Biotechnologist

A biotechnologist applies biological and chemical principles to develop, test, and improve products and processes in pharmaceutical, agricultural, environmental, or industrial settings. They design and conduct laboratory experiments, analyse biological data, and work with living organisms, cells, or their components to create or modify products such as medicines, vaccines, enzymes, or biomaterials. This work operates within regulatory frameworks including TGA approval pathways and laboratory biosafety standards.

Design and conduct laboratory experiments using cell cultures, microbial systems, or genetic material to develop new biotechnological products or processes. Operate and maintain specialised laboratory equipment including bioreactors, fermentation vessels, chromatography systems, and nucleic acid sequencers. Prepare and characterise biological samples using techniques such as gel electrophoresis, mass spectrometry, and PCR amplification. Analyse experimental data using bioinformatics software and statistical methods to interpret results and validate product efficacy or safety. Document experimental procedures, results, and observations in laboratory notebooks and electronic laboratory information management systems (LIMS) to maintain audit trails. Apply biosafety protocols and containment procedures consistent with Australian laboratory biosafety standards and institutional guidelines. Conduct quality control testing on biotechnology products to verify purity, potency, identity, and stability against specification standards. Collaborate with cross-functional teams including chemists, engineers, and clinical researchers to troubleshoot technical issues and optimise production processes.

The standard entry pathway requires a bachelor degree or higher (ABS Skill Level 1). Specific qualification requirements vary by employer and state. Some employers may accept equivalent experience. Check yourcareer.gov.au for available courses and dewr.gov.au/skills-reform/free-tafe for subsidised training options.

You'll need a science degree and likely postgraduate qualifications to compete, which takes years and money upfront. The work is repetitive lab testing with long waits for results, and career progression often means moving away from hands-on science into management. Pay is modest compared to the education investment required.

Most roles are in pharmaceutical companies, research institutes, and government labs rather than remote work. Regional opportunities exist in agricultural biotechnology but are limited. Check state health and research institution job boards.

Published for ANZSCO unit group 2345, the wider group this job sits in, not for this job on its own.

This is the median for full-time employees who are not managers and are paid at the adult rate, before tax and salary sacrifice. It is a guide to what the work pays, not a wage rate.

Source: ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2025, customised report.

• Attention to Detailcore
• Continuous Learning and Upskillingcore
• Data Entry and Accuracycore
• Digital Literacycore
• Health Terminology Literacycore
• Problem Solvingcore
• Process Documentationcore
• Quality Assurance and Checkingcore
• Record Managementcore
• Regulatory and Legislative Awarenesscore
• Report Writingcore
• Research and Analysiscore
• Team Collaborationcore
• Written Communicationcore
• Confidentiality and Privacy Compliance
• Incident Reporting
• Microsoft Excel Data Management
• Policy and Procedure Adherence
• Process Improvement Identification
• Risk Identification
• Stakeholder Communication
• Time Management and Prioritisation
• Verbal Communication

• ABS OSCA 2024, occupation definition and task statements
• ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2025, customised report.
• ABS, 2021 Census of Population and Housing based on usual place of residence (Custom Report). OSCA Experimental Estimates.

Role data is drawn from official Australian Government sources, and each figure names where it comes from. Where a role is not in the ABS classification, the page shows no government figures for it. Data may not reflect every local variation.

Where our numbers come from.

Last updated: 30 October 2026