Plans, organises, directs, controls and co-ordinates research and development activities within an organisation.

• Determines, implements and monitors research and development strategies, policies and plans; develops and implements research projects, priorities and targets to support commercial and policy developments; leads major research projects and co-ordinates activities of other research workers; assesses the benefits and monitors the costs and effectiveness of research and development activities; interprets results of research projects and recommends associated product and service development innovations; provides advice on research and development options available to the organisation; monitors leading-edge developments in relevant disciplines and assesses implications for the organisation; may publish results of significant research projects.

• Frequently works indoors in offices, meeting rooms and labs within large public or private organisations.
• May work outdoors depending on the nature of the organisation and the focus of research projects.
• Works in adequately heated, ventilated and clean, well maintained office workspaces.

• Sedentary work with frequent to constant sitting in offices or in meetings.
• Stands and walks and moves occasionally within the organisation.
• Lifting, carrying or pulling is unlikely to exceed sedentary demand.
• Bending, squatting or crouching is unlikely to be required.
• Stretching, twisting, climbing is unlikely to be required.
• Occasional to frequent repetitive hand and finger movements are required when using hand-held objects such as pens, calculators, a keyboard and mouse.
• Occasional use and operation of office machines such as printers, scanners, faxes and specialist research equipment.
• Occasional travel may be required in some project contexts.
• Occasional driving of vehicles maybe required depending on the nature of the work and the organisation.
• Mental skills necessary include a high level of cognitive functioning with technical, research, analytical, communication, interpersonal, organisational, problem solving, critical thinking and decision-making capabilities.

• A relevant tertiary qualification or at least five years applicable experience (ANZSCO Skill Level 1). In some instances particular experience and/or on-the-job training may be required.

• There are opportunities for flexibility of movement.