Careers

In the State Laboratory, we have a culture of high performance and continuous improvement, which encourages high levels of engagement and personal development. We support the well-being and work-life balance of staff with policies that include flexible working hours, part-time working options, career breaks, blended working, and sports and social activities. The State Laboratory is committed to championing an inclusive and diverse workforce that reflects modern Ireland and the people we serve.

We strive to create a culture where everyone has equal access to opportunity and feels comfortable and confident to be themselves at work.

The State Laboratory embraces innovation in order to continuously improve, deliver best in class services and to tackle the many challenges and opportunities that arise. Developing expertise in chemistry is essential for the future success of the Laboratory and this requires training, on-the-job learning, a research culture, participation in international working groups and attendance at conferences and workshops. To succeed, expertise in disciplines including IT, Finance, HR, Health and Safety, and Communications is also essential.

All staff employed in the State Laboratory are civil servants. If you would like to receive notifications about new recruitment campaigns, please email your interest to careers@statelab.ie.

The State Laboratory provides excellent career opportunities for chemistry graduates and postgraduates who want to work in superb laboratory facilities utilising innovation and the latest technologies to perform high-quality analysis and make a real difference. The changing requirements of our clients means we are constantly improving and developing methods and investing in the new equipment. This means staff are continuously learning throughout their career. Chemistry staff have the opportunity to pursue further studies up to Ph.D. (NFQ Level 10).

There are two entry routes for chemistry staff.

Laboratory Analyst

Minimum qualification requirement: NFQ Level 7 grade 2.2. with chemistry as a significant component of the final year. Candidates in their final year of a Level 8 chemistry course are eligible to apply.

Minimum experience requirement: None

Typical profile of new entrants to the grade: Recent graduates from NFQ Level 8 courses with 0-5 years experience.

Chemist Grade III

Minimum qualification requirement: NFQ Level 8 grade 2.2. with chemistry as a significant component of the final year.

Minimum experience requirement: One year. Postgraduate study counts towards the experience requirement.

Typical profile of new entrants to the grade: This is a career grade with a salary scale spanning 17 points. New entrants are assigned work and responsibilities commensurate with their experience.

New entrants to the grade include the following categories:

• Graduates from NFQ Level 8 courses with 1-15 years’ experience in private or public sector laboratories.
• Graduates from NFQ Level 9 and Level 10 courses with 0-15 years’ experience in private or public sector laboratories.

We have a number of roles which support The State Laboratory’s ability to provide a comprehensive analytical chemistry and advisory service to Government Departments and Offices.

These support roles fall into the Civil Service Grade structure of:

• Clerical Officer
• Executive Officer
• Administrative Officer
• Higher Executive Officer
• Assistant Principal

Recruitment for these positions is carried out when a need for a position becomes available.

Often these are specialised roles in the Support Sections of Finance, HR, ICT or Laboratory Services.

For more information on the Civil Service Career Path, please visit Publicjobs.ie

We are currently recruiting for 2 Senior Manager positions:

• Senior Manager – Facilities, Health and Safety, and Services (Grade I)
• Senior Manager – Engagement, Communications and Information (Assistant Principal)

Please visit statelaboratoryjobs.com for Application Forms and further information on these competitions.

These competitions close at 5pm on Tuesday, 3rd February 2026.

Information Sessions

Two Information Sessions have been scheduled, to provide further detail on these Senior Manager positions and to give an insight into working with us in the State Laboratory.

Session 1

Tuesday, 20th January 2026 – Information Session online via MS Teams

• 4pm: Overview of the State Laboratory
• 4:15pm: Introduction to working in the State Laboratory
• 4:30pm: An overview of:

Role and responsibilities of the Senior Manager – Facilities, Health and Safety, and Services (Grade I)

or

Role and responsibilities of the Senior Manager – Engagement, Communications and Information (AP)

Session 2

Wednesday, 21st January 2026 – Information Session, in person, State Laboratory, Backweston Campus, Celbridge, W23 VW2C

• 2:15-2:20pm: Arrival
• 2.30pm: Overview of the State Laboratory
• 2:45pm: Introduction to working in the State Laboratory
• 3pm: Tour of the laboratories and overview of:

Role and responsibilities of the Senior Manager – Facilities, Health and Safety, and Services (Grade I)

or

Role and responsibilities of the Senior Manager – Engagement, Communications and Information (AP)

To register, please email careers@statelab.ie stating your name and the following information and the session you wish to register for, specifically:

• If you are registering to know more about the Senior Manager – Facilities, Health & Safety and Services (Grade I) online via MS Teams, please state GRADE I REMOTE in the email subject line.
• If you are registering to know more about the Senior Manager – Facilities, Health & Safety and Services (Grade I) in-person, please state GRADE I IN-PERSON in the email subject line.
• If you are registering to know more about the Senior Manager – Engagement, Communications and Information (AP) online via MS Teams, please state AP REMOTE in the email subject line.
• If you are registering to know more about the Senior Manager – Engagement, Communications and Information (AP) in-person, please state AP IN-PERSON in the email subject line.

Unfortunately, under 18s are not permitted to attend the in-person session.