Clinical Research Jobs

Clinical research is a specialised career path that directly supports Ireland's outsized pharmaceutical and biotech sector, with 14 active roles across Dublin (9) and Cork (4) — the two cities with the deepest clinical trial infrastructure.

Regeneron leads with 3 positions at its Dublin clinical development centre, hiring for roles that support the company's pipeline of investigational medicines in immunology, oncology, and rare diseases. Eli Lilly has 2 clinical research positions linked to its massive manufacturing and R&D investment at Kinsale, Co. Cork — one of the largest pharmaceutical capital projects in Irish history. Novartis recruits 2 clinical professionals for its Dublin-based EMEA clinical operations.

The academic sector adds a complementary dimension. University College Cork has 2 positions for clinical research coordinators or associates supporting investigator-initiated trials across its medical school and teaching hospital network. Trinity College Dublin contributes a clinical research post within its medical sciences faculty.

The CRO (Contract Research Organisation) sector, which is a significant employer in Ireland, is represented by ICON plc — one of the world's largest CROs, headquartered in Dublin. MSD (the Irish arm of Merck) hires for clinical trial management. Grifols, a global plasma-derived medicines company, recruits for biotherapeutics clinical research. Vitalograph in Ennis, Co. Clare adds a clinical devices dimension — the company manufactures respiratory diagnostic equipment and runs clinical trials for its lung-function testing platforms.

What qualifications do you need? A life sciences degree (pharmacy, medicine, nursing, or biomedical science) is the typical entry point. GCP (Good Clinical Practice) training is mandatory for all clinical research professionals. Key skills include clinical trial management, regulatory submissions (HPRA, EMA), patient recruitment, data management, and medical writing. The career path runs from Clinical Research Associate and Clinical Trial Coordinator through Senior CRA and Clinical Research Manager to Clinical Operations Director — with both CRO and sponsor-side tracks offering clear progression.