKinley / Osborne/ Clark

Last Updated: July, 2024

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.

• Biotechnology Ireland

  • Enterprise Ireland, Lifescience & Food Commercialisation Group (EI Bio), East Point Business Park, Dublin 3
  • (01) 727 2000
  • Click Here

• Irish Research Council

  • Brooklawn House, Crampton Avenue, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4
  • (01) 231 5000
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here