• Conducts experiments to test pre-existing theories and come up with new theories; designs and tests experiment equipment; tests and processes minerals for their elements; writes up reports on experiments undertaken; may supervise staff; may write papers for scientific journals.

• Works indoors in offices and laboratories for universities, schools, Crown Research Institutes, research centers and hospitals.

• Occasionally works outdoors to carry out fieldwork relevant in their specific branch of research.

• Occasional travel to field sites may be required.

• Work indoors is carried out in adequately heated, ventilated and clean, well maintained office and laboratory workspaces.

• Use of protective clothing and footwear for specific environments may be required due to their hazardous nature.

• Sedentary to light work with frequent to constant sitting in offices or in laboratories.

• Stands and walks and moves frequently around office and laboratories. Occasional walking outdoors on site may be required and terrain may be difficult.

• Lifting, carrying or pulling may be required, but is typically unlikely to exceed the light range.

• Bending, squatting or crouching is not a significant requirement of the job.

• Stretching, twisting, climbing is not a significant requirement of the job.

• Occasional to frequent repetitive hand and finger movements are required when using hand tools including computers, writing instruments and laboratory equipment.

• Driving of cars may be required occasionally but is not a significant requirement of the job.

• Mental skills necessary include technical, computing, research, mathematical, 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.