There are approximately 11,700 research and development managers working in Australia with around 3416 research and development managers located in Victoria¹.

Victoria is currently offering visa sponsorship for research and development managers who have skills/experience in the Science industry in at least one of the following areas:

• business development
• research and development processes
• product development
• commercialisation.

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 research and development manager are approximately AUD$1750².

Licensing and registration

There are no licensing or registration requirements for research and development managers working in Victoria.

Employers

Research and development managers may be employed by government organisations, research institutes, universities, hospitals, not-profit organisations or private sector consultancies. Employment opportunities are diverse and there are a growing number of positions for research personnel.

Research and development managers are employed across several industries including: Professional, Scientific and Technical Services; Public Administration and Safety; Manufacturing; and Electricity, Gas, Water and Waste Services³.

Industry contacts

Professional bodies and industry associations are a good source of information about research and development management positions in Victoria.

• 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 Australian Institute of Management (AIM) is aimed more generally at managers. It offers education and training, networking opportunities and qualifications assessment.
• The Department of Business and Innovation provides information on the biotechnology sector through its Business Victoria website.

Finding a job

Specialist jobseeker sites:

• 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 research and development managers, 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 research and development manager.

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