Pharmacists may work in community pharmacies, chemists, aged care facilities, hospitals and other medical or healthcare establishments. They may also visit patients in their homes. Part of their time may be spent researching and testing pharmaceutical products, however most pharmacists make up prescriptions and consult with patients and other health care professionals. Pharmacists have the opportunity to work across the state, from cities and towns to remote areas.

In the health and medical life sciences sector, pharmacists may be involved in designing and evaluating drug products during clinical trials, monitoring for potential interactions or adverse effects and analysing data to refine treatment guidelines. Pharmacists are also central to quality assurance overseeing rigorous testing to confirm drug purity, stability and compliance with industry standards and regulatory affairs to gain approval for drug products. 

Pharmacists in the health and medical life sciences industry are primarily employed in research institutions, clinical trials providers, the pharmaceutical industry and regulatory agencies. Their work is conducted in sterile, controlled environments to prevent contamination and ensure that observed effects are directly attributable to the drug under study.

Pharmacists often use laboratory equipment and more traditional means for combining medicines such as a mortar and pestle and measuring equipment. They also work with a range of drug products in liquid, capsule and tablet form as well as other treatments like ointments, balms and lotions. They often use computers and usually wear sterile clothing including gloves and gowns.