PhD candidate Jessica Von Pein, from the Institute of Molecular Biosciences (IMB), completed an industry placement with the Office of the Queensland Chief Scientist in Brisbane. She wanted to apply her skills in fields outside of biomedical research. “I have an interest in how science can assist in the formation of policy, and I was motivated to develop my skills in this area for professional and employment opportunities,” she said.
At an event Jessica met the Deputy Director-General of the Science and Technology Division at the Department of Environment and Science.
“Upon understanding their role, I expressed my interest in gaining experience in science policy, and was put into contact with the Director for the Office of the Queensland Chief Scientist,” she said.
Through that connection she was able to secure a placement on the Partner Up Queensland program.
“I was responsible for writing policy documents for a new program which is intended to enhance the reach and impact of science, innovation and research throughout Queensland, but particularly into regional Queensland,” she said.
Jessica worked cooperatively across departments within the Queensland Government. This experience exposed her to how Queensland Government policy is developed.
Jessica managed her placement experience around her PhD project, doing 2-3 days per week on her placement and the remainder of the time on her PhD.
“This was a tricky balance to maintain, and required a great deal of planning around experiments for my PhD and my commitments with the Office of the Queensland Chief Scientist, but it worked out well,”.
“I gained professional experience in policy and government that I did not have access to within my PhD research,” she said.
Jessica also gained valuable insight into potential employment opportunities and career paths into science policy, and made new networks within the Department of Environment and Science.
“I would strongly recommend the placement experience to any HDR student wishing to gain deeper perspectives about the value of the skills they develop in their studies.”
If you are a UQ HDR candidate and would like to explore your placement opportunities, attend an information session to learn more about the program.
