Science is constantly evolving. There will always be a need for companies that drive innovation - and a need for a workforce adequately sized and skilled to meet the demands of those companies. Whether you are studying science, a recent science graduate or someone with plenty of hands-on experience, it's worth understanding potential career paths and progression opportunities. 

Bayside Group’s scientific recruitment team works with a range of scientific professionals through every stage of their career journey. In this blog, we discuss career paths for five common scientific jobs: chemistry, microbiology, environmental science, quality control and quality assurance, research and development. 

Chemist 

At its core, chemistry involves exploring the properties, composition, and structure of matter, and analysing the ways in which different elements interact with each other. This includes performing research and experiments to understand the behaviour and properties of substances, and to develop compounds or synthesise substances for a range of practical applications. 

Whether acting as a laboratory technician or working as a scientist in the field, chemists are at the core of a wide range of industries. They might have a hand in developing construction materials, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics or textiles. From food production to psychiatry (through the study of brain chemistry) to defence technology, there’s virtually no limit to the areas in which a career in chemistry can flourish. 

Where a chemistry career might take you 

Pursuing work as a chemist provides diverse options. A career in chemistry could see you developing new materials for manufacturing, helping to uncover new processes for chemical synthesis, developing scientific research that will help people worldwide. It could even see you leading a chemical pathology team at a major hospital, providing vital analytical services that allow patients to receive a diagnosis, or working in sales or public policy. Other areas include mineralogy and metals analysis, investigating novel ways to extract precious minerals and metals for the mining and resources industry. 

Key sectors: biotechnology, education, environmental, food and beverage, industrial, FMCG and manufacturing in general, government, healthcare, defence, pharmaceutical, research, mining. 

Types of roles for chemists: Analytical chemist, bioanalytical scientist, chemical engineer, environmental chemist, geochemist, industrial chemist, inorganic chemist, materials chemist, organic chemist, pharmaceutical chemist, policy analyst, quality control officer, quality assurance officer, research officer, technical sales representative, technical writer, teacher, toxicologist. 

For those looking for leadership roles, options may include Senior Chemist, Project or Program Manager, Business Development Manager, Technical Manager or Director, Research Director. 

Average salary for chemists: $65,000 to $85,000 exclusive of management, with the typical salary for a Technical Manager is $145,000*. 

Microbiologist

Microbiology, the study of living organisms that are too small to be seen by the human eye, leads scientists to work with bacteria, viruses, fungi and algae. It's a fascinating and exciting field as these tiny critters do the work of giants, playing a role in nutrient cycling, biodegradation and food spoilage, climate change and the cause and control of disease. 

Microbiologists do important work. They might be involved in developing vaccines and antibiotics. They can contribute to food and water safety, including helping ensure food and beverage products are safe for human consumption. You’ll find microbiologists at work in the agricultural, biofuel, and cosmetic industries. It’s a diverse field with numerous real-world applications. 

Where a microbiology career might take you 

As a junior microbiologist you might start with isolating and making cultures of bacteria or other microorganisms in prescribed media. Later in your career you could aid research into disease or lead a team identifying bacteria of agricultural or veterinary significance, helping to avert disasters and pandemics. 

Key sectors: biotechnology, education, environmental, food and beverage, industrial, FMCG, government, healthcare, pharmaceutical, research. 

Types of roles for microbiologists: microbiologist, laboratory assistant or technician, medical laboratory scientist, researcher, biomedical scientist, biotechnologist, bacteriologist, bioinformatics, mycologist, virologist. 

For those looking for leadership roles, examples include Laboratory Manager, Senior Microbiologist, Project or Program Manager, Research Principal or Director, Principal Investigator. 

Average salary range for microbiologists: $65,000 to $85,000 exclusive of management according to Seek*. Senior roles become more specific, so it is difficult to provide examples of typical salaries. 

Environmental science 

From climate change and pollution to species protection and biodiversity, environmental issues impact global health and security, and human wellbeing. Increasingly they are core economic concerns for many countries, Australia included. Environmental science specialists are at the forefront of efforts to protect the natural environment. Quite literally, they are out there saving the world. 

Environmental scientists might be based in a lab, or in the field monitoring conditions first hand. Their work can be hands-on, for example by helping clean up pollution; or they can advise business or policymakers on environmental best practice. With specialisations including atmospheric science, ecology, environmental chemistry, and geoscience, environmental science is a varied and vital field.

Where an environmental science career might take you 

In such a rapidly evolving field it is difficult to answer this question. Career paths in environmental science can vary widely based on your specific interests, the level of education and experience you attain, and your innovation or entrepreneurial skills. After an internship investigating soil microbiology, you could seek your fortune helping the private sector lighten its environmental footprint before advising on Australia's ecohydrology strategy as one example, but there are literally thousands of paths. 

Key sectors: education, infrastructure, renewable energy, water, conservation, industrial, government, pharmaceutical, research. 

Types of roles for environmental scientists: environmental scientist, consultant, environmental engineer, research, conservation scientist, policy analyst, wildlife biologist, environmental engineer, climate scientist, environmental health specialists, ecologists, green building consultant, environmental journalist, renewable energy specialist, environmental data analyst. 

For those looking for leadership roles, examples include Environmental Manager, Sustainability Manager, Project or Program Manager, Research Principal or Director, Policy Director. 

Average salary range for environmental scientists: $80,000 to $120,000* exclusive of management. A typical Environmental Manager will earn $150,000+ according to Seek. 

Quality assurance and quality control 

These are two related but distinct jobs that apply to a wide range of disciplines. Quality assurance (QA) workers implement systems and processes that ensure a product will meet its requirements in terms of quality, preventing mistakes and defects during development. Quality control (QC) workers, on the other hand, inspect products to confirm quality requirements have been fulfilled. 

Both are aspects of formal quality management systems and have applications in many industries. Life sciences in particular have a strong QA and QC requirement; for example, in the development of vaccines and medicines. Life science is a growing industry in Australia, so QA/QC professionals are likely to be in high demand. 

Where a quality career might take you

A career in quality assurance (QA) or quality control (QC) may find you working in a multi-national food manufacturing company or in a government role depending on the path you take. This path has a more common progression than other scientific careers, starting at assistant or coordinator, moving to specialist and then manager however this is certainly not every path, which is why we can include management in the salary range. 

Key Sectors: food and beverage and more broadly FMCG, mining, oil and gas, pharmaceutical, industrial, government. 

Types of quality control and quality assurances roles: QA/QC specialists and managers, regulatory affairs, process improvement, supplier quality management, project management, quality engineering, risk management, consultant, auditor, research, compliance and governance. 

For those looking for leadership roles, examples include Quality Manager, Quality Assurance Manager, Quality Consultant or Quality Director. 

Average salary range for QA/QC: $55,000 to $80,000 according to Seek* a typical Quality Manager role will range from $105,000 - $135,000. 

Research and Development 

Research and Development (R&D) is arguably one of the most glamorous and exciting scientific fields. R&D workers are at the cutting edge of innovation, driving the development of new products and services or improving existing ones, with the goal of meeting customer needs and adding these innovations to a company’s bottom line. 

Research and development cover a range of industries, and can mean working on life changing products, reducing environmental footprints or improve the quality of life for people in developing countries. 

Key Sectors: food and beverage, packaging, mining, oil and gas, pharmaceutical, industrial, government, conservation. 

Types of research and development roles: research and development scientist, food technologist, packaging technologist, ingredients technologist, academic research, product development, product development engineer, laboratory technician, manufacturing specialist. 

Career progression in research and development can roles such as Research & Development Manager, Product Development Manager, Research Director and Head of Innovation. 

Average salary range for R&D: $75,000 to $135,000 including management according to Seek, although management roles can be as high as $160,000. 

As diverse as all the above fields seem to be, don't forget that science recruitment occurs across multiple fields. Bayside Group (formerly Techstaff) has scientific consultants in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane available to assist you in taking the next step in your career. 

Click on the following links to view available jobs, register to be considered for relevant jobs in the future, or call us to speak to a Bayside Group scientific consultant. Our office hours are 8.30 to 5.00pm, Monday to Friday. 

* Average salary ranges are calculated using jobs advertised on Seek and were last updated in October 2023.

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