Life Scientists

Life scientists not elsewhere classified conduct research, analysis, and testing in biological, biochemical, or ecological domains outside the scope of more specialised roles such as microbiologists or medical scientists. They work in laboratories, field settings, or research institutions to design experiments, collect and analyse biological data, and contribute to scientific knowledge in areas such as plant biology, animal behaviour, or environmental science.

Design and conduct laboratory experiments using controlled variables to test biological hypotheses. Collect, prepare, and analyse biological specimens or environmental samples using microscopy, spectrophotometry, or chromatography equipment. Maintain detailed laboratory notebooks and electronic records of experimental procedures, observations, and results in compliance with research governance standards. Operate and calibrate specialised scientific equipment such as centrifuges, incubators, gel electrophoresis units, or DNA sequencers. Analyse quantitative and qualitative data using statistical software and bioinformatics tools to identify patterns and test hypotheses. Prepare peer-reviewed research manuscripts documenting methodology, results, and conclusions for publication in scientific journals. Conduct fieldwork to collect biological specimens, environmental data, or behavioural observations using standardised sampling protocols. Apply for and manage research grants and funding from organisations such as the National Health and Medical Research Council or Australian Research Council.

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.

Research funding is unstable and competitive. You'll spend years chasing grants from NHMRC or ARC, and if funding dries up, your position goes with it. Pay caps out lower than related fields like medicine, and you may need a PhD just to be competitive for permanent roles. Expect casual or fixed-term contracts early on.

Remote work is rare; you need lab access. Regional Australia has very few positions outside agricultural research stations.

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
• Problem Solvingcore
• Process Documentationcore
• Record Managementcore
• Regulatory and Legislative Awarenesscore
• Report Writingcore
• Research and Analysiscore
• Team Collaborationcore
• Time Management and Prioritisationcore
• Verbal Communicationcore
• Written Communicationcore
• Adaptability and Flexibility
• Digital Literacy
• Health Terminology Literacy
• Microsoft Excel Data Management
• Microsoft Office Suite Proficiency
• Process Improvement Identification
• Quality Assurance and Checking
• Reporting and Analytics
• Risk Identification
• Stakeholder 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.

What Life Scientists workers move into, from ten years of tax records.

Last updated: 30 October 2026