Most commonly reported Work Activities

•   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.
•   Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
•   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.
•   Documenting/Recording Information Entering, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
•   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.
•   Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
•   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

• Receive, identify and store bodies/deceased in secure and hygienic conditions.

• Keep accurate records of the deceased and their property in the Mortuary Register.

• Prepare and reconstitute bodies under supervision to agreed standards after post mortem examination.

• Perform the cleaning, disinfection and care of the Mortuary to ensure that it is hygienic, safe and efficient at all times. • Clean, Sterilise and maintain equipment and instruments required by the Pathologists.

• Arrange for relatives and Gardaí to identify and view the deceased, and deal sympathetically with bereaved persons.

• Assist with the discharge of the deceased to authorised Funeral Director’s.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Conduct chemical analyses of body fluids, such as blood or urine, using microscope or automatic analyser to detect abnormalities or diseases and enter findings into computer.
• Analyse the results of tests or experiments to ensure conformity to specifications, using special mechanical or electrical devices.
• Set up, maintain, calibrate, clean, and test sterility of medical laboratory equipment.
• Prepare standard volumetric solutions or reagents to be combined with samples, following standardised formulas or experimental procedures.
• Collect blood or tissue samples from patients, observing principles of asepsis to obtain blood sample.
• Supervise or instruct other technicians or laboratory assistants.
• Conduct blood tests for transfusion purposes and perform blood counts.
• Inoculate fertilised eggs, broths, or other bacteriological media with organisms.
• Obtain specimens, cultivating, isolating, and identifying microorganisms for analysis.
• Examine cells stained with dye to locate abnormalities.

Further Information

• Anatomical Pathology Technician- from: N.C.S. [UK]

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

 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.

 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.

Applicants for this occupation should ideally have previous mortuary and/or post mortem examination based skills.

• Have experience in a healthcare or other relevant setting
• Have some knowledge of the role of the Coroner 
• Have some knowledge of Health & Safety procedures in use in a Mortuary
• Have a good knowledge and awareness of Health & Safety Legislation and Regulations, the implications for the organisation and their application in the workplace.

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: care, healthcare.

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: care skills, healthcare.

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: Healthcare Advanced Practitioner.

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: healthcare, applied healthcare, medical science, biomedical.

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: pathology, biomedical science.

Search for Postgraduate Courses

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €33k - €53k

Salaries vary depending on employer, location, experience, and duties.

Data Source(s):
Public Appointments service/ HSE

Last Updated: June, 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.

• Smart Futures

  • Discover Science & Engineering, Wilton Park House, Wilton Place, Dublin, 2
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• Science Foundation Ireland

  • Wilton Park House, Wilton Place, Dublin, 2
  • 01 - 607 3200
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here