Science, Technology & Analytics

What You Could Do

Roles across the industry are highly varied and include a mix of low-skilled, entry-level positions, highly-skilled roles, and professional roles requiring specialised knowledge.

Here’s a look at some of the top jobs you could pursue:

• Information Computer Technology (ICT) Support Technician: ICT technicians are responsible for various IT, computer and systems maintenance and solutions across an organisation. They diagnose computer problems, find and implement solutions, and work to ensure equipment, systems and processes all run smoothly so the business can deliver on its daily functions. They may also build and maintain computer and systems infrastructure, manage websites and resolve niche or common technical problems.
• Research Scientist (Specialist): Research scientists will be specialists in one area of science – that might be within biology, chemistry, physics, biomedical or other areas. They devise, formulate, and execute investigative projects that tackle gaps in scientific knowledge. Research scientists then share their findings by publishing authoritative documents, usually in academic journals, and try to get their findings proven further or implemented to solve real-world problems.
• Research and Development Consultant: Research and development consultants perform and conduct studies on topics in their specialised fields across science and technology. They gather and analyse research and source materials, design research programs, and create reports on their findings. They can also supervise other research projects and provide support on quality, ethics and evaluation of outcomes. Some research and development consultants work for laboratories or private companies, and some may also work within universities or government departments and think tanks.
• Mathematician: Mathematicians research, analyse, develop and apply mathematical principles to solve problems across science, engineering, technology, social sciences, business, industry and commerce. Mathematicians play a vital role in solving equations and developing accurate approaches to handle tough numerical challenges that have practical real-world impact. As well as working in the industry, they play a significant role in academia and education at all levels.
• Statistician: Statisticians use statistical theory and techniques to collect, interpret and analyse numerical data to assist with decision-making across the science and technology industry. They may also assist with policy development in a broad number of areas including science, government, medicine, business and education. Statisticians use real-world data, figures and projections to guide and advise on the best steps forward on some of the biggest challenges within our communities.

These job roles are only just scratching the surface!

The best way to learn more and help form decisions about the roles available and what you might be suited for is to conduct as much research as you can and build a profile from there.

Graduate Outcomes & Gender Split

Almost every career in the industry is founded on a bedrock of in-depth theory, research and specialist knowledge. For this reason, many of the roles require a bachelor degree in a specific subject as a result.

The Graduates Outcome Survey tracks graduate employment across different industry sectors.

Here’s a look at some graduate outcomes for science and technology degrees technologies:

• Computing and Information Systems Graduates in Full-Time Employment: 72.1%
• Computing and Information SystemsGraduates in Employment Overall: 81.2%
• Science and Mathematics Graduates in Full-Time Employment: 59.1%
• Science and MathematicsGraduates in Employment Overall: 81.7%

Keep in mind that this doesn’t account for graduates working part-time and/or who may have continued to higher studies; these are promising percentages!

*Figures from 2020 survey results.

Gender Split

The gender split across the industry depends on the segment of the sector you work within.

The industry is fairly evenly split across males and females :

Recent statistics indicate the split for manufacturing and production-based roles are:

• 59% Male
• 41% Female

Keep in mind there will be some areas where this might not always be the case, and in some areas, there may be more females than males and vice versa.

Average Salary

Current surveys in the sector indicate the median salaries for full-time roles in this industry as:

• Information Computer Technology (ICT) Support Technician: $55,00-$78,000
• Research Scientist (Specialist): $91,000-$106,000
• Research and Development Consultant: $93,000-$98,000
• Mathematician: $90,000-$159,000
• Statistician: $72,000-$100,000
• Microbiologist: $58,000-$69,500

Salaries are also determined by several factors, including:

• The segment of the industry you work within.
• Your job title and seniority.
• The amount of experience you have.
• Location, some rural areas may pay less than roles in main cities.

Industry Growth

The Department of Industry, Science, Industry, Energy and Resources has identified some strong industry growth initiatives across the science, technology and analytics industry.

The government are funding industry growth centres – not-for-profit organisations led by industry experts. These centres have a focus on:

• Increasing collaboration and commercialisation across the industry.
• Improving international opportunities and market access.
• Enhancing management and workforce skills.
• Identifying opportunities for regulatory reform.

Within science and technology, the government has also identified some core areas within the industry that focus on these growth centres.

These areas will see a boost in potential funding and job creation. They include:

• Advanced manufacturing technologies.
• Cyber and information security.
• Medical and pharmaceutical technologies.
• Mining technology.
• Oil, gas, and energy processes and technology.

Qualifications and Entry Pathways

For some professional roles, a bachelor degree can set you up well with the foundation of theory and knowledge to help you build a successful career in the industry.

Degree pathways you could pursue include:

• Bachelor of Mathematics
• Bachelor of Applied Science (With subject specialisations including biology, chemistry or physics)
• Bachelor of Biotechnology
• Bachelor of Computer Science
• Bachelor of Computing and Information Systems

Following a bachelor’s, many in this field study a research degree or PhDs that allow them to focus on the core specialist area they want to pursue a career further within.

For some pathways, vocational education and training (VET) courses can offer specialised and valuable springboards into the sector. – especially for ICT career pathways.

Relevant qualifications you could pursue include:

• Diploma of Information Technology Networking
• Certificate III in Information, Digital Media and Technology
• Certificate IV in Cyber Security
• Diploma in Information Technology
• Diploma of Business Information Systems

Other pathway options, particularly within the computer technology sector, might include:

• Scoring an apprenticeship or traineeship: You can start a school-based apprenticeship or traineeship from Yr 9 and work to gain industry-specific qualifications alongside your certificate of education and work experience.

Requirements will depend on the type of role you want and the company – so make sure you do some research.

Whatever your circumstances, grades or preferred way forward – there’s a qualification pathway that will work for you.

Best Places to Study

Where you choose to study will be dependent on a range of factors, but some universities are rated higher than others for specific subjects.

Some of the best-rated universities for science studies include:

• Bond University
• The University of Notre Dame
• Curtin University
• Monash University

Some of the best-rated universities for technology studies include:

• University of Technology Sydney
• University of Adelaide
• Australian National University
• University of Melbourne
• University of Queensland Australia
• RMIT University

Where to Learn More

You can find out more about different pathways through professional bodies and organisations advocating for careers in the sector.

Some good places to start include:

• Australian Institute of Project Management
• Australian Computer Society
• Innovation and Business Skills Australia
• Surveying and Spatial Industry
• Professional Scientists Australia – Professionals Australia
• Science and Technology Australia
• Australian Science Teachers Association
• Australian Academy of Science
• Australian Information Security Association

And many more!

Each state will also have several professional organisations that can help you learn more about the industry, network, and develop your career.