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Pharmacologist Courses

Pharmacologists study drugs' effects on the body, conduct tests, and recommend new pharmaceutical products based on their findings.

    • AI Exposure: High

      This role has a high level of AI exposure. While some human skills are required, many tasks could be automated or replaced by new technology.

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  • This role has a high level of AI exposure. While some human skills are required, many tasks could be automated or replaced by new technology.
      • NSW
AI exposure data adapted from Felten, Raj & Seamans (2021). Shortage data sourced from Jobs and Skills Australia (2024).

How do I become a Pharmacologist?

Get qualified to work as a Pharmacologist with a course recognised across Australia. Speak to a training provider to learn more.

Common questions

Pharmacologists can earn between $79,051 and $116,189 per annum, which translates to a weekly salary of approximately $1,517 to $2,237. Increase your earning capacity by obtaining post-graduate qualifications in a specialist area such as biochemistry, physiology, toxicology, or microbiology, and joining an industry association like the Australasian Society of Clinical and Experimental Pharmacologists and Toxicologists (ASCEPT).

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There are no clear employment figures for Australian Pharmacologists at this time. They are employed by scientific and medical research centres, pharmaceutical companies, universities and academic institutions, government health organisations, manufacturing companies, conservation organisations, and more.

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Launch your career as a Pharmacologist in Australia with a Bachelor of Science (Pharmacology), Bachelor of Pharmacology and Toxicology, or Bachelor of Biomedical Science (Pharmacology). You will also benefit from a Master of Pharmacology (Research) or Master of Biomedical Science (Pharmacology).

Source: Australian Government Labour Market Insights 2023

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Related fields of study

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Further reading

A Beginner's Guide to Laboratory Technician Training in Australia

7th February 2025

What is the Difference Between a Psychologist and Psychiatrist?

25th October 2022

Choosing a security licence course in Australia: A step-by-step guide for jobseekers

10th November 2023

All pharmacologist courses

Pharmacologist careers

Pharmacologists are biomedical scientists who analyse and study pharmaceutical drugs and their effects on the human body and overall wellbeing. They test drugs on living cells in the laboratory (as well as through clinical trials) and then make recommendations for the development and manufacture of new pharmaceutical products. Pharmacologists are often required to carry out drug testing on non-human animals.

As a Pharmacologist you could be examining blood and urine samples from participants in a clinical trial, cleaning and sanitising laboratory equipment, ensuring the wellbeing of test subjects, entering lab test results into a structured database, writing a progress report for the R&D department, replacing stocks of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and testing chemicals, or attending an international conference for Pharmacologists and biomedical research professionals.

Pharmacologists spend most of their workday in the laboratory and at a computer desk, analysing data and writing reports. To succeed in this occupation you will need focused attention, a commitment to accuracy and data integrity, and the ability to create meaningful reports and recommendations from your research and laboratory work.

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