Studies the anatomy, physiology and characteristics of living organisms and isolated biological molecules, and develops new materials for applying to a range of purposes.

• 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 uses the knowledge gained to create and develop new, and improve existing, products, materials and processes.

• Works indoors in offices and laboratories within factories and other sites such as water treatment plants, food industries, pharmaceutical companies, agricultural companies, regional councils, pulp and paper processing industries, breweries, Crown Research Institutes and universities.
• Works with a range of chemicals and other substances that may include diseased organisms and body fluids. Protective equipment and clothing and adherence to safety procedures will be required.
• Works in adequately lit, heated, ventilated and clean, well maintained workspaces; however work areas may also be dirty, messy and noisy at times.

• 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 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. In some instances particular experience and/or on-the-job training may be required (ANZSCO Skill Level 1).

• There are opportunities for flexibility of movement.