| |
 |
|
|
 |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
-
Who do you work for?
The Genetic Epidemiology Lab at the Queensland Institute of Medical Research
-
What does your job involve?
My group collects information and DNA from twins and their families. We use various molecular biology techniques to investigate their DNA. We then compare their genetic traits to their physical traits, looking for potential genes that might contribute to common human diseases.
-
What do you like most about your job?
The flexibility. On any given day I do a variety of jobs. I’ll spend some time in the lab doing benchwork, sit at a computer analysing results, attend meetings to decide the future goals of our projects, as well as helping to manage the staff and purchasing problems that crop up throughout the day.
-
What are the perks of your job?
The warm and fuzzy stuff! Getting to work with and learn from some of the most highly acclaimed scientists in the world. Knowing about the breakthroughs in medical research before anyone else, and knowing that you’ve helped to achieve those breakthroughs. If we work hard and publish our results we can also attend domestic and international conferences to present those results.
-
What is the most unusual or fun thing you’ve done in your job?
I once volunteered for a clinical trial of a new Malaria vaccine developed at QIMR. This involved being infected with (and cured of) Malaria 5 times over a 6-month period.
-
What inspired you to choose a career in this area?
I’ve always been very interested in how the human body works, I figured I’d find out about DNA and work my way up from there. Science is the perfect field for the curious as it’s all about finding answers to questions.
-
How did you get to where you are now?
I did a Bachelor degree in Applied Science with majors in Biotechnology and Microbiology at QUT, plus while I was still at university I did 12 months of unpaid work experience in Forensic Biology for Queensland Health. It was the work experience that set me apart from the others who applied for my position.
-
Who or what has been an inspiration to you?
My parents are farmers and they’ve always taught me to think outside the box, which is an invaluable trait in science.
-
What’s the best advice you’ve been given?
Thinking about things twice can often help you avoid having to do them twice!
-
What training/qualifications do you have/need?
The minimum requirement to work as a research assistant is an undergraduate Science degree. Honours is often a bonus as it shows that the applicant has worked on a project of their own and can demonstrate initiative.
-
What subjects did you study at school?
Biology, Chemistry, 3 unit Maths, 3 unit English and 3 unit Economics
-
What are your career goals/plans for the future?
I’d like to maybe spend a year or two working in the US or UK, before returning to Australia. I’d also like to get more involved in the administrative side of science, in the day-to-day running and managing of high throughput labs.
-
What career opportunities are there for people in your field?
There are endless opportunities! You can gain further qualifications in science with a Masters degree or a PhD, work overseas, run your own lab, or even run your own Institute! Alternatively, you can do further study in a field other than science … science IT, the laws that govern science, the business behind science, the ethics and regulations that scientists must deal with, the politics of science… You can become a sales consultant for one of the many companies that supply scientific equipment or consumables… It’s science, we discover new branches of it every day!
-
What is the average starting salary for a graduate?
$35-45K
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
 |
|
| |
|
|
|
 |
|