Are you thinking of a career in science and medical research? QIMR Berghofer has a free work experience program for eligible Year 11 and 12 students.

The laboratory work experience program takes place over three days and offers introductory laboratory training in our purpose-built Education Lab, followed by a placement in one of our working research laboratories.

2023 PROGRAM DATES

• 26-28 June, 2023
  Applications open 23 January and close 15 May
  Offers sent 17 May
• 25-27 September, 2023
  Applications open 15 May and close 21 August
  Offers sent 23 August

HOW TO APPLY

Students are required to provide a brief background on their education, experience and interest in medical research.

Before you apply, you will need to do some reading about QIMR Berghofer’s research. This shows that you are suitable for work experience at QIMR Berghofer, and helps us match you with vacancies in laboratories that suit your interests.

When you apply, it is important that you:

• show us you have read about laboratory projects at QIMR Berghofer in depth
• are a high achiever
• plan to study university science
• are considering a science-related career

We encourage you to apply with another student from the same school where possible as you will be working in pairs in the laboratory.  Remember, completing an application form will not automatically qualify you for a placement as positions are merit-based.

If your application was successful, we’ll ask you to complete a work experience agreement form which should be signed by your guardian, school principal and the QIMR Berghofer Education Coordinator.

ELIGIBILITY AND SELECTION CRITERIA

Year 11 and 12 Australian school students who have completed the online application form are eligible for the program. We encourage tertiary students to seek work experience opportunities at QIMR Berghofer through their relevant course coordinators. International students are not eligible for the program.

If you don’t receive a placement in Year 11, we encourage you to reapply the following year (be sure to mention it is your second time applying). If you are in Year 12, we will add you to our waiting list and you may still receive an offer closer to the date. Unfortunately we cannot offer every student a place in the program due to limited capacity and high demand. 

Students who are unsuccessful in obtaining a place in the work experience program are encouraged to apply for the one day Holiday Science Experience program.

Criteria considered for selection include a student’s academic performance and written responses in the application form on why they wish to attend the program, along with some weighting given to students from regional areas. Students in year 12 are also typically prioritized.

FIND OUT MORE

To find out more about this program, contact our Education Coordinators.

Education Coordinator
Dr Liam St Pierre (Mon-Wed) T (07) 3362 0307
E schools@qimrberghofer.edu.au