There are approximately 8,100 chemists, including food and wine specialists, in Australia with around 2988 chemists and food and wine specialists in Victoria¹.

Victoria is currently offering visa sponsorship for chemists. Preferred specialisations for chemists include the following:

• medicinal chemistry
• polymer chemistry
• colloid chemistry
• bio-inorganic chemistry
• formulations chemistry
• mass spectroscopy and other scientific instrumentation.

If you are a graduate and wishing to apply for sponsorship through the Skilled – Sponsored visa (886), you must have an offer of employment in your skilled occupation and evidence of acceptance. For more information on the Skilled – Sponsored (886) visa, please contact the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC).

Earning potential

According to the Australian Government’s Job Search website, average gross weekly wages for a Chemist are approximately AUD $1115².

Skills Australia has also released a report with further information on the current labour market for chemists.

Licensing and registration

There are no licensing or registration requirements for chemists working in Victoria.

Employers

Chemists are often employed in laboratories but may also work in the field, at universities or processing plants. Most chemists work in the manufacturing sector.

Chemists are employed across several industries including: Manufacturing; Professional, Scientific and Technical Services; Education and Training; and Retail Trade³.

Industry contacts

Professional bodies and industry associations are a good source of information about chemists in Victoria.

• The Royal Australian Chemical Institute (RACI) represents professional chemists and works to promote the practice of chemistry. It provides career development and networking opportunities, runs conferences and publishes professional guidelines.
• LabOnline provides information and research updates to science and lab professionals.
• The Association of Professional Engineers, Scientists and & Managers (APESMA) represents a range of professionals including the engineering, science, management and architecture sectors. It provides advice to its members on industrial relations, career development and professional networking.
• BioMelbourne Network is a peak industry forum for the Victorian biotechnology and research sector.
• AusBiotech is the national body of companies and individuals dedicated to the development and
  prosperity of the Australian biotechnology industry. Its headquarters are located in Melbourne.
• The Victorian Bioportal contains a wide range of information on the Victorian biotechnology industry.
• The Department of Innovation, Industry and Regional Development provides information on the biotechnology sector through its Business Victoria website.

To search for Victorian recruiters who specialise in chemists, visit the Recruitment and Consulting Services Association’s Member Index.

Skill Assessment Information

The Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) has nominated Vocational Education and Training Assessment Services (VETASSESS) to be the assessing authority for the occupation of chemist.

For further information on VETASSESS migration skills assessment requirements including an application form and how to apply, please contact:

VETASSESS

Qualification Assessment Services
Level 5
478 Albert Street, East Melbourne
VIC, 3002, AUS
Tel: +61 3 9655 4801
Fax: +61 3 9654 2773
Email: migrate@vetassess.com.au
Website: www.skillassess.com.au

¹ Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relationship (2009) Job Outlook - Occupation pages - Employment Levels. Retrieved November 06 2009 from joboutlook.gov.au

² Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relationship (2009) Job Outlook - Occupation pages. Retrieved November 06 2009 from joboutlook.gov.au

³ Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relationship (2009) Job Outlook - Occupation pages - Prospects for Employment. Retrieved November 06 2009 from joboutlook.gov.au