[BkyMonster]

Looking for some suggestions on what I can do for work in NZ. Most of the work I see I am familiar with is only in Palmerston North or Dunedin...
I probably wont be looking for work for a while, until my OH gets his job sorted and we get a bit settled, but at some point in the future I am going to want a job. I do have plans to get a vet nursing diploma as my degree is only useful in a limited way. :(
So here are my qualifications. I have a BS degree in biotechnology. I'm well versed in molecular biology techniques. I've managed labs and done the whole personal assistant thing to professors. I have a few publications (some in big journals) I'm associated with. I have worked with animals, microbes and plants, though I don't care for plants.
To work as a medical or blood technician I'd need additional certification.

Any ideas?

[peebles16]

I am sure you've already checked these sites out but thought they may be useful to you. OH works in labs so he suggested them :)

www.nzimls.org.nz for vacancies in labs
www.mlsboard.org.nz for details on how to register to work in NZ

OH reckoned you 'may' be able to register to work as lab technician then after 2 years apply to be upgraded to scientist grade. If this is possible then it may give you more scope in terms of geography on your job hunt.

HTH
Karenx

[unar]

BkyMonster,

Sorry I am not going to be much help, since I am in the same boat as you.

I have PhD in developmental biology and has been doing postdoc stuff in the last few years in London. All full time pure research stuff. As you said all jobs I could do are in Otago, Auckland and Palmerston North, and we are moving to Wellington. I was seriously considering commuting between Wellington to Palmerston, not sure if it is possible. I have been considering adult education or museum work. Have you done any teaching? Maybe you can get an teaching cert. for adult education to teach Biotechnology or something like that.

-Una

[IanW99]

...
I was seriously considering commuting between Wellington to Palmerston, not sure if it is possible....


I wouldn't do it personally, but my OH did work with someone in Wellington who lived in Palmerston North and commuted in every day, so it is definitely an option if you are serious.

Ian

[cowtown#2]

Have you looked at the MAF website? http://careers.haines.co.nz/MAF/Pages/Vacancies.aspx

There is currently nothing technical, but I have seen postings there several times before for technicians with experience in molecular techniques. They have the national centre for biosecurity and infectious disease in Wallaceville close to Wellington which is mainly focused on animal disease diagnosis. I think they also have labs (mostly plant stuff???) closer to Auckland???

Do you know where you are going?

[sweetpea]

I was seriously considering commuting between Wellington to Palmerston, not sure if it is possible.

While I have heard of the occasional person doing this, I would consider what impact spending 5-6 hours a day commuting would have on your lifestyle.

[BkyMonster]

I did look into commuting to Palmy from Welly, as that is probably where we will end up though not sure yet, but really not into commuting 2-3 hours each way. blech!
I do have a back up plan if I don't find anything--that is try and become a vet nurse. I thought about graduate school but I think I'm not really into being a graduate student. I like regular hours! :D
Thanks for those links Karen and Karen's OH :) They may come in handy yet.
I did also think about MAF, so something else to look into.

Thanks!