Currumbin Residency Program

The Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary – Wildlife and Conservation Medicine Residency/Professional Doctorate program is based within the Veterinary team at Currumbin Wildlife Hospital. The program offers the opportunity to work at additional locations, including wildlife conservation and fieldwork opportunities.

Program Details

• The next residency commences in July 2026.
• Applications are open, and a merit-based selection process will be initiated in March 2026.
• The program is a three-year residency.

Eligibility Criteria

• Applicants must have a veterinary degree registrable in Queensland.
• A minimum of 2 years' experience in veterinary practice is required.
• Applicants must be a resident or citizen of Australia (this includes New Zealand nationals).
• Applicants should have a logical and evidence-based approach to clinical case investigations.
• A strong academic background and strong written and verbal communication skills are necessary.
• Good time-management skills and the ability to work well in a team are required.
• A strong commitment to the fields of zoo, wildlife, and conservation medicine is essential.

Program Structure

• The residency emphasizes research alongside clinical work.
• The Professional Doctorate involves coursework delivered through Murdoch University in epidemiology and One Health.
• A significant research dissertation up to 60,000 words or the equivalent of 3 research papers is required.

Research Opportunities

• The veterinary team contributes to many research projects.
• A 0.6 Post Doctorate Koala Research Fellowship and a full-time Lab Technician are available to assist with research and diagnostic lab work.
• The diagnostic lab includes PCR, blood gases, coagulation profiles, along with standard biochemistry and automatic slide stainer for consistent cytology and blood smear evaluation.
• A PC2 lab and education centre with dedicated molecular laboratories are currently under construction and expected to open in mid-2027.

Support and Funding

• A work uniform, personal protective equipment, and a workspace will be provided by Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary.
• The School of Veterinary Medicine and the Graduate Research Office (GRO) will co-fund the tax-free scholarship of $43,500 p.a. over the three-year period.

Clinical Work

• Currumbin Wildlife Hospital provides veterinary care for approximately 16,000 wildlife cases annually and for the almost 1,000 animals that reside at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, in managed care.
• The veterinary team provides a high level of care to all patients in a purpose-built veterinary hospital that is well equipped diagnostically, clinically, and surgically.
• The Sanctuary managed captive animals receive a wide range of veterinary care focusing on quarantine, biosecurity, preventative medicine, reproductive management, nutrition, transactional health management, disease investigation, and surgery.
• Currumbin Wildlife Hospital also provides veterinary support for multiple international koala collections.
• The wildlife case load has a high level of emergency cases, with regular zoonoses and mass mortality investigations.
• Currumbin Wildlife Hospital has a dedicated koala Intensive Care Unit and rehabilitation facilities for a wide range of species.
• The veterinary department also includes a dedicated koala ecology team, doing ongoing research focusing on chlamydial vaccine and urban ecology.
• Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary has two ex situ breed-for-release programs, Eastern Bristle Birds, and Taudactylus liemi (Tinker frog), that have regular ongoing veterinary input.

Murdoch University

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Overview:

Murdoch University is a public university located in Perth, Western Australia. It is known for its focus on practical learning, research, and engagement with the community. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines.

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Services Offered:

Murdoch University provides a comprehensive range of services to its students, including:

Academic Support:

The university offers a variety of academic support services, such as tutoring, workshops, and online resources.

Career Services:

The Careers and Employability team assists students with career planning, job searching, and internship opportunities.

Student Support:

The university provides support services for students with disabilities, mental health concerns, and other personal challenges.

Library:

The Murdoch University Library offers a vast collection of books, journals, and online resources.

Health and Wellbeing:

The university has a range of health and wellbeing services, including a chiropractic clinic, counselling services, and a psychology clinic.

Sport and Recreation:

Murdoch University offers a variety of sporting and recreational activities, including fitness classes, team sports, and outdoor recreation.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

Murdoch University offers a vibrant and diverse campus experience. Students can expect:

A beautiful and spacious campus:

The university's campus is located in a picturesque setting, with plenty of green spaces and modern facilities.

A strong sense of community:

The university has a strong sense of community, with a variety of student clubs and societies.

Opportunities for engagement:

Murdoch University encourages students to get involved in research, community service, and other extracurricular activities.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Flexible study options:

Murdoch University offers a variety of flexible study options, including online learning, part-time study, and blended learning.

Personalised courses:

The university offers a range of personalised courses that cater to individual student needs and interests.

Career Learning Spine:

Murdoch University's Career Learning Spine helps students develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their chosen careers.

World-class facilities:

The university has a range of world-class facilities, including a veterinary hospital, a media arts centre, and a state-of-the-art engineering lab.

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Academic Programs:

Murdoch University offers a wide range of academic programs, including:

Undergraduate programs:

The university offers a variety of undergraduate programs in areas such as business, law, science, engineering, and the arts.

Postgraduate programs:

Murdoch University offers a range of postgraduate programs, including master's degrees, PhDs, and other research degrees.

Research:

The university is a leading research institution, with a strong focus on areas such as food security, health futures, and sustainable development.

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Other: