Opportunities 

Become an In2Science Mentor

Are you passionate about science and maths?

Postgraduate students studying science, technology, engineering and/or maths are invited to apply as an In2science Mentor for semester 1 2017. Mentors will be confirmed this year.

In2science is a science peer mentoring program that works to engage high school students from low socio-economic areas with science and maths. University students volunteer their time to work as a mentor in a year 8 or 9 science or maths classrooms or as an online eMentor for 10 week placements. Over the 10 weeks you will get to know the students and encourage them to relate the science/maths they are studying in class to their lives and interests outside of school. You will show that scientists are diverse people not restricted to lab coats and that science is important in many aspects of our lives!

Volunteering with In2science is a great way to give back to the community in the science sphere. With training and support from The University you will develop your communication skills, enhancing your resume, getting a taste for the classroom and informing our society about the importance and wonders of science.

Please apply at the our website.  
Any questions? Email Maddy Yewers. 

Job of the Month

CSIRO Postdoctoral Fellowships, CSIRO

What: CSIRO offers PhD graduates an opportunity to launch their scientific careers through our Postdoctoral Fellowships. Successful applicants will work with leaders in various fields of science and receive personal development and learning opportunities. CSIRO is currently offering postdoctoral positions for a period of up to three years.

Who: A range of disciplines including:

• Flow Electrochemistry
• Climate and Weather Extremes 
• Human Pluripotent Stem Cell Biology 
• Synthetic Organic Chemistry/Medicinal Chemistry
• Evolving Intelligent Materials to Control Cells
• Biointegration of 3D Printed Titanium Implants
• C-H Activation for Fine Chemicals 
• Genome Engineering 
• Novel Approaches for the Early Diagnosis of Infectious Diseases
• and many more…

Where: various locations across Australia

Remuneration: $78k - $88k + up to 15.4% superannuation

Applications close: 1 November 2016

International students welcome to apply. 

See Careers Online for this job and many others!

Science in the Media

Sci-Comm 101

Each newsletter we feature tips from our very own science communication extraordinaire in the School of Biosciences, Dr Jen Martin. Follow Jen on Twitter @scidocmartin or check out her blog, Espresso Science.

SciComm Tip #8 Be confident

Giving a talk? Feeling nervous, or anxious? There are many things you can do to ensure you are well prepared: make sure you know who you are talking to, what the purpose of your talk is and how long you’ve got to speak. Prepare your visuals carefully and practice talking without notes as much as you can (don’t memorise your talk, it’s too risky). Thinking carefully about your body language and how it affects your confidence is also important. Watch Amy Cuddy’s famous TED talk about power posing here.

My experience at the Bio21 Discovery Tour

Photo credit: Li Ren Lim, Master of Biotechnology, University of Melbourne

Last week, the School of Chemistry hosted an exclusive tour through the Bio21 Institute. Master of Biotechnology student Michelle Mendonca was lucky enough to score a ticket, and here is what she thought: 

"The tour was conducted by the enthusiastic and knowledgeable Prof Spencer Williams. We were first shown the 5-million-dollar NMR machine, which was the highlight of my tour. It was so interesting to visualize and understand how these technologies are used for large-scale research at the institute. We also had a look at the Metabolomics department, as well as the chemistry labs, where we got to hear about the amazing research conducted by Prof Spencer William and his team. Overall, it was a fascinating experience to see people from different academic backgrounds working towards common goals. - Michelle Mendonca, Master of Biotechnology student.

Events

Scholarships and Awards

Faculty of Science Postgraduate Writing-Up Award

Any students planning to submit their PhD thesis soon should consider applying for this Writing-Up Award. This award supports RHD candidates during the preparation of journal articles or books based on the thesis submitted for examination. RHD students are eligible to apply at any time after submission of their thesis for examination, provided they have not yet been advised of the result of the examination. The awardee will receive a maximum of $3000 provided the preparation of texts or articles requires support for the period. Read more and apply online. Applications close Thurs 22 Dec.  

Victoria University Research Impact Award

This award recognises and honours the next generation of researchers whose intelligent and visionary achievements and discoveries have and will shape our future world. Eligible nominees must be up to and including 29 years of age as of 31 Dec, and have lived in Victoria for a minimum of 2 years. This award is open to an individual or a team. For team applications all members of the team must satisfy the age requirements for the award. Winners will receive a $1,000 Bartercard Account plus $1,000 into an account in their name from Bank of Melbourne. If you would like to be considered for a nomination please visit the website, and get in touch with us. Entries close Thurs 1 Dec. 

Featured Scientist

Jess Stott, Master of Science (Genetics) 

"I study how cells transition from migratory to stationary (epithelial) forms, which occurs during the development of many organs and diseases, including cancer. In my research I am investigating the development of the fruit fly’s digestive system as a model for this transitional process, to identify the key genes and their equivalents in human disease. Outside of study, I also like reading (mostly fantasy), computer games, and singing.”  

Services