>

Careers and Opportunities

 

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

^ Top of Page

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

  • We have Research Assistant positions available through our Pathways to PhD program at the Heart Research Institute (HRI) Please see the Seek ad here: Research Assistants – Pathways to PhD Program for NZ Graduates Job in Newtown, Sydney NSW – SEEK. This is an exciting opportunity for honours and masters graduates from New Zealand considering a career in medical research, including the pursuit of doctoral studies. The positions offer up to 12-months’ paid work placement at HRI’s state-of-the-art laboratories in Sydney, Australia for honours graduates to work as Research Assistants. This fantastic program ensures you will receive training and full mentorship in groundbreaking cardiovascular disease research, as well as the opportunity to build your career profile towards a PhD.

    Job Description: NZ RA Pathways Ad – August 2025

    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

  • The Heart Research Institute (HRI) is a leading independent medical research institute committed to tackling the world’s number one killer – cardiovascular disease. HRI’s vision is to save and improve the lives of people with cardiovascular disorders through world-class research and innovation. At our cutting-edge Institute, we nurture the brightest minds to discover the causes and complexities of cardiovascular disorders.

    To continue producing innovative and world-leading cardiovascular research, HRI recognises the need to attract and support upcoming researchers.

    HRI is inviting high-achieving, passionate New Zealand undergraduates to apply to undertake a Masters or PhD at HRI.

    Key Benefits:

        • Generous financial support of $40,000, per annum (tax-free)
        • Return flights from New Zealand to Sydney (initial and return trip covered)
        • Accommodation support of up to $600 p/week for the first two weeks in Sydney
        • Mentorship from senior scientists leading innovative research.
        • Opportunities for casual employment at HRI during your studies
        • Access to state-of-the-art facilities and collaborative networks at an excellent location in the heart of Newtown, close to the University of Sydney and the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital.

    HDR NZ Scholarship Opportunities – Final

    Anyone interested can also send their applications or queries to our careers inbox at careers@hri.org.au

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

^ Top of Page