There are approximately 5900 natural and physical science professionals in Australia which includes conservators, metallurgists, meteorologists and physicists. Around 944 natural and physical science professionals are located in Victoria¹. 

Victoria is currently offering visa sponsorship for physicists. Preference is given to physicists with specialisations in the following areas:

• optics
• modelling
• radiation oncology medical physics.

If you are a graduate and wish to apply for sponsorship through the Skilled – Sponsored (886) visa, 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.

Earning potential

According to the Australian Government’s Job Search website, average gross weekly wages for a physicist are approximately AUD$1788².

Licensing and registration

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

Employers

Physicists are employed by government departments like the Commonwealth of Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) or Bureau of Meteorology. They may also work in the education sector, private industry or hospitals. Physicists may be employed in research, medicine, meteorology and geophysics and they may be required to use high-tech scientific equipment.

Physicists are employed across several industries including: Professional, Scientific and Technical Services; Mining; Education and Training; and Arts and Recreation Services³.

Industry contacts

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

• The Australian Institute of Physics (AIP) provides support to professional physicists and promotes the industry.
• 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

Specialty jobseeker sites:

• The AIP operates an online jobs board.
• Science Alert is a jobs board for science professionals.
• APESMA operates an online jobs board for its members.
• Bayside Group is a specialist job search site aimed at technical professionals.

To search for Victorian recruiters who specialise in physicists, 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 physicist.

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 Relations (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