Research and Development Manager
A Research and Development Manager leads teams conducting scientific, technical, or commercial research to develop new products, processes, or knowledge. R&D managers are found in pharmaceutical, technology, agriculture, and manufacturing sectors across Australia.
Full-time AUD, 2025 indicative. Wide bands reflect variation by employer, experience, and location.
Growing demand in biotech, agritech, and defence sectors; government R&D tax incentives continue to support industry investment.
Occupation list membership
Which Department of Home Affairs skilled lists this occupation currently appears on.
- STSOLShort-Term Skilled Occupation List
Occupations eligible for shorter-term sponsored visas including Subclass 482 (short-term stream).
- CSOLCombined Skilled Occupation List
The merged skilled list that consolidates previous MLTSSL and STSOL eligibility under the Skills in Demand program.
Assessing authority
The body that assesses skills for migration purposes for this occupation.
- VETVETASSESSVisit official site →
Visa pathways
Australian visa subclasses for which this occupation is currently eligible.
- 186Learn more →Employer Nomination Scheme visa
Permanent employer-sponsored visa for workers nominated by an approved sponsor.
- 190Learn more →Skilled Nominated visa
Permanent visa for workers nominated by a state or territory government.
- 482Learn more →Skills in Demand visa
Employer-sponsored temporary visa (formerly TSS) for occupations on the relevant list.
- 491Learn more →Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa
Five-year provisional visa for workers willing to live and work in regional Australia.
- 494Learn more →Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa
Five-year employer-sponsored provisional visa in regional Australia, with a path to PR.
State nominations
States and territories that currently nominate this occupation for skilled migration.
| Code | State / Territory | Details |
|---|---|---|
| NSW | New South Wales | View nomination → |
| WA | Western Australia | View nomination → |
| SA | South Australia | View nomination → |
| TAS | Tasmania | View nomination → |
Key duties
- Plan and oversee R&D projects, timelines, and budgets
- Lead multidisciplinary research teams and manage scientific staff
- Manage intellectual property and commercialisation pathways
- Liaise with funding bodies, regulators, and industry partners
Skills required
- Research methodology and project management
- Technical or scientific domain expertise
- Grant writing and research funding management
- IP management and commercialisation
Typical qualifications pathway
A bachelor's degree with honours or a postgraduate degree in science, engineering, or a relevant technical discipline is typical. VETASSESS assesses qualifications.
Visa & occupation list information
Listed on STSOL and CSOL, supporting subclasses 186, 190, 482, 491, and 494. Strong employer demand means sponsorship via subclass 482 is a viable and practical pathway For advice on which pathway suits your circumstances, consult a registered MARA migration agent.
anzsco.com.au is information-only. For personalised advice on your situation, always consult a registered MARA migration agent.
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