Work Experience for Secondary School Students

The Monash Institute of Medical Research (MIMR) offers a limited number of work experience placements, each of one week’s duration, for secondary school students throughout the year. The work experience programme is conducted by the Institute’s Postgraduate Committee, which has a commitment to encouraging secondary school students with a particular interest in a career in science and medical research.

Work Experience Applicants:

The work experience programme is open to senior secondary school students in years 10, 11 and 12. Although there are no specific subject requirements, students undertaking science subjects are preferred.

Each applicant must apply well in advance of the required placement time by sending a letter/email and Curriculum Vitae to Dr Susan Cumming (susan.cumming@med.monash.edu.au); The letter/email should detail possible dates and reasons why the applicant wishes to undertake a work experience placement at the MIMR.

Applicants will be advised of success of their application within two weeks of receipt of their letter/email. If the nominated period is unavailable, other possible dates may be offered.

Successful applicants must formally accept their placement offer within one week by advising Dr Cumming. The applicant’s school is required to send the formal Work Placement Agreement to the Institute’s Human Resources Adviser (refer Contacts below). Any special needs of the student should be highlighted at this time.

Work Experience Placements:

are up to one week’s duration; the hours of attendance are 9am to 5pm;

are limited to two work experience students per placement period;

are under the supervision of the Institute’s Education Manager Dr Cumming; and a nominated supervisor for each session.

Work Experience Program:

A week prior to their placement, students will be sent a welcome letter which will outline operational details and include a copy of their individual program detailing the activities for the placement.

On the first day of the placement each student will be given an Introduction kit, which will outline the Institute’s areas of research.

Students will undertake a mandatory Occupational Health and Safety induction (approx 1.5 hours) on the first day of their placement.

Each day will be divided into morning (9am -12.30pm) and afternoon (1.30pm -5.00pm) sessions, where the students will visit various research groups; with the aim to give students an overview of the Institute’s research areas and technical facilities.

Generally there will be no hands-on work, though students will have some opportunities to use a variety of microscopes and handle some equipment.
(Please note research assistant work experince placements are not available to school students).

Students may opt out of medical research activities involving animals. Students must inform the Education Manager in their acceptance letter/email if they wish to take up this option.

At the end of the placement each student will be required to complete an evaluation.

Contacts:
Work experience program
Dr Susan Cumming
Education Manager

Work experience contracts
Ms Tali Nassau
Human Resources Adviser
Monash Institute of Medical Research
27-31 Wright Street
Clayton VIC 3168