Research Geoscientist

Describe some daily tasks that you complete in your position

At present I spend considerable time using computerised digital elevation models (DEMs) to model catchment boundaries and drainage flow to help locate geochemical sampling sites across Australia. I also work on reports or papers for publication, which might include spending time in the library researching or reading while at other times I give presentations to let others know what my team is doing, and obtain their ideas or opinions. I'm in touch with colleagues elsewhere in the building, interstate and overseas, and occasionally travel to complete fieldwork, meet with clients or attend conferences.

What is it that you find most enjoyable/challenging/rewarding about your position?

Like so many others who find themselves working in the sciences, I love knowing "stuff"! Being given the opportunity to go and find out new things about the world around us is an amazing privilege, especially when the problems being solved go toward helping others in their everyday lives, whether they know it or not.

Describe your career pathway(s) that led you to where you are today?

In my last two years at school, I planned to start a chef's apprenticeship, but when that didn't happen I considered other options. I had always been interested in the world around me, so, being unsure what to do, I started studying subjects such as geography and science, especially biology. This led me to complete a degree in Resource and Environmental Science, which I followed with an Honours year project in Regolith Geology. Subsequently, I worked in different roles, including GIS officer, research assistant, professional soil scientist and project scientist investigating land use change across Australia before undertaking a PhD in Quaternary and Regolith Studies. This combination of skills and experience enabled me to work at Geoscience Australia where I recently finished a three year research project contributing to the understanding of earthquake hazard in Australia. I have just started a new project undertaking a national geochemical survey of Australia.

What formal/educational training have you completed?

BAppSc (Resource and Environmental Science), BAppSc Honours (Regolith Geology), Certificate IV in Asset Management (GIS Practices), PhD (Quaternary and Regolith Studies).

What are the benefits of working at Geoscience Australia?

Geoscience Australia is Australia's leading national geoscience agency and many staff are leaders in their field, both nationally and internationally. This provides an opportunity to learn from some of the best in the business in a great work environment.

On a more practical note, a big plus is time flexibility, which allows most employees to have a good work/life balance. For people who aren't from Canberra (and most people aren't originally), it often takes a few weeks to get to know the place, but once you do, the lifestyle is great. This adjustment is also made easier by the fact that many people here have already gone through the same thing, so making new friends and learning the local 'secrets' is pretty easy. The other advantage of working with people who are like-minded is that you'll usually have no trouble finding someone who has similar interests.