Research and Development Chemist

A Research and Development Chemist creates new products for customers in a range of industries. You might experiment with a range of product items, including cosmetics such as make up, skin care lines and hair care products. Research and Development Chemists work as part of a product development team. You might trial new colours or solutions and carry out tests on their safety and effectiveness.

Research and Development Chemists should have strong technical skills and be able to follow correct procedures during their work. It’s important that you can communicate your findings and work well in a team environment. Research and Development Chemists need excellent attention to detail and strong observational skills.

Future demand Medium
Average yearly income $88,400
Skill level Advanced

How do I become a research and development chemist?

All skill levels Beginner Experienced
Recommended

Bachelor of Science (Chemistry)
Blended, On Campus
3 years
$0 - $123,300
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Analytical Chemist Chemist Environmental Chemist
Industrial Chemist Medical Chemist Cosmetic Chemist Research and Development Chemist Physical Scientist Forensic Chemist Medicinal Chemist Materials Scientist Laboratory Scientist Science Technician Nanoscientist Chemistry Teacher
+ 12 more
11268NAT

Diploma of Personal Care Formulation
Online
12 months
Unavailable
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Cosmetic Chemist Research and Development Chemist
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Cosmetic Chemist Research and Development Chemist

Bachelor of Science (Applied Chemistry)
Blended, On Campus
3 years
$0 - $23,322
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Quality Control Analyst Chemist Analytical Chemist
Environmental Chemist Chemistry Teacher Cosmetic Chemist Research and Development Chemist Materials Scientist
+ 5 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Quality Control Analyst Chemist Analytical Chemist Environmental Chemist Chemistry Teacher Cosmetic Chemist Research and Development Chemist Materials Scientist + 5 more

Bachelor of Science (Biochemistry and Molecular Biology)
Blended, On Campus
3 years
$0 - $27,900
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Geneticist Molecular Biologist Biotechnologist
Biochemist Research and Development Chemist Research Scientist Molecular Geneticist
+ 4 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Geneticist Molecular Biologist Biotechnologist Biochemist Research and Development Chemist Research Scientist Molecular Geneticist + 4 more

Bachelor of Science (Medicinal Chemistry)
Blended
3 years
$22,032 - $27,900
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Pharmaceutical Scientist Analytical Chemist Medicinal Chemist
Cosmetic Chemist Research and Development Chemist
+ 2 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Pharmaceutical Scientist Analytical Chemist Medicinal Chemist Cosmetic Chemist Research and Development Chemist + 2 more

Bachelor of Science (Microbiology and Immunology)
On Campus
3 years
$23,565 - $27,401
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Pharmaceutical Scientist Biomedical Researcher Immunologist
Microbiologist Biotechnologist Research and Development Chemist Molecular Geneticist Laboratory Scientist Clinical Laboratory Technician Hospital Scientist Molecular Biologist
+ 8 more
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Related occupations

Cosmetic Chemist

Cosmetic Chemists develop beauty products like creams and makeup, requiring attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and teamwork.

Avg yearly income $88,400
Skill level Advanced

Common questions

How much does a Research and Development Chemist earn?

In Australia, a full time Research and Development Chemist generally earns $1,700 per week ($88,400 annual salary) before tax. This is a median figure for full-time employees and should be considered a guide only. As you gain more experience you can expect a potentially higher salary than people who are new to the industry.

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Courses.com.au Team Industry expert

What are the job opportunities for a Research and Development Chemist?

This industry has seen a decrease in employment numbers over the last five years. There are currently 3,700 people working in this area in Australia and many of them specialise as a Research and Development Chemist. Research and Development Chemists may find work in all regions of Australia, particularly larger towns and cities.

Source: Australian Government Labour Market Insights

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Courses.com.au Team Industry expert

How do I become a Research and Development Chemist?

If you’re interested in a career as a Research and Development Chemist, consider enrolling in a Diploma of Personal Care Formulation. This course will give you the skills to create personal care products for the face, body and hair. You’ll also learn to prepare technical documents that support the safety and performance claims of your products.

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Courses.com.au Team Industry expert

Further reading

What can you do with an Advanced Diploma of Cosmetic Dermal Science?

10th January 2022)

What can you do with a Graduate Diploma of Dermal Science?

13th March 2022)

A Beginner's Guide to Laboratory Technician Training in Australia

7th February 2025)

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