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The power of science Consider a rewarding career in STEM to shape the future and help tackle the world’s biggest problems.
hen Australian Prime Science and Minister Malcolm Turnbull Technology launched the Federal Organisation WGovernment’s National (ANSTO), the Innovation and Science Agenda in 2015, operator of a large he was ushering in what I perceived portion of Australia’s to be an exciting new era for careers most advanced scientific in science, technology, engineering infrastructure including the OPAL and mathematics (STEM) in Australia. research reactor in Sydney and the With a greater focus on science and Australian Synchrotron in Melbourne. innovation we can expect to see both Each day they focus on delivering short- and long-term benefits for solutions for big issues relating to health Australia and the rest of the world. and the environment, and finding new If you’re someone who’d like to help ways to help Australian industries be develop new ideas and innovative the best in the world. solutions to shape the future for ANSTO scientists and engineers have Australia, it’s a great time to consider important qualities and skills that lead to a career in STEM. success in research and in life. They have You could improve human health the capacity to work together effectively and the way we manage our environment, and connect with others, are naturally contribute to innovation in industry, and curious about the world, and most shape how we live and connect with each importantly, have a passion for excellence. other now, and in the future. If you have these qualities I’d encourage When reflecting on my own career, I you to consider a rewarding career in can see how fortunate I’ve been to benefit STEM. If we are to effectively tackle some from a diverse, intellectually challenging of the seemingly insurmountable issues and immensely rewarding career. facing the world today, we’re going to Just ask any of the scientists or need the best minds and hearts to engineers at the Australian Nuclear harness the power of science to do it.
Dr Adi Paterson, CEO, ANSTO
3 {Careers with Science} { Careers with Science with Careers SHUTTERSTOCK < STARTUP B Land aunique job by combining your skills your with passion. Career language or done other interesting things.” things.” or interesting done other language a learned who’ve travelled, experience, of outside study. developed been have that skills and open-mindedness flexibility, employers favour says of Queensland, University the from graduate recent a and Corporation Airport Brisbane at the engineer employable. you’re highly to be likely STEM, with skills and passion your combine you If be. will future ofjobs the the what don’t we know means really This of society. needs changing to the response in evolving also are engineering, and science data as such required, are skills strategist). and solver problem (mathematical actuary and audiologist mathematician, statistician, engineer, biomedical scientist, data hygienist, dental engineer, software therapist, occupational analyst, for were: computer 2015 systems top 10 jobs the Cast, Career by a US survey to According skills. and knowledge STEM require occupations growing fastest of the career. new entirely or an create careers, in-demand and amazing most of the up for some yourself set can you interests, skills. these require that careers of exciting number there’s agrowing isn’t for you, subjects (STEM) maths and engineering technology, science, straight studying if But even robot. personal own your or maybe of smartphone generation next the create could you or technology, engineering studying by “They’re looking for people with life life for with people looking “They’re sustainability a Gabrielli, Maddalena where STEM industries of the Many 75% estimated an that shows Research your with skills STEM combining By > } or discover a new galaxy. And And galaxy. anew or discover for cancer acure toyou find lead could mathematician or a scientist alab ecoming
goals something valuable they can teach you.” teach can they valuable something has you around everyone that guarantee to say. when you’re Because new, can you have they what in interest an take and you around to everyone “Talk her career. building in skills important most of the to ateam. work in ability the and energy initiative, as well as skills, communication of importance the mention awesome!” it’s because on go work exchange –and and of outside study interests other to find My is advice yourself. develop university. at apartner years two spend where students universities technical and facilities schools, 50 engineering than of more –anetwork program exchange for Europe Managers Top Industrial of the part as Paris, École Centrale languages. learn and travel to wanted also she that realising after of Engineering, Master and of Engineering Bachelor of her combined part as France, Maddalena says networking is one is networking says Maddalena often employer surveys and Job ads and grow “You to constantly have at the years for two studied She in went on exchange Maddalena 4
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It takes a team of creative thinkers and skilled problem-solvers to change the world. Fran Molloy reports
tudying science and engineering “I don’t like to get things wrong. That’s is all about problem solving, which why I team up with experts,” she says. often leads to practical, hands-on With this data, Jane creates advanced Scareers. But there’s also plenty computer modelling that can directly of room to unleash your creativity by influence the survival of endangered combining science or engineering degrees species, like the greater glider – a large with humanities, business, or creative arts. gliding marsupial found in the ranges Combined (or double) degrees allow and coastal plains of eastern Australia. students to do two degrees at the same Jane’s models are used worldwide time. Many unis now allow students to by government, in agriculture and in Build your choose their own pair of degrees, though environmental management to map own degree most also have standard combination the spread of invasive species, determine There’s a growing number degrees on offer. It’s a powerful way to the impact of development on threatened of ways that students can follow your passion while gaining plants and animals, and predict the combine undergrad expertise in a career-focused discipline. impact of climate change on ecosystems degrees and gain skills People with broad skill sets who can and habitats. leading to new and exciting careers. work well with others are going to be in Kaveh Ghezel, head of high demand. In 2015, the Australian Astronomy and film production undergrad recruitment at Government announced $127 million in Following a PhD in extragalactic the University of Sydney, funding to increase partnerships between astronomy at the University of Sydney, says combined degrees are universities and industry – part of a and research on supermassive black increasingly popular, worldwide trend toward collaboration holes in distant galaxies, Dr Tanya Hill allowing students to in research. See pp. 20–21 for just some of took up a role at Melbourne Planetarium. substitute subjects from the available Bachelor degrees and double There she collaborates with animators, each course for electives, degrees in which you can study science. designers, writers, actors, composers, often completing two musicians and sound designers to three-year qualifications in Ecology and statistics produce exciting and interactive just four years. “Employers prefer The work of influential Australian planetarium shows for the public. combined degrees because environmental scientist Dr Jane Elith Tanya’s presentations appear in more students tend to be serves as an example of collaboration than 20 countries and include up-to-the well-rounded and have across disciplines. minute research from scientists at the great communication She works with statisticians, ARC Centre of Excellence for All-Sky skills. They become more computer scientists and ecologists Astrophysics. “The telescopes that we’re creative thinkers when to ‘clean up’ species data from databases building here in Australia are the next they broaden their areas of containing more than 50 million records. generation of astronomy,” she says. specialisation,” he says. DR JANE ELITH: PRIME MINISTER’S PRIZES FOR SCIENCE/WILDBEAR • DR HILL: TANYA MUSEUM VICTORIA • SHUTTERSTOCK
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Double up Learning science at Monash is a unique experience tailored to your interests and skills – and ultimately to your future career What if you have a passion for science anked in the top 1% of universities but also want to explore another subject? worldwide, and home to the Australian “I transferred to Monash in my first year Synchrotron and the Australian Stem because of their double degree,” says Tim, RCell Centre, Monash University is at the who has since studied a range of other cutting-edge of scientific research. But what’s it subjects from international history and like to study science at Monash? linguistics to atmospheric science and
“All the lecturers are keen to get students philosophy. “Every one of the extra units PHOTOS BY MARK CHEW MARK BY PHOTOS involved,” says recent grad Tim Newport. counted towards my degree,” he says. The science facilities and learning “A science degree can be coupled with just environments are pretty amazing too. about any other degree, which can double or “The social spaces are superb and the quadruple your career options,” adds Chris. classrooms are fresh, colourful and innovative,” Preparing you for your chosen career is a says Dr Chris Thompson, Associate Dean of central element of a science degree at Monash, Education in the Faculty of Science. says Lisa Happell, the science career education “The result is an active learning environment, consultant. “There are loads of student providing hands-on experience and support, programs available that can boost your that students really engage in.” Garden employability after your degree,” she says. The new Monash Earth Sciences Science Student Ambassadors, for example, is a stunning arrangement of nearly 500 attend events like open days and school visits, rock specimens, weighing up to 14 tonnes. and social media and marketing activities. It’s a hands-on approach to teaching This develops a network of contacts, and gives geology, physical geography and atmospheric workplace-relevant training and skills in sciences. The Jock Marshall Reserve is a marketing, communications and social media. three-hectare wetland reserve at Monash There’s also the Science Future Leaders Clayton that is home to amphibians and aquatic Program, which prepares students for birds, where students can do practical activities leadership roles. Activities include a series like biodiversity comparisons. of leadership seminars and workshops and In their first year, students explore a range TO GET THERE: opportunities to practise leadership within of disciplines before pinning down a major. the university, a chosen profession or monash.edu/science “You’re not locked into a subject area until the wider community. – Ben Skuse well into your third year,” says Tim.
{Careers with Science} 6 7 bit.ly/1QwcybW Program, Development Graduate ANSTO UNSW Australia UNSW (Hons), Science of Bachelor bit.ly/1VpSYzh University Murdoch (Environmental Science), ofBachelor Science THERE: GET TO E climate exploring past climate variability.” – variability.” climate past Australia’s of part unravel to opportunity the had also I’ve China. and England in caves explore and travel to opportunity says. she skills,” other of range abroad and abilities research my develop to opportunity the me degree in palaeoclimate research. apostgrad through science for passion her follow to decided and ANSTO experts. industry from mentoring and guidance fieldwork, for opportunities experience, hands-on with grads provides which Development Program, Australia. UNSW at (Hons) Science of aBachelor and University Murdoch at analyse.” can we that rings tree like layers in grow “They Monika. says variability,” rainfall and climate the ceiling. the from down drips that water mineral-rich of accumulation the from caves of floor the on grow formations limestone These stalagmites. of growth the at looking by palaeoclimate studies Monika Technology Organisation (ANSTO), and Science Nuclear Australian the at future. the in planet the affect will change climate how understand us about climateabout caves to uncover clues explores Markowska Monika “A real highlight has been the the been has “A highlight real given has ANSTO with position “The at experience the loved Monika Graduate ANSTO’s joined she 2011, In Science of aBachelor did Monika record they grow, “As stalagmites scientist apalaeo-environmental As the ages – palaeoclimatology – helps –helps –palaeoclimatology ages the throughout climate Earth’s xploring bit.ly/1LfN4B7 < HIGHLIGHT: ANSTO Carl Williams Carl { Careers with Science with Careers > } LAUREN TROMPP
Amazing jobs From decoding million-year-old climate records to looking at a Tyrannosaur’s last meal, ANSTO offers some of the most exciting projects in science and engineering. Cathal O’Connell reports
rotected by a futuristic There are exciting opportunities out if the air has passed over land steel mesh, the Open for science and engineering recently, which is vital for Pool Light-water (OPAL) students to kickstart their careers understanding global air currents Preactor at the headquarters with ANSTO, through scholarships and how atmospheric pollution is of ANSTO, the Australian and industry placements for transported around the Earth. Nuclear Science and Technology undergrads and through ANSTO’s “We’ve developed the most Organisation in Sydney, is graduate development program. sensitive detectors of atmospheric surely one of the coolest radon presently available in the buildings in the country. Tracking air pollution world,” says Scott. ANSTO is home to Australia’s Atmospheric scientists do important When researchers at Korea’s Polar most important national science work around climate change. It’s Research Institute wanted to set up facilities, and to scientists also one of the most adventurous a radon detector at their new Jang and engineers with some careers, says physicist Scott Bogo Station in Antarctica’s Terra of the hottest jobs going. Chambers (pictured above), who Nova Bay, they called ANSTO. OPAL is Australia’s only recently returned from a five-week “They want to find out how much nuclear reactor and one of the trip to Antarctica, where the sea pollution comes to Antarctica and most advanced research reactors ice in some regions is 2.5 m thick, where it comes from,” says Scott. in the world. OPAL produces and the only way through it is ANSTO’s expertise in radon beams of neutrons for powerful by icebreaker – a ship designed to detection complements its imaging techniques – penetrating navigate ice-covered waters. world-leading facilities for enough to detect a hidden crack Scott took the journey in isotope analysis at its Centre deep inside an aircraft engine. December 2015, shepherding a for Accelerator Science. ANSTO’s science facilities, unique instrument capable of ANSTO’s four accelerators including the Australian tracking atmospheric radon – a (Antares, Star, Vega and Sirius) Synchrotron and the Centre naturally occurring radioactive gas. sift out atoms with different for Accelerator Science, As radon is generated over land atomic weights for use in performs research addressing but not over the sea, scientists can environmental science, from some big questions in science. use radon measurements to figure geology to archaeology.
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To have a fossilised embryonic dinosaur, and actually see its facial muscles – it’s just amazing.
Anti-leukaemia drug development The Australian Synchrotron, owned by ANSTO, is the size of a football field (pictured right). It works like an incredibly powerful microscope, using X-ray and infrared light a million times brighter than the Sun to reveal the super small world of atoms and molecules. As electrons whizz around the 216 m circumference ring of the Synchrotron they emit high energy X-ray and infrared light, which are directed down nine beamlines for use in nine different This kind of breakthrough is what works in a similar way to medical state-of-the-art instruments. makes Tom want to come to work. X-ray imaging. But while typical Dr Tom Caradoc-Davies “Seeing these drugs come X-rays only show dense materials is a beamline scientist helping through the lab and into the clinic, like bone, neutrons can reveal soft researchers who come to the and knowing the Synchrotron tissue, signs of disease and the Synchrotron to study everything played a role, is fantastic,” he says. process of decomposition. The from ancient artworks to technique was first developed as an anti-cancer treatments. Dino bones engineering tool, but it’s also useful Tom works on two instruments Dr Joseph Bevitt (pictured above for studying rare biological samples. dedicated to figuring out the atomic top) took an instrument designed ANSTO’s neutron imaging structure of proteins. for engineering applications, and instrument, nicknamed Dingo, is “Proteins are molecular machines, used it on fossilised biological the only one in Australia. and when you understand their samples, revealing a new way for “This instrument is really world structure you can understand how palaeontologists to study dinosaur class,” says Joseph, adding that they work,” he says. bones and the preserved soft-tissue people send samples from all over Scientists at the Walter and Eliza remains of ancient organisms. the world to be imaged on Dingo. Hall Institute of Medical Research When palaeontologists carve a Joseph has also been looking in Melbourne recently discovered dinosaur bone out of the rock, they inside the ancient skulls of early a form of drug that stopped the lose valuable information that may mammal-like reptiles to investigate growth of leukaemia in its tracks. lie preserved in the rocks. But, as brain structure, a Tyrannosaur The drug was previously causing Joseph explains, using beams of stomach to figure out what its serious side effects because it neutrons generated by OPAL, last meal was, and even the affected proteins in the body scientists peer into the depths of earliest-known fossilised dinosaur not involved in the cancer. So the the rock itself, and see surprising eggs to study the embryos and how researchers used the Australian features. “You can actually see they developed within the egg. Synchrotron to figure out the atomic remnants of ancient skin, muscle, “To have a fossilised structure of the proteins they didn’t feathers, blood vessels and nerves.” embryonic dinosaur and want to affect, and modified the The precise imaging technique is actually see its facial muscles – drug – reducing its side effects. called neutron tomography, and it it’s just amazing,” says Joseph. TO GET THERE: www.ansto.gov.au
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orn between science and Professor Graham Farquhar, from maths, and tempted by the Australian National University’s computer science? You could Research School of Biology, has Tbe a candidate for one of the mathematically decoded the process of most fascinating and fastest-moving photosynthesis, leading to methods to areas of science: bioinformatics. produce drought-resistant wheat crops. Bioinformaticians study massive Graham’s research found that wind datasets of biological information, speeds are decreasing under climate which can help us to create change and reducing evaporation rates. personalised medical treatments “Our future planet will be wetter, and and better understand diseases. some ecosystems will respond to this They are doing groundbreaking work more than others,” he says. in Australia and around the globe, and Professor Nadia Rosenthal was the bioinformaticians are in high demand, Founding Director of the Australian with graduates needed across industry, Regenerative Medicine Institute at government and research. Monash University and Scientific Head Top Australian bioinformaticians of EMBL Australia. Her work looks at include Professor Terry Speed, from how human cells can regenerate, rather Melbourne’s Walter and Eliza Hall than decline, with age and disease. Institute of Medical Research, who “Regenerative medicine is a relatively was recently awarded a major science new way of looking at health. It’s not prize for his work to better understand waiting for the problem to happen, how cancer cells grow and replicate. but trying to diagnose the underlying CSIRO research scientist Dr Jen issue instead,” she says. Taylor is using bioinformatics to Bioinformatics experts have been support international teams that key to solving some of the world’s are developing more resilient biggest problems – such as containing cowpea crops – staple foods in the 2014 outbreak of Ebola in West Sub-Saharan Africa, where there Africa; predicting near-extinction are critical food shortages. for endangered animals to prioritise Dr Tim Kahlke works with the conservation efforts; and producing CSIRO’s Marine and Atmospheric solutions to complex agricultural Research team in Tasmania doing problems to help feed the world’s environmental work. He’s using growing population. next-generation gene sequencing – If you want to be at the frontier of mapping the genes that make up an world-changing battles against disease, organism’s ‘blueprint’ – to identify climate change and more, studying miniscule marine microbes. bioinformatics could pave your way.
Get into Sci + BioInformatics Check out some work and study options…
CAREERS BACHELOR of... Bioinformatician, biostatistician, Engineering (Hons) Science (Advanced) (Hons) Genetics (Hons) (Bioinformatics), computational biologist, (Bioinformatics), UNSW (Bioinformatics), Griffith Australian National University environmental scientist, Australia bit.ly/1PvIyKU University bit.ly/1Pwzzs3 bit.ly/1lJeX8k gene analyst, genomics Science (Bioinformatics), Biotechnology (Hons) Biomedical Science, University bioinformatician + more! University of Sydney (Bioinformatics), University of of Technology, Sydney bit.ly/1TjFkPF Queensland bit.ly/1OIQLgy bit.ly/1S50S3I SHUTTERSTOCK
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NSW Australia graduate and Uentrepreneur Dr Elisa Mokany says bringing together biological, environmental and medical sciences can change humankind. “Research in the life sciences has a huge impact on our health. Without amazing developments in this area, we’d still be having surgery without anaesthesia or dying of smallpox,” she says. TO GET THERE: Bachelor of Science, UNSW Australia bit.ly/1KBJhgS While working in industry research, Elisa was involved in the proudest moment. With Dr Alison bacteria associated with infectious commercialisation of a method to Todd, she co-invented MNAzymes, a diseases like meningitis”. detect certain combinations of new DNA enzyme that transforms According to Dr Gavin Edwards, genes associated with disease. the way we detect DNA. Associate Dean of the UNSW “We applied the technology Elisa has made a career of Faculty of Science, business and to the detection of leukaemia, combining business with science, science go hand-in-hand. He adds predicting relapse of a patient up joining forces with Alison once again that employers are searching for to six months earlier,” she says. to set up medical diagnostic “flexible, open-minded people, Elisa followed up her industry company SpeeDx, which uses who can adapt to new technology experience with a postgrad degree MNAzymes “to develop diagnostic and think holistically and critically”. at UNSW, where she had her kits that test for viruses and – Rachael Oku
Top World Ranking The University is ranked 46th in the 2015 QS World University Rankings.
Top Choice Why UNSW graduates are the most hired by Linkedin’s top 30 most in- UNSW demand employers in 2015. Campus Development UNSW has invested $1.2b in Science? student facilities. New Facilities $150m invested in new Life Sciences building, opening in 2017.
Highest NSW ATAR UNSW Bachelor of Science has the highest ATAR cutoff in NSW. Never Science Stand Still visit science.unsw.edu.au UNSW Science @unswscience UNSW Science @unswscience 11 {Careers with Science}
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ealthcare, agriculture, and change and predicting rainfall for scientific and technical agricultural land. services are among the “If you like the idea of large-scale Hfastest growing industries, planning and resource management, according to the Employment then agribusiness or agricultural Outlook to November 2019 report engineering could be the career for by the Australian Government you,” says Karl. Department of Employment. Anika Molesworth, the 2015 Young It’s easy to see why, as global Farmer of the Year, says agricultural warming, an ageing population and science will be integral in ensuring an increasing demand for food are there is enough food for the world’s just some of the big issues that growing population. demand keen, problem-solving minds. Anika recently completed a Masters Karl Braganza, climate monitoring degree in sustainable agriculture at manager at the Bureau of Meteorology, Charles Sturt University, spending says his field is integral in battling time in Laos to research the reuse global warming, and brings together of the plant material left over after disciplines of science and technology. harvesting crops. Instead of burning “You need people who are across leftover plant material or biomass, physics, statistics and supercomputing,” contributing to greenhouse gases, it says Karl. can be treated to be more nutritious Karl says studying climatology at and used as livestock feed. “It’s about Monash University taught him recycling what we’ve got and making essential analytical skills. “Scientists optimal use of it,” says Anika. will always trust data over their own The Australian Innovation Challenge gut feeling,” he says. 2015 winners developed new concepts Karl’s team analyses the data from in food science, green energy, health It’s about climate monitoring instruments – such technology and programming. recycling what as weather balloons and thermometers These included corn crops with Future Science we’ve got and – across Australia to produce detailed higher nutrient content, technology making optimal reports like the annual climate report, to harness the power of the ocean’s Detectives: for government agencies, researchers waves, a smarter irrigation system, use of it. and emergency services. This and a microscope that fits inside a information, says Karl, is vital in future needle to assist in surgery. we need you! planning – for fire and drought With a science degree, perhaps you responses, research on the effects of too will come up with ideas to help emissions, policy concerning climate protect our future. CRICOS No: 00116K
Do you want to save one life, or an entire population? Get into Sci + food security! Check out some work and study options… One animal, or the whole species? CAREERS BACHELOR of... Big data has become so large and complex that traditional data processing and analysis just doesn’t work. A new science, Biomedical engineer, climate Engineering Science Emergency Management, Computer Science, ‘Computational Biology’, brings together mathematics, computer science and biology to find ways to deal with this data and solve change analyst, emergency (Biomedical Engineering), Charles Sturt University Deakin University some of the world’s greatest challenges, from climate change to species conservation to new treatments for cancer and more. management specialist, Flinders University bit.ly/1nILJYF bit.ly/1Ulm02O Join one of Australia’s most flexible and diverse Science degrees hydroelectric plant technician, bit.ly/23mRmMJ Economics/Science, Science (Mathematics), Follow your passion for maths, computing and biology in a single major meteorologist, soil and water Environmental Studies, University of University of Sydney conservationist + more! Computational Biology is one of the most rapidly developing and entrepreneurial fields of modern day science Australian National University Queensland bit.ly/1OQYEi0 The opportunity to train for jobs that don’t even exist yet provides graduates with the potential for explosive bit.ly/1ZMrbu4 SHUTTERSTOCK bit.ly/1JwyNPI career growth Discover more: www.bsc.unimelb.edu.au/computational-biology {Careers with Science} 12
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ould genetic testing help Cdoctors diagnose and treat cancer more efficiently? How can we sustainably harvest our fisheries? What’s the best way to manage invasive species like cane toads? To equip the next generation of scientists with the skills to tackle 21st Century problems like these, the University of Melbourne is introducing a computational biology major, which focuses on big data TO GET THERE: Bachelor of Science (Computational Biology),
within their Bachelor of University of Melbourne bit.ly/1UX9HKr SHUTTERSTOCK Science degree. Big data problems require Mathematics and Statistics. in the life sciences. special analysis techniques to By the end of the degree, each “This major is in the context tackle the sheer volume of data. student will have specialised in of biology, but the data skills They also need people whose a chosen area of biology – like students learn – like how to expertise sits at the intersection biochemistry or ecology – and receive data, analyse it, interpret of the biological sciences, maths learned analytical skills in maths, it and exploit it – are so much and computer science. statistics or computer science. more,” says James. “Students gain the necessary By integrating theory and “This has great currency across training methods to analyse and practical issues in this unique way, areas of business, and people with attack big data,” says James students gain an understanding these skills are in high demand in McCaw, from the School of of how to tackle major problems government.” – Brett Szmajda
Future Science Detectives: we need you! CRICOS No: 00116K
Do you want to save one life, or an entire population? One animal, or the whole species?
Big data has become so large and complex that traditional data processing and analysis just doesn’t work. A new science, ‘Computational Biology’, brings together mathematics, computer science and biology to find ways to deal with this data and solve some of the world’s greatest challenges, from climate change to species conservation to new treatments for cancer and more. Join one of Australia’s most flexible and diverse Science degrees Follow your passion for maths, computing and biology in a single major Computational Biology is one of the most rapidly developing and entrepreneurial fields of modern day science The opportunity to train for jobs that don’t even exist yet provides graduates with the potential for explosive career growth Discover more: www.bsc.unimelb.edu.au/computational-biology 13 {Careers with Science}
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or many technical or Leonie Walsh, Lead Scientist specialist jobs, there’s a to the Victorian Government, clear career path from adds that employers of tomorrow Fschool to the desired job. are looking for “a better And for positions not requiring balance of skills including specialist knowledge, the academia, active learning and minimum educational business competencies”. requirements combined with “A changing marketplace a winning personality and work requires students to be more experience can often seal the deal. adaptable and flexible, and But the transition to leadership have good interpersonal and positions presents a more blurred communication skills,” she adds. picture. CEOs with years of You may want to start a GET INTO SCI + education and experience in business based on your STEM LEADERSHIP! management from large skills and business knowledge. Check out some work and corporate organisations now Traditionally, this has been seen study options… mix with fresh graduates with as an unusual choice, with around multi-billion-dollar ideas. 1200 tech startups currently in CAREERS Almost half of today’s jobs Australia – a mere 0.06% of all App developer, bioeconomist, could be taken over by machines Australian businesses. chief scientific officer, over the next 10–20 years, and But in December 2015, consultant, data analyst, 75% of the world’s most valuable Australian Prime Minister director, entrepreneur, tech companies will be replaced by Malcolm Turnbull announced investor, management analyst, 2027. So how can you prepare for a $1.1 billion package to fund mining and forestry manager, such an unclear future? ideas and innovation to support R&D manager + more! “The answer is STEM,” says high-impact entrepreneurship. BACHELOR of... the Hon Karen Andrews MP, Many Australian universities Business Management/Science, Assistant Minister for Science. are already developing programs University of Queensland “It’s the ability to think that encourage solutions-based bit.ly/23hxwm5 methodically about your work; learning and facilitate an Commerce/Science, University to solve problems critically and entrepreneurial mindset. of Sydney bit.ly/1SAb4AK systematically. Employers want “There’s no best option, but Science/Business, University to know that you have the skills we’re moving into a period where of Technology, Sydney to navigate new environments there’s more support to explore bit.ly/1RWGYYC quickly and authoritatively.” becoming an entrepreneur, and risk-taking is seen as a positive Commerce/Science, UNSW Australia bit.ly/20hC75f thing,” says Leonie. Whichever path you choose, Business/Science, University there’s no better place than a of Tasmania bit.ly/1nBeNBw Grab any university to pick up the key skills Commerce/Biomedical Science, opportunity you and opportunities you’ll need for Monash University can, and where a successful career. bit.ly/1ZF8jx3 “Grab any opportunity you can, Commerce/Science, Deakin one doesn’t and where one doesn’t exist, create University bit.ly/1S820l4 exist, create it. it,” says Karen. SHUTTERSTOCK
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Cool as ice Studying physics took Rhea Barnett on an unexpected adventure
hea left high school early and with the University of Newcastle’s Dedicated teachers and Rstumbled into science when Centre for Space Physics. supportive science lecturers at the she enrolled in the University of She recently returned from a uni helped her immensely. “The Newcastle’s Open Foundation research trip to Antarctica’s Casey academics help you get what you course at age 24. Base camp, one of four Australian want out of your degree.” “I ended up doing physics and research stations in Antarctica and Rhea now spends around 80% of thought, ‘This is really cool, I’m the Subantarctic. her time researching, and hopes to going to give it a go’.” Shortly into There she helped calibrate continue her work in physics through the course, Rhea bought a telescope magnetometers – devices used to academia. “There’s always – and was hooked. measure micro-scale changes in the something new to discover to keep Four years on, Rhea is finishing off Earth’s magnetic field. things interesting.” – Susan Hely a Bachelor of Science majoring in Despite hating boats and the cold, physics, and is undertaking an Rhea says it was “not the type of TO GET THERE: Open Foundation, Honours project in collaboration opportunity you turn down”. University of Newcastle bit.ly/1QPMOHI
Join the ideas boom
There has never been a more exciting time to study science. The Faculty of Science and Information Technology at The University of Newcastle (UON) is a world-class centre for scientific and technology research and innovation. UON is ranked in the top 3% of universities in the world* and has been empowering bright ideas for over 50 years. Most of the critical issues that face our society today require science to help solve these key concerns. Study with us and you will be helping deliver innovative solutions to real-world problems that are challenging our current and future generations. Open doors to the cutting-edge jobs of the future and realise your potential with a UON science degree.
uonfuturestudents uonfuture newcastle.edu.au 2016/10747B | CRICOS Provider2016/10747B Code 00109J 15 {Careers with Science} *QS World University Rankings 2015 and Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2015-2016
Bold GET INTO Sci + SOCIAL CHANGE! Check out some work and moves study options… CAREERS Want to make a better world? Big data analyst, microbiologist, Here’s how. Laura Boness reports software engineer, urban planner, UX designer, water quality scientist + more! BACHELOR of... he world is rapidly changing Candidate in the Integrative Ecology Science/Information Technology, and we face challenges that Lab at the University of Sydney, says QUT call for fresh ideas, creativity social media makes it quick and easy bit.ly/1ZQ4CKy and enthusiasm. “We need for scientists to communicate with T Urban, Rural and Environmental local representatives and people in a large audience. Planning, La Trobe University politics who can keep up,” says “It makes their work more bit.ly/1PlLAGQ 29-year-old politician, town planner accessible and reminds them about and 2013 Queensland Young Planner what was really important about it Information and Communications Technology/Business, Western of the Year, Brittany Lauga. in the first place,” she says. Sydney University “Young people understand Lizzy has practised this herself, bit.ly/1OADFSI technology, have the capabilities to using Twitter to share aspects of keep up in a fast-paced world, and her research into how spiders Information Technology (User have innovative and entrepreneurial adapt to city life. Experience Design), University of Queensland bit.ly/1SAuUM6 minds. We need bright minds to make “When we build cities we destroy positive changes in our communities.” native vegetation and drastically alter Regional and Town Planning, Brittany completed a Bachelor of the world around us, but despite this University of Queensland Urban Development, with a major in some animals manage to thrive in bit.ly/1lAFEvM urban and regional planning, at QUT. urban areas,” she says. Science (International), She worked in a planning firm in Lizzy adds that young, enthusiastic UNSW Australia Brisbane as a student and then at scientists on platforms like Twitter bit.ly/1pvu6N9 the Department of Public Works as can help increase the scientific Environments (Engineering a graduate before returning to Central literacy of the general public. Systems), University of Queensland to work in a planning, “It also strengthens networks Melbourne bit.ly/1P5vq11 environmental and engineering firm. between scientists – I often hear Commerce (Business Analytics), “I had the amazing opportunity to about the latest in my research field Deakin University work on so many challenging projects first on Twitter.” bit.ly/1dsprWn as a young planner,” she says. Brittany says upcoming graduates Science (Analytics), University The State Member for Keppel, will have jobs available to them that of Technology, Sydney Brittany was inspired to get into we can’t even imagine yet. “It’s even bit.ly/1JmMOzq politics while working as a planner, possible to put entrepreneurial skills Science (Biomedical Science), when she received government and to good use and become a pioneer Murdoch University council funding for a waterplay area of a new industry!” bit.ly/1Ufce2m in her community. Lizzy’s advice to students is to take Engineering (Electronic and Now Brittany is working on funding any and every opportunity on offer. Communication Engineering)/ to make the beach accessible for “This means creating networks Science (Computer Science), people with disabilities or mobility through avenues like social media, Curtin University issues, and parents with prams. and not being afraid to tell the bit.ly/1nBKaM3 Social media is another powerful world about the amazing work tool for change. Lizzy Lowe, a PhD that scientists do,” she says. SHUTTERSTOCK
{Careers with Science} 16 Tracking dust James Hooper has a passion for adventure and discovery
ames was co-named Adventurer Jof the Year in 2008 by National Geographic after traversing from the North Pole to the South Pole to raise awareness of climate change. As part of his PhD at the University of Wollongong in collaboration with ANSTO, James is investigating how different land uses like farming and grazing affects the amount of dust produced and emitted to the atmosphere, and the impacts of this on the ecosystems where the dust lands. Dust can fertilise oceans with an influx of nutrients, for example, causing a shift in the variety of organisms like phytoplankton. James travels to remote locations around the world, collecting soil core samples containing dust, which he analyses using specialised scanning equipment at ANSTO. He says making discoveries in science is hugely exciting. “You get to do things no one has done before.” James looks at the cores to identify the quantity of dust through time and the elements it is composed of. He also uses carbon dating to determine how old the biological materials are. By comparing samples from different locations, he can determine the movement of dust from one location to another, and whether new sources have become active. His adventures have allowed James to experience, first-hand, the impacts of human activity on the environment. “Seeing these spectacular places makes me think it would be a huge shame if they were lost.” – Sue Min Liu
TO GET THERE: Bachelor of Science (Hons) (Geography), Kyung Hee University, South Korea bit.ly/1mKSyb1 LAUREN TROMPP
17 {Careers with Science}
On cloud ninE Nathalia Tan’s unique skill set helped her find the perfectthese days, job with the rise of big data, Nathalia, the chance to “get my where science and computing come athalia began her new role as hands dirty,” she says. a technology consultant in together in this fantastic way that N “I was lucky to gain a unique set we’ve never seen before – such as Deloitte’s cloud computing team in of skills, from problem solving and finding associations between air March 2016. It was secured, she says, lateral thinking to communication quality and health, or using genetic as a direct result of the knowledge and collaboration, as well as how data to help breed drought-resistant and skills she gained while studying to approach issues in a diplomatic crops like rice,” says Nathalia. for her double Bachelor of Science manner,” says Nathalia. “These – Carl Williams and Bachelor of Computer Science skills were all key to my being AMELIA GREVIS-JAMES, MONASH UNIVERSITY at Monash University, which she offered the job with Deloitte.” TO GET THERE: Bachelor of Science/ completed in 2015. She says choosing to study both Bachelor of Computer Science, Nathalia chose the course at bit.ly/1ncPCV6 science and computing was a wise Monash University Monash because it involved a lot decision. “There are lots of instances of practical work and, according to
illem’s favourite part of his Bachelor of Advanced WScience degree at UNSW Australia was the excitement of “finding the next piece in the puzzle when reaching the limit of knowledge on a topic”. Inspired by an “excellent lecturer” to explore his interest in oceanography, Willem is currently undertaking a PhD at UNSW Australia researching the impacts Southern Hemisphere winds have on our climate. As part of his PhD, in 2013 Willem had the opportunity to take part in the Australasian Antarctic Expedition, travelling to the Subantarctic islands in the Southern Ocean. Assisting world-class researchers in what Willem describes as “the coolest experience”, the team gathered a treasure trove of data that promises major new insights into how our planet works. “We broadcast science from the very edge of the world,” says expedition organiser and UNSW Professor of Climate Change and Earth Sciences, Chris Turney. Adventurous UNSW undergrads are in luck. “You can get amazing research experience – even as a second or third year undergrad,” says Willem. – Rachael Oku TO GET THERE: Bachelor of Advanced Science (Hons), UNSW Australia bit.ly/1QJkpF5
{Careers with Science} 18 S effectiveness of UNICEF aid projects. aid UNICEF of effectiveness the improve to areas remote from data collect to technology SMS use that projects UNICEF. manages for He work to Pakistan to ANU from McBride communicator. ascience as working Conservancy, Wildlife Australian the of sanctuaries wildlife the to ANU from Clarke Joey took what ANU OPEN DAYANU anu.edu.au/study/events/anu-open-day-2016 Saturday 27 August, 9am–4pm So far following my passion following far So led to fantastic opportunities and opportunities to fantastic led Laura Grundy, ANU Bachelor of Science (Physics) Science of Bachelor ANU Grundy, Laura Now: for Innovation Manager Southern Operations a very rewarding professional life. professional rewarding a very has journey the in point each at It’s also the degree that took Elliot Elliot took that degree the also It’s scientists. A degree in science is is science in Adegree scientists. for just aren’t degrees cience into a career passion for science turning your Talk about to us Where will your will Where Studying science at opens ANU up of aworld opportunity
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