• Designs and conducts experiments, makes observations and measurements, researches information, analyses data, prepares or supervises the preparation of laboratory reports and scientific papers, presents findings at scientific meetings and conferences, and supervises the work of staff; studies the forms and structures of bodily organs and tissues by systematic observation, dissection and microscopic examination; investigates the chemical structure and function of living cells and their isolated components, organs and tissues in humans, animals, plants, and micro-organisms; examines micro-organisms, such as bacteria, fungi, yeast and their enzymes, and use the knowledge gained to create and develop new, and improve existing, products, materials and processes.

• Frequently works indoors in research or teaching settings in universities, museums and research institutes.

• May work outdoors to carry out fieldwork.

• Occasional travel to field sites is required.

• Works in adequately lit, heated, ventilated and clean, well maintained office workspaces.

• Works with a broad range of living and dead organisms, solvents, chemicals, biological materials and radioactive materials that may be hazardous. Protective clothing will be used.

• May occasionally work in remote areas when on expeditions.

• Sedentary to light physical demand, frequent sitting in offices and laboratories.

• Stands and walks frequently in offices, in fieldwork situations and in laboratories.

• There is an occasional requirement for lifting, carrying or pulling when assembling research equipment.

• Occasional bending, squatting, crouching, stretching and reaching may be required during fieldwork.

• Occasional contact with skin irritants and water may be required in some environments.

• Frequent repetitive hand and finger movements are required when using hand tools and equipment including writing instruments, computers and general laboratory equipment.

• Driving may be required to reach fieldwork locations but driving is not typically a significant component of the job.

• Mental skills necessary include a high level of cognitive functioning with technical, computing, research, laboratory, analytical, mathematical, report writing, communication, 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 cases particular experience and/or on-job training may be required.