Conducts tests on body samples to determine nature, stage of development and possible source of illness; studies effects of selected drugs on diseased organisms to find effective methods for treating specific patients; performs autopsies; may apply scientific knowledge and skills to investigate crimes by analysis physical and biological evidence.

• Works indoors in medical laboratories and hospitals.
• Works with infectious materials and protective equipment and clothing and adherence to safety procedures will be required.
• Works in adequately lit, heated, ventilated and clean, well maintained and sterile workspaces.

• Light to medium physical demand.
• Sits in office or laboratory to use microscopes, computers and scientific equipment to analyse or interpret data and write reports.
• Frequently stands and walks to analyse body samples, perform autopsies and other tasks.
• Occasional lifting, carrying or pulling within light to medium physical range will be required.
• Occasional bending, squatting, crouching and stretching may be required.
• Frequent contact with skin irritants and/or water including infectious materials and other substances may be required and protective clothing will be utilised.
• Frequent repetitive hand and finger movements are required when using computers, medical and surgical equipment and general laboratory equipment.
• Mental skills necessary include a high level of cognitive functioning with medical, surgical, diagnostic, data evaluation, computing, research, laboratory, analytical, report writing, communication and decision-making capabilities.

• A relevant tertiary qualification (ANZSCO Skill Level 1). In some instances particular experience and/or on-the-job training may be required.
• Registration or licensing is required.

There are opportunities for flexibility of movement.