Natural and Physical Science Professionals

Natural and Physical Science Professionals not elsewhere classified conduct research, analysis, and investigations in scientific disciplines including geology, meteorology, astronomy, physics, chemistry, and environmental sciences. They design and execute experiments, collect and interpret data, and contribute to advancing scientific knowledge in their specialist field. Work occurs in research institutions, universities, government agencies, or private laboratories across Australia.

Design and conduct laboratory or field experiments using scientific methodology and controls. Collect, process, and analyse samples using specialised scientific instruments such as spectroscopes, chromatography equipment, or geological drilling apparatus. Interpret quantitative and qualitative data using statistical software and scientific computing tools to derive conclusions. Document experimental procedures, results, and findings in laboratory notebooks and formal research reports. Develop and test hypotheses through systematic observation and measurement in natural or controlled environments. Calibrate and maintain scientific instruments and equipment to ensure accuracy and compliance with quality standards. Prepare specimens, cultures, or samples for analysis using appropriate chemical, biological, or physical preparation techniques. Collaborate with research teams to design multi-disciplinary investigations and share findings through peer discussion.

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 roles are heavily grant-dependent, meaning funding runs out and positions end. You'll spend huge chunks of time writing grant applications that get rejected, not just doing science. Career progression is narrow: most roles cluster in universities where pay plateaus and permanent positions are scarce. Shifting from industry to research mid-career often means taking a pay cut.

Government agencies (like Geoscience Australia, CSIRO divisions) are mostly capital-based. Regional work exists in geology and environmental science but is often project-based and temporary. Remote work is rare: labs and field work need physical presence.

Published for ANZSCO unit group 2349, 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.

• Apply scientific methodscore
• Attention to Detailcore
• Collect samplescore
• Data Entry and Accuracycore
• Digital Literacycore
• Problem Solvingcore
• Process Documentationcore
• Quality Assurance and Checkingcore
• Record Managementcore
• Regulatory and Legislative Awarenesscore
• Report Writingcore
• Research and Analysiscore
• Stakeholder Communicationcore
• Time Management and Prioritisationcore
• Write research proposalscore
• Written Communicationcore
• Adaptability and Flexibility
• Apply health and safety standards
• Continuous Learning and Upskilling
• Goal Setting and Planning
• Microsoft Office Suite Proficiency
• Present reports
• Process Improvement Identification
• Reporting and Analytics
• Risk Identification
• Supervise staff
• Team Collaboration
• 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