Master of Veterinary Science / Clinical residency position Exciting opportunity to commence in 2026 Wildlife Medicine and Research Residency Program 2 year Full time Master's degree Applications are invited for a two-year Residency program based at the Australian Wildlife Health Centre (AWHC), Healesville Sanctuary and the Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne. This residency offers the successful candidate the chance to make a positive contribution to the health and conservation of Australia's unique wildlife. The Resident will be enrolled in a two year, post-graduate Master of Philosophy (Veterinary Science) research degree, involving a wildlife health research project, that will be examined via a written thesis completed by the end of the two-year program; and a clinical training component, during which the resident will participate as a clinical member of the veterinary team of the AWHC. The Resident will work with threatened species programs, Healesville resident animals and wildlife in rehabilitation. Training will be provided in clinical medicine and surgery, clinical pathology, necropsy examination, preventative medicine, reproductive management, nutrition, animal husbandry and wildlife rehabilitation. The veterinary hospital at Healesville Sanctuary is open to the public and the successful candidate will be expected to interact with visitors on a daily basis. Applicants must have a veterinary degree eligible for registration in Victoria, a minimum of two years' experience in clinical practice, a strong academic background and good written and verbal communication skills. An ability to work effectively in a team, strong time management skills and a commitment to pursuing a career in the field of zoo and wildlife medicine also needs to be demonstrated. A stipend of $39,500 annually (tax-exempt) will be offered in the form of a University of Melbourne postgraduate research scholarship. Research project: Healesville Sanctuary (HS) manages two avian threatened species breeding programs, the Helmeted honeyeater (Lichenostomus melanops cassidix) and the Orange-bellied parrot (Neophema chrysogaster). Both programs produce birds that are released to supplement wild populations. Critical to the success of these two breeding programs is a high egg hatching rate. In captive bred birds, hatching rate is expected to be approximately 80%, allowing for around 10% infertility and 10% embryo death. Between 2000 and 2025, egg hatching rates at HS for both species were consistently lower than this benchmark. The Resident will undertake a project to investigate this low hatchability in each species, including determining the rate of infertility and investigating for the causes of embryonic mortality. The research findings will be used to determine changes that may be made to the captive management of these species, to improve their breeding and hence release outcomes. For more information on this role, please refer to the position description available below. To Apply: Please apply via Zoos Victoria recruitment system by clicking on the "Apply" link below. The application must include following documents in one PDF or word document: 1-2 page cover letter Curriculum vitae Academic transcript Names and contact details of 2 referees Applicants must be available for interview on the 25th June. Shortlisted candidates will be notified in the week of the 22nd of June. For further enquiries, please contact Gerry Ross (Life Sciences Manager - Animal Health, Healesville Sanctuary) at gross@zoo.org.au / or Helen McCracken (Senior Veterinarian, Healesville Sanctuary) at hmccracken@zoo.org.au The closing date for applications is 21st June 2026 at 11.00pm. At Zoos Victoria we value diversity, celebrate difference and work to be inclusive in everything we do. We welcome applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds, people with disability and people from the LGBTIQA community. In addition, Zoos Victoria will provide reasonable adjustments for individuals with disability, illness or injury. If you require adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process,?please advise via hrhelpdesk@zoo.org.au or visit?https://www.zoo.org.au/about-us/careers/inclusion-and-diversity/ for more information.?
