Job Profile

Moana

Research Assistant

What does your job involve?

I perform screenings (microscopic analysis) of plant and marine life to find the parts that contain the right properties to develop drugs for diseases like diabetes, asthma, cancer, infections, pain and heart disease. I analyse and study the data produced in screenings using computer databases and I present the results in reports and meetings.

What do you like most about your job?

I like the fact that I have responsibility for the screening and I like dealing with the challenges that may arise with equipment and materials throughout the process. Its also great that I have the chance to build my skills across a variety of science areas, such as Biology, Chemistry and IT.

What are the perks of your job?

There’s quite a few perks to my job, so I’ll name a few – yearly bonus, staff retreats and benefit schemes and good pay packages.

What is the most unusual or fun thing you’ve done in your job?

Being able to use expensive and state-of-the-art robotic equipment that no other research laboratory has in Australia.

What inspired you to choose a career in this area?

I was always interested in Science as a career, with particular interest in Forensic Science. I would have to say that my Senior Chemistry teacher at school inspired me to achieve well in this subject, with it eventually becoming one of my majors when completing my Bachelor degree. However, my time at AZGU has given me an appreciation of pharmaceutical research and laboratory experience.

How did you get to where you are now?

I studied for three years to obtain my bachelor degree, with an additional year of Honours to obtain experience in a working laboratory. While studying, I worked casually in the hospitality industry. After completing Honours, I applied for jobs in research and also started a two-year Masters degree in Forensic Science part-time at night. Mid-way through my first year, a temporary position became available at AZGU, which I successfully obtained and after six months was employed permanently.

Who or what has been an inspiration to you?

I have been pretty driven and determined on my own when it comes to work, however in life, I would have to say that Pat Rafter is my inspiration.

What’s the best advice you’ve been given?

When I finished school, I was actually enrolled in a Bachelor of Information Technology which I accepted and completed only one year. I found this year tough and decided that I should have chosen Science and was tempted to leave mid-year. But on my Mum’s advice, I finished the year and did well at the rest of my subjects in IT and applied for a transfer into a Bachelor of Science. I wouldn’t be where I am today if not for her advice.

What training/qualifications do you have/need?

I have a Bachelor of Science, majoring in Biochemistry and Chemistry, and completed a another year of research primarily in Molecular Biology to gain an Honours degree. I have recently completed my Masters in Science in Forensic Science. I completed all my study at Griffith University.

What subjects did you study at school?

Maths 1, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, English and Geography.

What are your career goals/plans for the future?

I would like a career in Forensic Science either as a Forensic Biologist or a Crime Scene Officer. I enjoy working in the pharmaceutical industry and would also like to travel to either the UK or Canada to expand my knowledge and experience.

What career opportunities are there for people in your field?

Becoming a Senior Research Assistant after working in a position for a number of years and gaining experience, or with further study, a PhD.



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