Nicole, project officer
Office of the Chief Scientist

As a scientist working in academia (the Institute for Molecular Bioscience at the University of Queensland), I was looking for a chance to work on the ‘other side of science’. More specifically, I was keen to work in science policy and to examine the role of science in the community. I was also keen to establish a better work/life balance – especially to get my weekends back! The salary, job security and diverse career opportunities offered by government employment were big drawcards for me.

So when the opportunity came up to work in government, I jumped at the chance. I began working with the team at the Office of the Queensland Chief Scientist in February 2008, and in February 2009, we joined the Department of the Premier and Cabinet.

I really enjoy my work, and am learning a lot. I have contributed to major Queensland government initiatives, such as the Toward Q2 Tomorrow’s Queensland policy. This required working with the department’s Policy Development Office to coordinate the Q2 targets. The project’s scope extended beyond the scientific to the economic and social perspectives.

Another career highlight was when I worked with the Department of Education and Training on a 10-year draft plan for the future of science, technology, engineering and mathematics education in Queensland. Seeing my work directly contribute to public policy was very rewarding.

Working in government has opened up a range of opportunities for me, beyond the research focus of my doctoral and post-doctoral scientific work. I am still deciding where I want to be in the next 5 years, but one thing is sure – a whole lot of interesting choices are now available to me.

Last reviewed: 17 July, 2009

Last updated: 22 July, 2009

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