Volunteering and internships
C3 welcomes undergraduates with drive and passion who want to make a difference in research linked to climate change. C3 is a team of plant physiologists, ecologists, modellers and remote sensors tackling the issue of improving the accuracy of models by understanding the biology.
Volunteering
We are always looking for passionate and enthusiastic students who would be interested in volunteering to help with our research.
If you have half a day a week and you’d like to work with C3 team members, we’d be interested to talk to you.
Duration
- At least one academic session (~3 months) with possible renewals up to a maximum of 1 year
- Expected time commitment for volunteers: typically 15 hrs across 2-3 days per week. If your situation changes during semester and you are unable to continue your commitment, we expect you to notify your supervisor ASAP
- Role requires students to arrive on time daily and be prepared to contribute at least 1 hour a week to general lab duties as part of your role
- Role also requires students to attend all relevant lab meetings and training sessions.
Academic year application
There are limited number of volunteer positions open for UTS students in the Climate Change Cluster. There is a competitive application process to fill these positions, including interviews for those short-listed. In your email application, please include:
- an up to date resume;
- most recent academic transcript; and
- a cover letter which describes your motivation(s) for volunteering. Additional information, such as details of academic referees, may also be beneficial.
Application deadlines for volunteering positions are:
- 1 February application deadline for a March/April start
- 1 June application deadline for a July/August start
- 1 November application deadline for a negotiable Summer start
Once received, applications will be reviewed and successful applicants interviewed on a quarterly basis. We apologies for any delays, but this procedure allows us to manage the volume of applications and connect the right application with the right project.
Applications should be sent to:
climatechangecluster@uts.edu.au
Volunteer with a research team
C3 Algae Biosystems and Biotechnology
The Algae Biosystems and Biotechnology research team offers opportunities to undergraduate students and volunteers to assist in research and outreach projects under the supervision of graduate students and staff members. Students and volunteers should expect to be assisting in the growing, harvesting and processing of algae as well as regular laboratory maintenance, including media preparation, solutions and sampling of cultured algae for analysis.
Goals of the Volunteer Program
- Familiarize students with an algae biotechnology research laboratory
- Offer students an opportunity to gain relevant laboratory skills and contribute to scientific projects.
Preferred experience
2 years of undergraduate education including courses in chemistry, cell biology, microbiology or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Current UTS students are given preference.
Internships
Alternatively, if you are a third year student and would like to develop your skills by working with climate change researchers, why don’t you consider doing an undergraduate internship with one of us?
If you have any free electives, you can receive academic credit for your internship by enrolling in UTS Science Internship subjects. Students who do not have any electives can complete their internship as a Faculty-Approved Voluntary Internship.
Interns work on a range of projects that will give them a head start for Honours research and their future careers.