Occupation snapshot
10,000 life scientists in Australia1
2,090 life scientists in Victoria (20.9%)1
Average gross weekly earnings AUD$12002
Average weekly hours 39.83
View Job Outlook's occupation overview for life scientists

 

Victoria is currently offering visa sponsorship for eligible life scientists and graduate life scientists. To be eligible to apply for sponsorship, life scientists must:

• have a minimum of two years experience
  
• have an IELTS score of six or above in each band
• meet Victoria's other eligibility requirements
• address Victoria's sponsorship assessment criteria in your application.
  

If you are a graduate and wishing to apply for sponsorship through the Skilled – Sponsored (886) visa, you must have:

• an IELTS score of six or above in each band, and
• a PhD qualification in your skilled occupation and/or
• an offer of employment in your skilled occupation and evidence of acceptance.
  

In addition to these requirements you must:

• meet Victoria's other minimum eligibility requirements
• address Victoria's sponsorship assessment requirements in your application.

For more information on the Skilled Sponsored (886) visa, please visit the Department of Immigration and Citizenship's website.

Detailed information about applying for Victorian Government visa sponsorship is available in the Visas and Immigration section.

Licensing and registration

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

Industry contacts

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

• Science Industry Australia is the peak industry body for organisations involved in the supply or production of science industry goods. It hosts regular meetings, publishes a bulletin and operates special interest networking groups.
• 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.
• The Victorian Bioportal contains a wide range of information on the Victorian biotechnology industry.
• The Department of Business and Innovation provides information on the biotechnology sector through its Business Victoria website.
  
  

Finding a job

Life scientists are employed across several industries including: Professional, Scientific and Technical Services; Education and Training; Manufacturing; and Public Administration and Safety.³

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

For more general information on Victoria’s job market, including where and how to find jobs, and workplace culture, visit our Working and Employment section.

¹ Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations, Job Outlook – Occupation pages – Employment levels. Retrieved March 21 2012 from joboutlook.gov.au

² Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations, Job Outlook - Occupation pages. Retrieved March 21 2012 from joboutlook.gov.au. Please note that wages will vary according to your level of skill and qualification. For more information about your wage earning potential, visit the job seeker sites listed above under Finding a Job.

³ Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations, Job Outlook - Occupation pages - Prospects for Employment. Retrieved March 21 2012 from joboutlook.gov.au