Pharmacologist

Pharmacologists study the way different chemicals affect the body and how medicines work.

The role is vital to the advance of medicine. Pharmacologists play a big part in discovering new medicines to treat diseases and ease pain. They work to ensure that these new drugs are used in the most safe and effective ways.

Some pharmacologists carry out fundamental research in universities and research institutes. Others apply this research to specific medicines, working within the pharmaceutical industry. Nearly a quarter of the world’s top medicines have been discovered and developed in the UK.

A pharmacologist’s role may include:

designing tests to study the effects of medicines or drug compounds, using cells, animals or human volunteers
modelling experiments by computer simulation
overseeing tests in the laboratory
writing papers for scientific publications, or to seek approval for new medicines
presenting research findings to scientific colleagues.

New advances in molecular biology (the study of cell systems) and genomics (the study of an organism’s genes) are having a big impact on pharmacologists’ work in drug discovery.

The work can be exciting and satisfying, but it requires persistence. It takes around 12 years for a new medicine to go through the tests required before it can be prescribed by doctors.

Pharmacologists work with scientists in many disciplines, such as biologists, chemists and toxicologists. They may supervise junior laboratory workers. They may also work alongside other industry colleagues, such as clinical researchers and medical information executives.

Hours and environment

Pharmacologists usually work Monday to Friday, 9.00am to 5.00pm. Longer hours may be required to complete projects.

The work is based mainly in laboratories. Pharmacologists in industry may also spend a lot of time in offices or manufacturing sites.

Laboratory work is carried out in a clean environment. Pharmacologists wear protective gear, including lab coats, masks and gloves. They may work with hazardous substances.

A driving licence may be useful. Some pharmacologists travel internationally to present findings and attend conferences.

Salary and other benefits

These figures are only a guide, as actual rates of pay may vary, depending on the employer and where people live

Salaries for newly-qualified pharmacologists with a first degree start from around €35,000. Those with postgraduate qualifications may earn more.
With experience, pharmacologists may earn €45,000 to €55,000.
The most senior pharmacologists may earn up to €100,000.

In industry, earnings may be boosted by bonus schemes and other rewards such as share options and company car. Salaries in universities are often lower.

Skills and personal qualities

A pharmacologist needs:

an understanding of science, maths and statistics
excellent skills in analysis and problem solving
to be a good communicator and presenter
attention to detail
persistence
to work well as part of a team
leadership ability
a fluent writing style
IT skills
flexibility.

Interests

It is essential to be:

passionate about medical science, particularly biology
driven to keep learning
enthusiastic about laboratory work.

Getting in

The pharmaceutical industry employs around 25,000 people in Ireland. 19 of the top twenty global pharmaceutical companies are located in Irealnd ranging in size from small operations to household names such as Pfizer and GlaxoSmithKline.

Contract laboratories, which test new drug compounds for safety on behalf of pharmaceutical firms, also employ pharmacologists.

Universities and medical research organisations are the other main employers. There are also jobs within some government regulatory bodies, such as the Healthcare Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA).