What is Clinical Biochemistry

Education and Training

Careers

Career Pathway

The career pathway of a Clinical Biochemist progresses to senior and principal grade and up to
Consultant Clinical Biochemist. Consultant Clinical Biochemists are responsible for the clinical and
scientific governance and strategic direction of their services.
The minimum qualification requirements currently laid down by the Department of Health and Children for Clinical Biochemist grades are as follows:

Clinical Biochemist

Possess a BSc (Hons)/BA (Mod) in a subject area related to clinical
biochemistry/laboratory medicine and diagnostics or an equivalent qualification
OR have obtained before March 2018, a degree in which Biochemistry was taken as a subject in the
final examination, or equivalent AND be currently employed as a Biochemist in the Irish Health
System

Senior Clinical Biochemist

As for Basic grade AND an MSc (Taught or Research) (or higher
qualification) in a subject area related to Clinical Biochemistry or relevant subject area. (MSc degree
may be by examination or thesis) or equivalent qualification AND 3 years post qualification
experience in clinical biochemistry/related discipline

Principal Clinical Biochemist

As for Senior grade AND a PhD in a subject relevant to Clinical
Biochemistry/clinical diagnostics/laboratory medicine or Part 1 FRCPath (UK) or equivalent qualification AND 5 years relevant experience in clinical biochemistry/related discipline of which 2
should be in a senior clinical biochemist post.

Consultant Clinical Biochemists

A PhD in biochemistry or FRCPath examination in clinical biochemistry, or a qualification in clinical
biochemistry equivalent to either of these, PLUS at least eight years post graduate experience
including not less than five years in Clinical Biochemistry.

For further information go to https://www.hse.ie/eng/staff/jobs/eligibility-criteria/biochemists.html