Demand for scientific and technology jobs in Australia has declined over the last twelve months by 13%, according to Seek job advertisement reporting. Many Australian organisations put plans on hold to digest significant changes to US trade, research and foreign policy, along with the outcome of the Federal election. With this in place, the decline is expected to stabilise. 

In Victoria and New South Wales, which make up more than half of scientific employment opportunities in Australia, scientific job advertising dropped by 22% year on year to April 2025. The smallest hiring declines by job type were for laboratory and technical services, followed by quality assurance and control (-12%), while chemistry and physics showed the largest decline at 26%. 

Interestingly, these trends have shifted over the last two months, with job types like materials sciences improving. Yet the food and biotechnology industries have faced consistent declines of over 20%, reflected in layoffs due to declining sales (as the cost-of-living increases) and funding respectively. 

As data inherently reflects historical patterns and past trends, rather than future needs or projections, we thought it was timely to talk market trends with the Bayside Group Scientific Recruitment Team. Our Recruitment Consultants talk to scientific professionals and employers every day, so we asked them to share their experiences in terms of skills in demand, industries that are hiring, and job seeker trends. 

Which skills are in demand? 

Alen Skaro, National Manager, Scientific & Technical Recruitment at Bayside Group, says this can be challenging to quantify, because many senior scientific professionals are sought after for a combination of skills and often transition away from technical roles to project management and executive leadership. 

In terms of specific scientific skill sets in demand, our scientific recruitment team is seeing varying levels of demand for: 

• Analytical Chemists 
• Laboratory Technicians  
• Microbiologists 
• Quality Assurance & Quality Control 
• Regulatory Affairs and Compliance 
• Data Scientists 
• Clinical Trials and Clinical Research (Medical Devices) 

However, this does not mean that employers are not looking for other scientific skill sets, according to Alen. “In our experience, there are always opportunities – it is simply about timing. We work with our clients to identify future skills employers may need, and match candidates through our extensive networks. We help employers conduct talent mapping to understand available skill sets to inform training and development.” 

Which industries are hiring? 

Demand in some of the larger industries in which scientific professionals are employed, such as food and beverage and pharmaceuticals, has declined significantly over the last 12 months. Yet, within these industries, some sub-sectors continue to hire. 

The following industries/sectors are hiring right now: 

• Biotechnology  
• Environmental Science and Renewables/Sustainability  
• Health and Medical (including Medical Devices) 
• Life Sciences 
• Therapeutics & Cosmeceuticals 

The fact that Biotechnology is employing again demonstrates how trends shift – it is common to see demand increase following a steady decline as organisations recalibrate. 

“Demand varies from company to company,” Alen Skaro says. “We’re seeing smaller Australian businesses grow rapidly, as well as multi-national organisations investing in Australia to achieve specific outcomes. Despite market instability, many scientific employers remain optimistic about the future.”   

Will the investment pipeline create scientific employment? 

Various government investments underway at both a Federal and State level will support scientific employment and innovation in Australia. 

One example is the "Future Made in Australia" plan to support manufacturing and the transition to net zero is a $22.7 billion investment over a decade, with $1.5 billion released in the 2024-25 financial year. Over $40b is committed to renewable energy and green hydrogen infrastructure in total. Furthermore, many employers have taken advantage of clean energy and energy efficiency grants for their business. Another example is a $1.5 fund for medical research, clinical trials and health innovation. 

The 2025-26 Federal budget has allowances for the continued work of the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) and CSIRO. The Victorian Government has also invested in the Biotech industry with the onset of Moderna, expansion of CSL and Pfizer (BionTech). Partnerships with universities also remain strong. For example, Moderna is working with Monash University in Clayton and BionTech with Latrobe University in Bundoora, creating opportunities for graduates. 

These initiatives aim to have a positive impact on scientific employment and is reflected in current demand for specific skills. 

Are scientific professionals moving or staying put? 

Job security is often key in a more volatile market although it might be too early for employees to consider the current situation volatile. In fact, job security isn’t the most important driver of attraction according to Seek research. Additional leave, strong base salaries and the ability to work autonomously are the key drivers for scientific professionals, suggesting that cost of living, work-life balance and meaningful work are priorities. This is something for scientific employers and their leaders to take into consideration. 

The Bayside Group Scientific Recruitment team have found drivers of attraction to be broader as detailed below, recommending understanding individual needs is essential.   

Why scientific professionals move: 

• Lack of career progression 
• Better salary or benefits 
• Better org-culture 
• More meaningful work  
• Flexible working arrangements 
• Contingent seeking a permanent role 

Why scientific professionals stay: 

• Well paid 
• Strong team/workplace culture 
• Flexible work arrangements 
• Opportunities to develop and diversify 
• Counter offers 
• Uncertain market conditions  

The cost of living has risen substantially in recent years, with salary therefore becoming a more prominent factor. Career progression subsequently becomes critical for many as a pathway to improved living conditions, in addition to personal growth. While national advertised salaries have increased 3.7% year on year, they have only increased by 0.8% in the last quarter according to Seek. 

“We are finding there is consistent interest when we contact scientific professionals to learn more about potential roles,” says Alen. “However, scientific professionals will generally only make the move if the opportunity is significantly greater, the salary is much higher, or an individual is unhappy with their current employer.” 

Bayside Group can assist employers understand the individual drivers that attract top scientific talent. If you’re looking for a scientific job and would like to be considered for upcoming opportunities, submit your resume today.