We’ve opened entries for the 2023 PERSOLKELLY Future Scientist Award, connecting budding scientists to innovative employers.

PERSOLKELLY recognises how difficult it can be to get your first job in the science industry, so we’ve created the opportunity for graduates to represent themselves in-person to potential scientific employers, get their foot in the laboratory door and kickstart their scientific career!

The rundown

The PERSOLKELLY Future Scientist Award offers science graduates the opportunity to:

• Showcase themselves to a group of employers from Australia’s leading scientific companies.
• Get advice on how to present and prepare for interviews from our specialist Scientific recruiters.
• Be in the running to win $1000.

The history

Research shows that science and mathematics graduates experience some of the worst full-time work outcomes, with just 64.6 per cent in full-time employment four months after graduation.

PERSOLKELLY’s team wanted to change those numbers and use their expertise in hiring scientific staff to create meaningful opportunities for young scientists.

In 2016, the PERSOLKELLY Future Scientist Award was launched – aimed at recognising the achievements of budding scientists across Australia, highlighting their contributions to the scientific community and helping them progress from graduate to employee.

How it works

The Future Scientist Award provides a platform for the best and brightest up-and-coming scientists to present their ideas to leaders in the industry.

With a focus on encouraging innovation and excellence, the award gives applicants the opportunity to kickstart their career and boost their employment opportunities by connecting them with the leaders of the scientific industry.

After applications close, the PERSOLKELLY scientific team selects the finalists for each state. Finalists will be invited to present their goals, ideas and plans for the future of science to industry leaders and innovators at a panel in their state in September 2023.

Submissions are open now – apply online today.

Who can apply?

The Future Scientist Award is open to applications from those in the final semester of – or those who have graduated in the last 12 months from – a Bachelor of Science, BSc Hons, MSc or PhD (science discipline).

To win the 2023 Future Scientist Award, you must complete an online application – including uploading a current resume and your academic record to date – and tell us why you should be the Future Scientist Award winner.

Apply for the 2023 Future Scientist Award today!

More

One of our 2021 winners, Marilla Bickerstaff-Westbrook

One of our 2021 winners, Thi Hong

2019 finalist, Shaghraf Javaid

2019 finalist, Greta Luche

2018 finalist, Kang Tam

2017 finalist, Andrew Tilley

2016 finalist, Jack Kent

The PERSOLKELLY Future Scientist Award is now open. The Award gives science graduates the opportunity to showcase themselves to employers from Australia’s leading scientific companies, get advice on how to present and prepare for interviews from our specialist Scientific recruiters and go in the running to win $1000.

We spoke to 2019 finalist Greta Luche, who is now working as a Biochemist at a new ground-breaking biotech start-up, about her experience in the Award Program.

Can you describe your experience participating in the Future Scientist Award program?  

I really enjoyed the opportunity of showcasing my personal experience in front of people from various industries. I guess feeling heard or having a chance as a new graduate. Finding the first job can be hard.

Can you list your three highlights from the program?

• I got my first full-time job after university through this program!
• Doing multiple interviews at the same time.
• The PERSOLKELLY consultant was a great guy and very easy to speak with.

How has the Future Scientist Award Program helped you in your career?

Yes I got my first full-time job after my studies. The job granted me some experience in the industry and I will always be grateful to PERSOLKELLY for the opportunity.

What are your career plans?

I want to fill roles of responsibility and lead a team of smart people. I like roles where there is flexibility to improve. I also appreciate positions where it is possible to organise your own time and work very hard but in a smart way.

What advice would you give current Science graduates?

To try this program! It’s fun and doesn’t cost you anything. I would advise to not be choosy for your first job and to learn as much as you can through working well. I would also advise never to remain in a position where you are not happy and to remember your possibilities and how much you are worth.

Apply for the 2021 Future Scientist Award today!

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PERSOLKELLY is one of Australia and New Zealand’s leading staffing and recruitment providers. If you’re looking for work, explore our jobs, or register your details, search and apply for jobs on GO, available free from your App store. If you’re looking for staff, get in touch with us to find out how we can support your business with great people.