Careers in Genetics
Genetics Otago and the Genetics Teaching Programme are both often asked: “What can I do with a degree majoring in Genetics?” While the answer is not quite “Anything!” it is pretty close.
The sectors requiring genetics graduates are only expanding: you could be a researcher, lab technician, innovator, genetic counsellor, bio-science marketer, forensic scientist, agricultural consultant, museum professional, science writer or journalist, policy advisor, environmental worker, teacher, patent specialist, and more.
In an attempt to show the diversity of jobs available to our graduates we hold an annual Career Evening in collaboration with the Department of Biochemistry and the Department of Microbiology and Immunology. Since 2019 these evenings have been recorded and you can watch a small selection of these presentations here.
You can watch more science graduates talk about their careers on this Careers Information Evenings YouTube playlist
Current Opportunities
If you would like to advertise a project, job or opportunity please get in touch with us here.
Projects
- The MAppSc (Quantitative Genetics) is looking to establish and maintain a list of research projects appropriate for their APPS597 (Supervised Independent Study) paper (https://www.otago.ac.nz/courses/papers/index.html?papercode=APPS597). Projects should be broadly statistics based, connecting genotype with phenotype and be of a suitable scope for a 40-point paper. Supervision is open to all University of Otago campuses and to industry and research institutes (supervisors need not be academic staff). If you have a project you would like considered please contact Dr Phil Wilcox (phillip.wilcox@otago.ac.nz).
Jobs
- The Heart Research Institute has an exciting opportunity for postgraduates from New Zealand considering a career in medical research, including the pursuit of doctoral studies. The position is in our newly established Centre for Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) and offers up to 12-months’ paid work placement at HRI’s state-of-the-art laboratories in Sydney, Australia as a Research Assistant. This fantastic program ensures the successful applicant will receive training and full mentorship in groundbreaking cardiovascular disease research, as well as the opportunity to build their career profile towards a PhD. More details here. Applicants can apply via the Seek ad: Research Assistant – Peripheral Artery Disease – The Heart Research Institute Job in Auckland CBD, Auckland, New Zealand – SEEK. Anyone interested can also send their applications or queries to our careers inbox at careers@hri.org.au.
Internship
- Genetics Otago is looking for Science Communication Interns to help with content creation for our blog, YouTube channel, and annual magazine. You do not need to have formal science communication training, just an interest in the area of either genetics or science communication. Your work will be fully credited and viewed by our members, university leaders, high school students and the general public. If you are interested or would like to know more please contact us.
Scholarships
Applications for summer scholarships at HRI for New Zealand undergraduate students is now open!
The Heart Research Institute (AU) is excited to offer multiple Summer Undergraduate Scholarships to New Zealand’s best and brightest young researchers.
This is an outstanding opportunity for talented researchers to develop their skills and gain valuable experience at state-of-the-art research facilities. High calibre scientists, new technologies and cutting-edge equipment are just a few features that make this an exciting opportunity for promising NZ Undergraduate students.
The 7-week undergraduate scholarship provides high-achieving and promising students the opportunity to work on a medical research project directly related to cardiovascular disease, expand on their skills and knowledge and be mentored in a world-class research institute. Scholarship recipients will be required to write a report on their work experience and will have the opportunity to make a presentation to their peers and supervisors at the end of the scholarship period. Following the 7-week summer scholarship period, students are expected to stay on with HRI in 2025 to undertake Honours study with the University of Sydney. Placements are full-time and will begin in early January 2025.
Those interested should apply via the HRI website: Summer Scholarships for NZ students • Heart Research Institute NZ (hri.org.nz)
The job ad is also live on Seek: The Heart Research Institute Summer Research Scholarships – Sydney, Australia Job in Sydney NSW – SEEK
Competitions
None Currently
Participate
- Division of Sciences Outreach Certificate – If you are a student who would like to earn hours towards an outreach certificate please get in touch. We have opportunities to write for our Blog, to participate in school outreach and to help in the organisation of hubs and events.
- Professor Martin Kennedy, EDGI NZ co-lead Investigator, is looking for any New Zealander, aged 16 and over, with first-hand experience of an eating disorder, to volunteer for an important genetics study. For more information or to volunteer, visit www.edgi.nz or email edgi@otago.ac.nz.
- Biomedical Research Community Survey: Biomedical Research Community Survey
