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Occupation Details

Research Officer



Duties and Tasks

Research officers may perform the following tasks:

  • telephone members of the public, organisation representatives or special interest groups to gather information
  • conduct research using a variety of sources including the internet, journals and publications, or other relevant literature
  • collate and write up the results of their research for statistical or publication purposes
  • collect and analyse biological, meteorological or other types of data or samples for scientific study
  • study long and short term trends in population growth and health, in the areas of biological, medical and health research
  • study the behaviour of animals for the purposes of zoological research
  • study economic or social trends in order to develop policy
  • perform administration, record keeping or statistical tasks related to research
  • pursue funding for further research.

Specialisations

An operations researcher develops methodologies for analysing and solving problems in government, business and industry, often using mathematical tools, statistical analysis and computers.

Quick Facts

School subjects that include some aspect of ART provide a useful background to these jobs. In some cases an art-related subject is a pre-requisite for entry to courses that provide the training for the job.
School subjects that include some aspect of ECONOMICS provide a useful background to these jobs. In some cases an economics-related subject is a pre-requisite for entry to courses that provide the training for the job.
School subjects that include some aspect of English provide a useful background to these jobs. In some cases an English-related subject is a pre-requisite for entry to courses that provide the training for the job.
School subjects that include some aspect of geography provide a useful background to these jobs. In some cases a geography-related subject is a pre-requisite for entry to courses that provide the training for the job.
School subjects that include some aspect of HISTORY provide a useful background to these jobs. In some cases a history-related subject is a pre-requisite for entry to courses that provide the training for the job.
School subjects that include some aspect of HOME ECONOMICS provide a useful background to these jobs. In some cases a home economics-related subject is a pre-requisite for entry to courses that provide the training for the job.
These jobs require you to be able to see clearly to examine items close-up. It covers jobs where poor vision e.g. tunnel vision, could make the work place unsafe or the job difficult to undertake, e.g. draftsperson working with detailed drawings; checkout operator reading dockets; work requiring good hand-eye co-ordination for working with precision or semi-precision tools.
Workers performing these jobs would usually be expected to spend more than three-quarters of their day indoors, in an office, factory or other enclosed area protected from the weather.
These jobs require moderate or better reading and writing skills. Workers may be expected to prepare, understand or act on written materials, such as letters or reports. People may wish to avoid these jobs if their reading or writing English skills are limited to a small range of words or phrases and symbols. Jobs remaining may still require very basic reading or writing skills.
The main duties and tasks involved in these jobs are usually performed sitting down at a desk, counter, workbench or other location for periods of at least two hours at a stretch.
Included are jobs associated with primary production, horticulture, fishing and hunting, forestry and logging, and mining.
Included are jobs in accounting, administration, advertising, banking, distribution, economics, finance, marketing, personnel management, policy advice, public relations, real estate, sales and valuation.
Included are teaching and teacher support jobs in areas such as early childhood, primary, secondary, vocational and higher education, and in special education, as well as other training jobs.
Included are jobs providing health care diagnosis and treatment, such as general medicine, pharmacy, optometry, radiography, speech therapy, dental health, etc. Also covered are community and welfare services, such as social work, family and children services, and counselling, and personal services such as hairdressing and funeral services.
Included are jobs associated with administration of the legal system, public and private protective services and the armed services.
Included are jobs involved in the preparation and publication of printed materials, jobs involved in the study of society and the relationships between people, and jobs concerned with the preservation of items of significance to society.
Included are jobs involved in the investigation of animal, human and natural conditions, as well as those which apply mathematical principles to solve problems in science, engineering, management and other fields.
These jobs involve WORKING WITH IDEAS to investigate or seek solutions to scientific, technical, social or other issues. Activities include observing, researching, analysing and interpreting results. The ability to develop theories, apply logic and explore abstract ideas in a specialist area of knowledge is important.
These jobs involve WORKING WITH DATA to order, process or retrieve facts and figures, or to develop or administer policies and procedures. Activities include organising, using or updating information, such as files or accounts, developing or following procedures or systems, and the planning, budgeting, and staffing of an organisation.
Jobs in this group usually require completion of a recognised Bachelor Degree, or extensive relevant experience. Some jobs also require post-graduate study, such as a Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma or Master Degree.

Work Conditions

Research officers can work in a wide variety of fields including medical, biological, educational, social, academic, economic, mathematical, legislation and human rights, human resources, business operations, the arts and creative arts, exploration and mining, communications technologies, logistics, information sciences, operations research and political areas.

Personal Requirements

  • enjoy research
  • able to analyse and collate information
  • good oral and written communication skills
  • able to work as part of a team
  • able to manage workload and meet deadlines
  • good organisational skills
  • proactive.

See State Specific Information below for further education and training options.

Researching internet search behaviour

Researching internet search behaviour