Research Scientist

Alternate Titles:

R&D Scientist, Discipline-specific title (e.g. Cell biologist, Immunologists etc.)

General role description

Research Scientists contribute to applied health and medical research by conducting laboratory, translational, or data-driven investigations that support product development, public health innovation, or evidence-based service improvement.

Working within multidisciplinary teams, they play a key role in developing new technologies, optimising processes, and ensuring research outputs meet regulatory, clinical, or organisational needs.

Key responsibilities

Plan and conduct laboratory or analytical studies aligned with organisational research, product development, or health improvement objectives
Analyse results, interpret data, and prepare internal reports or recommendations that inform development or policy decisions
Document experimental methods and findings in line with regulatory and quality standards
Collaborate with cross-functional teams including engineering, clinical, regulatory, or manufacturing staff
Contribute to the validation and improvement of tools, processes, or products through applied scientific methods
Communicate findings to internal stakeholders and support the development of technical documentation or reports for external partners.

Workplace settings

Pharmaceutical, biotechnology and medical device companies
Not-for-profit, government, peak body and advocacy organisations involved in research
Hospitals and healthcare services.

Required qualifications

A degree in biomedical science, biotechnology, chemistry, molecular biology, or a related field
Honours, Master’s or PhD qualifications are often preferred, particularly for senior or technical specialist roles.

Other notable requirements

Research scientists often require:

Practical laboratory or applied research experience in a relevant scientific discipline
Familiarity with quality and regulatory requirements (e.g. Good Laboratory Practice, Therapeutic Goods Administration, ISO standards)
Ability to analyse, interpret, and present scientific data
Strong written and verbal communication skills, particularly in preparing technical reports or communicating findings to multidisciplinary teams
Ability to work independently and collaboratively across research, technical, or operational teams.