Science opportunities
Two key science opportunities in the dairy industry are:
You can also further develop your science career and postgraduate study from the security of a paid position through the DairyNZ Science Intern Programme.
Scientists and technicians – who does what?
Scientists tend to be creative and strategic and think about the big picture. They think up new ideas for experiments and apply for funding to various places so the research can go ahead.
Once they have funding, scientists discuss the trial with research technicians. Research technicians tend to be practical, tactical and detail-oriented people. They carry out more of the outdoors, hands-on measurements required for the experiments, while the scientists are more involved in the administration side.
Once an experiment ends and all measurements have been taken, the data is analysed by a statistician. This tells you what the outcomes of the experiment were. From here it is normally the scientist’s role to take the information and present it to the world. This can be done by writing articles, speaking at farmer or science conferences or writing papers for science journals. This is probably the most important job of a scientist – getting what they find out into the community where it can be used to make a difference.
Research scientist
Research scientists focus on dealing with problems experienced by the New Zealand agricultural industry and its communities; understanding and promoting the adoption of new technologies into current and future dairy farming systems.
A scientist needs good computing skills, organisational skills, analytical and research skills, and good written and oral communication skills.
Different types of scientists in the industry include
- Agronomists
- Animal behaviour scientist
- Biologist
- Crop scientist
- Farm systems scientist
- Geneticist/molecular biologist
- Microbiologist
- Milk composition scientist
- Nutritionist
- Reproduction scientist
Typical tasks that scientists would do
- Develop farming methods to protect animal welfare and the environment
- Advise farmers, vets, horticultural and agricultural companies
- Find ways to improve the quality and value of animal or crop production
- Conduct experiments to find ways to control pests and diseases
- Analyse the results of experiments
- Write about their work for scientific and farming magazines
- Write applications for funding grants for research
- Present reports at conferences in New Zealand and overseas
- Manage research budgets, technicians and casual staff
- Develop vaccines and other products to improve animal health and productivity
Recommended subjects to take at secondary school
Chemistry, biology, physics, calculus, statistics and modelling, computer studies and English.
How to become a scientist
Becoming a scientist is a two step process – get your first degree before studying a specialised area to achieve your doctorate. Your first degree, a tertiary entrance qualification, is required to enter further training. Science degrees can be obtained at any university but an agricultural focus is desirable so you could look at either:
- Massey University – Palmerston North
- Lincoln University - Lincoln
Getting a Doctorate (PhD)
Scientists require a doctorate. This is done through an applied study of a subject that is of interest to you. You get to chose what that subject is! It will typically take you 3-4 years to achieve your PhD studying full-time.
Up to seven years at university sound too daunting?
This can mean up to seven years at university, however you don’t have to complete your doctorate straight away. You can always leave university after completing your degree and find a job in science as a research technician or search for an internship where you are supported through your doctorate.
Degree options
Bachelor of Science (BSc)
Bachelor of Agricultural Science (BAgriScience)
Bachelor of Environmental Management and Planning (B.E.M.P)
Possible employers
DairyNZ, AgResearch, Massey University, Lincoln University, LIC Corporation, Ambreed, Fonterra, Crop & Food, ViaLactia Biosciences
Websites to visit for more information
The website of each training institution
- Massey University - http://www.massey.ac.nz/massey/students/futurestudents/futurestudents_home.cfm
- Lincoln University - www.lincoln.ac.nz
- Waikato University - www.waikato.ac.nz
- Visit the University of Auckland Faculty of Science website to find more information on the all the different types of science careers
- The Ministry of Science and Technology website is great for finding out what sort of science gets funded by government
To find out more about this career, register for more information
Research technician
A research technician works with and assists scientists to undertake research. But if you’re thinking lab coats and bunsen burners you couldn’t be further from the mark! A research technician working in the dairy industry is far more likely to be found outside working with farmers, animals and on the land.
A technician must have good computing skills, organisational skills, analytical skills, written and oral communication skills. If you have an eye for detail and a high level of curiosity about what makes things tick, then this job is for you!
If you really like the job, you will also have the opportunity to continue studying and to take over your boss's job as the scientist!
Where to from here? Careerpath for technicians:
- Technical. You can become a more senior technician with greater expertise and specialisation into a particular area.
- Scientific. You can go on to do a MSc or PhD and become a scientist.
- Anything else. Being a technician is a good short-term option if you think you want to work in science, but don’t know exactly what you want to do.
Alternative titles
Lab technician
Assistant research technician
Field assistant
Typical tasks that a research technician would do
- Set up and run experiments in a farm or lab environment
- Maintain relevant databases
- Order equipment and chemicals
- Help to write reports based on results from experiments conducted
- Maintain relationships with farmers
Recommended subjects to take at secondary school
Chemistry, biology, physics, calculus, statistics and modelling, computer studies and English.
How to become a research technician
To become a research technician it is preferred that you have a tertiary qualification in science and an interest in the dairy industry. Science degrees can be obtained at any university but an agricultural focus can be useful so you could look at either:
Degree options
Bachelor of Science (BSc)
Bachelor of Agricultural Science (BAgriScience)
Possible employers
DairyNZ, AgResearch, Massey University, Landcare Research, regional councils such as Environment Waikato, Lincoln University, LIC, Fonterra, veterinary centres.
To find out more about this career, register for more information
The DairyNZ Science Intern Programme
DairyNZ is committed to creating a new generation of world class dairy scientists through offering the opportunity for career development and postgraduate study from the security of a paid position within the company.
Each year DairyNZ offers up to five opportunities for motivated graduates to join DairyNZ as science interns. A structured programme is in place which allows interns to experience different areas of work within DairyNZ. These include stints as technicians, shadowing scientists and finding out how the extension department works by going out into the field with their consulting officers and joining in with discussion groups. You will get to experience dairy science – literally – from the grass roots up.
To find out more visit www.dairynz.co.nz/scienceinterns