Careers in Science
We need scientists like we need air and water. That's how important they are.
Why choose science subjects and careers in science?
New Zealand has a growing demand for scientists. There is also a growing demand for scientists overseas.
One important reason we need scientists here is because their research helps our farmers stay amongst the best in the world.
Farmers earn most of our country's income. They need great scientific research to help them produce more and better products in a way that doesn't harm our environment. Behind every great farmer is a really good scientist.
What's great about scientists?
They help save lives, save our environment and improve how we live.
There are lots of careers in science.
To take advantage of the opportunity you need to enrol in science subjects. Taking subjects like physics, chemistry and biology gives you more career options later on.
Scientific training is prized in a wide range of areas including law, teaching, journalism, business and management, stock broking and risk-analysis.
Follow your heart. Not many people dream of being accountants. But lots of people dream of working with animals, or unlocking the secrets of the universe or finding a cure for a cruel disease.
What's your dream?
The Hard Facts
Food is the backbone of the NZ economy. 41% of NZ exports are food. Farmers are the biggest single earner of our country's income. Tourism - our second biggest industry - relies heavily on farming for its success. Our farmers value scientists' work and are world leaders in applying new farming practices.
Some Science Careers in AgResearch
Sue McCoard
Think for yourself, learn new things and make a real difference
When Sue McCoard was at primary school she wanted to be a scientist. At high school she loved science and in 2005 she was named the NZBio Emerging Biotechnologist of the Year.
Sue works in AgResearch's Metabolism & Microbial Genomics section, identifying and understanding certain genes in dairy cows that could lead to ways of producing milk with special properties.
"I have the luxury of working with a world class research team on a project that uses state of the art technology, resources and internationally sought after expertise."
Sue says working as a scientist in New Zealand provides fantastic opportunities for young researchers to accelerate their scientific careers while balancing lifestyle choices.
She has recently had her first child and after taking a few months out is getting back into her research.
Damien Fleetwood
Even small research finds are thrilling
It took Damien Fleetwood a few career changes before he decided science was for him. After completing a Bachelor and Masters degree in microbiology, he took a break from science to teach English in Japan.
"After a few years, I really wanted to get back into laboratory research so contacted a former university supervisor and began my PhD at Massey University.
"The thing about scientific research is that even a small finding is a real thrill, so when you find something larger it's even more exciting."
Damien is based at AgResearch and his passion for science recently landed him a win at the prestigious MacDiarmid Young Scientists of the Year Awards. Damien's exploration into how fungi and grass operate a ‘Toxic Tag Team' to poison grazing animals saw him gain first place in the Adding Value to Nature category.
Tamsin Pointon
Goodbye Med. School, Hello Science
At high school in Wellington Tamsin Pointon enjoyed arts subjects but loved science. She enjoyed the challenge and the logic and the way new ideas could evolve from applying knowledge.
Initially, Tamsin's love of science saw her heading towards a career in medicine, but half way through her first year of pre-med at Otago University she took a genetics paper and her career path took a change of direction.
"I enjoyed the paper so much I swapped from pre-med to a BSc in Genetics. I studied Arctic fish for my Masters, and for my PhD I am working for AgResearch, investigating ways of enhancing the effectiveness of a microbial biological control agent.
Genetics technology can be applied anywhere and one day I'd like to work in human disease control. I guess that would be a step back towards medicine!"
These guys have been around
Mairi Stewart
My research will improve animal welfare!
Mairi Stewart's passion for animals has led to a career in animal welfare research with AgResearch.
Mairi is now completing a PhD with Massey University and AgResearch which involves developing a non-invasive method for measuring stress in farm animals. Using an infrared thermographic camera she records an image of the heat being emitted by the animal... high temperatures mean high stress.
"At AgResearch I get to undertake research that contributes to my PhD studies and in the long term I hope my research will improve animal welfare on farms.... that's what really drives me.
My interests are mountain biking, gym, running, and I enjoy travelling".
The most important thing you have to do in years 9 to 13 is decide what you love doing and do it.
Todd White
A truly international career
Growing up in a rural area fed Todd White's interest in agriculture and the environment, which led him to choose an Agricultural Science degree when he finished school. He went on to study for a PhD, which he describes as the ‘gateway to a science career'. Todd now works for AgResearch where he uses a combination of computer and field studies to understand the economic and environmental impacts of pastoral agriculture.
Science enables him to learn, explore and discover and it has also provided the opportunity for overseas travel, including a year's post-doctoral research in Iowa, USA.
"Science is a truly international career which provides the flexibility to work and study all around the world. New Zealand has a great reputation for science and the opportunity for overseas post-doctoral research placements are available to most PhD graduates."
Wendy Imlach
Going to work is fun
Award winning PhD student Wendy Imlach loves science because it is fun.
"You get to play in the lab and do experiments all day so it doesn't really feel like you're working," she says.
"Every day is different and when you discover something new it's very exciting."
Wendy is currently working with AgResearch and Otago University to discover more about understanding sheep staggers. She recently won the Understanding Planet Earth category at the MacDiarmid Young Scientists of the Year Awards for some of her new insights.
"This project has been fascinating from the start. With so much potential to discover new things I am thrilled with what we have discovered but also excited about what else is in store."
Wendy has always loved reading about science and is delighted she has been able to turn it into a career.
Where are the jobs?
Some places scientists can work
Crown Research Institutes
AgResearch
Crop & Food Research
ESR (Environmental Science and Research)
Geological & Nuclear Sciences
HortResearch
Industrial Research
Landcare Research
NIWA (National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research) Scion (Forest Research Institute)
Universities
The private sector
Fonterra, milk products
Carter Holt Harvey, timber products
EDS, computer technology
AgVax, biotechnology
Beca, engineering
Calvert, plastic manufacturing
Compac, fruit and vegetable sorting machines
Genesis, hi tech biotechnology
Hansells, food manufacture
High Modulus, marine materials
Holcim Cement
Hubbards, food technology
iTouch, electronic engineering and software
The pay
- Research chemist
$50,000 -$100,000
- Meteorologist
$35,000 - $100,000
- Geologist
$30,000 - $100,000
- Microbiologist
$30,000 - $70,000
- Environmental scientist
$30,000 - $80,000
- Agricultural/horticultural scientist
$40,000 - $100,000
- Forensic/medical pathologist
Up to $120,000
- Biochemist
$30,000 - $80,000
- Medical laboratory scientist
$40,000 - $75,000
- Botany/plant scientist
$40,000 - $80,000
- Industrial chemist
$50,00 - $100,000
- Molecular biologist
$30,000 - $70,000
- Physicist
$40,000 - $80,000
- Marine biologist
$35,000 - $100,000
Our thanks to www.kiwicareers.govt.nz for these figures which are based on department of Statistics data from 2001. The actual salary will depend on qualifications, experience and the employer. Can't find figures for your favourite specialty here? There are lots more at www.kiwicareers.govt.nz!
Cruise these for more information about careers in science:
- www.biotechlearn.org.nz
Great run down on the latest in biotech.
- www.futureintech.org.nz
Technology can be cool. If you doubt it, take another look at your iPod (If that isn't technology, nothing is!).
- www.kiwicareers.govt.nz
A comprehensive site with a wealth of New Zealand job, industry and training information, and links to plenty of other useful websites.
- www.agresearch.co.nz
Where some of the most important and most interesting science happens in New Zealand!
- www.auckland.ac.nz
Great info on different science careers with a zillion useful links.
- www.morst.govt.nz
The Ministry of Science and Technology. A great website for finding out what sort of science gets funded by government.
There is a world of opportunity for you in science.
About AgResearch
Our job is to help New Zealand remain the leading producer of great pastoral products world wide. This is critical to ensure the prosperity, security and environmental sustainability of farming. The pastoral sector is the backbone of our economy and its continued success is essential for maintaining our country's living standards.
AgResearch is one of New Zealand's leading research organisations. About five percent of New Zealand's scientists are with us. Many are world-leading in their field and we are networked to more than 30 prestigious scientific organisations world-wide. Our scientists regularly travel internationally to undertake research, network and present at conferences.
AgResearch has close links with the CSIRO (Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation) in Australia. Because of that relationship, CSIRO gave us free use of Australia's science career brochure cartoons and graphics featured in these pages. It's another example of the international cooperation amongst scientific organisations.
We have:
- 1300 staff (954 full time equivalents)
- Five major research centres: Ruakura in Hamilton, Grasslands in Palmerston North, Wallaceville in Upper Hutt, Lincoln near Christchurch and Invermay near Dunedin.
- Numerous shared research farm facilities throughout New Zealand.