Ecosystems
STEM Coach
GTAC STEM Coaches are employed on a casual basis to facilitate the learning journey of primary and secondary school students, to raise their scientific literacy and inspire them to pursue studies and careers in STEM.
As a GTAC STEM coach, you will:
- Share your love of science as you guide groups of up to 6 students through a STEM program.
- Use GTAC resources to support students to learn new scientific concepts and skills through effective questioning and positive reinforcement.
- Engage young people in dialogue, offering insights into the world of STEM research and careers, and your own academic and professional journey.
On top of technical skills, you will need to have exceptional communication skills, as we want students to be fully engaged in scientific discussion and feel confident to explore new ideas.
You will have the opportunity to participate in paid training workshops on the effective use of GTAC's educational resources to achieve this.
As a STEM Coach at GTAC, you will:
- Grow your personal and professional networks, meeting research scientists from across Melbourne.
- Gain a competitive edge on your CV by enhancing your science communication and teaching skills.
- Experience a sense of achievement as you share your passion for STEM, and inspire young people into science.
MiniPCR machine for students to load and run PCR on their own bench
Lego Prime Kits for student to practice design thinking and Block Coding
Compound microscope with inbuilt cameras
The fluorescent microscope for live cell imaging
Dissecting microscope for students to look at live animals
The micropipette to practice basic technical skills
GTAC places cutting-edge STEM technologies like the miniPCR, LEGO robotics, and compound microscopes into the hands of students. Working together with STEM coaches like you, students engage with life science concepts that align with the Victorian STEM curriculum.
Funded by the Victorian Department of Education, GTAC is a STEM education center with a focus on the life sciences. GTAC is located at University High School and provides programs for primary and secondary students from across Victoria. We ignite their interest in STEM and their desire to pursue studies and a career in STEM.
GTAC is located at the heart of Melbourne's biomedical research precinct with close proximity to institutions such as the University of Melbourne, WEHI, the Florey, the Doherty, the Peter Mac, MCRI, and Bio21. We are an education hub, providing Victorian school students access to cutting-edge STEM technologies and practicing researchers.
To learn more about our programs, visit the program landing page by clicking on this link. GTAC has educational programs that span across a variety of STEM disciplines including immunology, biochemistry, cell biology, and even bioinformatics and robotics.
GTAC programs are run during the Victorian school term. There are 4 terms in a year, with 9 - 11 weeks per term.
Programs are typically run from 10:15 AM to 1:15 PM at the Centre, with occasional whole-day incursions at local schools across Victoria.
As a GTAC STEM Coach, you will be employed on a casual basis with a highly flexible scheduling system. Which means, where practicable, you will be rostered on your preferred days of the week to accommodate your commitment to your own research.
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | School Term Break | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| February | VCE 301 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| March | VCE 301 | VCE S2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| April | School Term Break | MSB 2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| May | MSB 2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| June | VCE S4 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| July | School Term Break | VCE 201 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| August | VCE 201 | VCE S4 | VCE 401 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| September | VCE 401 | School Term Break | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| October | School Term Break | MSB 2 | MSB 4 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| November | MSB 4 | VCE S2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| December | VCE 101 | School Term Break | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Program Name | Student Category | Program Description | Skills Taught | Link to Program Page |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VCE301_OS: Applying biotechnologies to produce human insulin | Secondary | Students learn to apply gene cloning technologies used in protein production | Microscopy, Pipetting, Gel electrophoresis | Click here |
| VCES2_OS: Tackling the pollination problem design expo | Secondary | Students learn about the pollination process and apply design thinking principles to achieve similar results | Microscopy, Design Thinking | Click here |
| MSB2_OS: Forensic investigations to solve an environmental crime | Secondary | Students use science to investigate a mock case using authentic exhibits such as ballistics and artifacts | Microscopy, ELISA, Gel electrophoresis | Click here |
| VCES4_OS: Analysing DNA barcodes to identify and discover species | Secondary | Students are introduced to the DNA technologies used to identify biological species | PCR, Gel electrophoresis | Click here |
| VCE201_OS_Prenatal and predictive genetic testing | Secondary | Students are introduced to prenatal and predictive testing, how they work, and when they are used and why | Guthrie test, Restriction digest, Gel electrophoresis, Predictive testing | Click here |
| VCE401_OS_Responding to pathogens and generating immunity | Secondary | Students perform diagnostic tests to identify a bacterium that causes an outbreak of mastitis in a dairy herd | Bacteria culturing, Pipetting, Spectrophotometry, ELISA | Click here |
| MSB4_OS_Design a bionic arm | Secondary | Students use principles from anatomy and biomechanics to design solutions for people who are limb different | Design thinking, Engineering, Biosensors | Click here |
| VCE101_OS_Inquiry into cell function using microscopy imaging | Secondary | Students use fluorescent microscopy to explore a case study of disease, and make hypotheses on the cause of the disease | Fluorescent microscopy | Click here |
If you have strong communication skills, relevant lab experience, an ability to put feedback into practice, and you are currently completing or just completed a PhD or Masters by Research, we want to hear from you.
We use a two-step selection process:
If you made it past screening,
Step 1 is a virtual interview of up to 20 minutes, where we learn about the skills and experience you can bring to the role.
Successful step 1 applicants are invited to step 2 in the recruitment process.
Step 2 is an in-person recruitment workshop for small groups of prospective STEM Coaches, who practice science communication and coaching skills.
Successful applicants will be invited to attend a paid 3-hour induction that prepares you to work as a STEM Coach with GTAC.
To apply, click on this link to submit a 1–2 page CV outlining your skills and experience suitable for the STEM Coach Role with your expression of interest, including:
- Any undergraduate and postgraduate degrees and majors
- Your current research project, institution and supervisor
- Relevant life sciences technical skills
- Relevant work experience such as: lab demonstrator, science research, communications, customer service, education
- Membership and/or leadership on committees
- Referees
Elyas enjoys translating complex scientific concepts and experiments into accessible GTAC programs to inspire young people to follow a career in STEM.
With nearly a decade of experience in neuroscience and molecular biology, Elyas is one of the masterminds behind our awe-inspiring lab experiences that spark curiosity and uncover the wonders of science ✨
Behind the scenes, they ensure our labs are a safe, welcoming space for everyone, proudly advocating for both the LGBTQIA+ and neurodivergent communities. A true wizard of the lab, Elyas makes science an inclusive adventure for all!.
— Catriona, avid scientist and esteemed educator, reflecting on her time at GTAC.
Cat’s dedication to sparking curiosity in STEM is truly inspiring and we're lucky to have her on our GTAC STEM Coach team! ✨
Follow her science journey on Insta @nyuroscientist and TikTok @drnyuroscientist, and tune in to her radio show (JOY 94.9) or podcast Science Queeries.
— Christian, PhD Researcher at Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre ✨
Christian’s journey with GTAC showcases the power of coaching students in a supportive STEM community. His work in T cell research is making waves in cancer immunotherapy, reminding us all of the incredible potential in science. 🔬🧬.
For Heidi, scientific thinking and problem-solving aren’t just skills, they’re ways to explore the world. She believes science starts in childhood, and by sparking curiosity early, we can help nurture scientists for life.
Heidi enjoyed exploring many academic research subjects, starting with Honours in Neuroscience, and a PhD in Cell Biology, and diving into Genetics and Evolution Biology. Now she has transitioned into education to share her love of science to inspire the next generation of scientists.
How will my shifts be allocated?
You will be employed on a casual basis using a scheduling system during the Victorian school term. There are 4 terms in a year, with 9 - 11 weeks per term. Programs are typically run from 10:15 AM to 1:15 PM at the Centre, with occasional whole-day incursions at local schools across Victoria.
See the "Scheduling" section for more details here.
How do I get to GTAC?
GTAC is located at 77 Story Street, Parkville Victoria 3052.
You can access GTAC from Royal Parade by entering the University High School walkway (WEHI on the left). Follow the path towards the basketball courts. The GTAC building is the grey/silver building near the courts.
You can also enter from Story Street. Walk up the driveway and past the gate. Continue on until you see the grey/silver GTAC building to the left.
See the "About GTAC" section for more details here.
How do I join the team?
GTAC is always looking for passionate Masters by research or PhD students to join the STEM coach team. GTAC uses a two-step selection process involving a virtual interview and an in-person workshop following resume screening. Click on this link to express your interest and GTAC will contact you on the next recruitment cycle.
See the "How to Apply" section for more details here.
Do I have to be an expert in my field and what skills do I need to have?
STEM coaches do not need to be experts in their field. However, as this is a teaching role, GTAC expects STEM coaches to have the fundamental technical skills used in their respective fields such as microscopy and pipetting. Moreover, as this is a teaching assistance position, STEM coaches are also expected to have exceptional communication skills and excellent command of the English language.
See what is expected from a STEM coach by looking at the "About the role" section for more details here.
Do I have to prepare my own lesson plan?
The short answer is no. GTAC prepares the educational resources to be used in class. However, STEM coaches will need to learn how to use them effectively in the classroom, and GTAC will provide paid training workshops during shifts to facilitate this.
See what is expected from a STEM coach by looking at the "About the role" section for more details here.
Where can I see what kinds of programs are available?
The GTAC website outlines some of its past and current programs. Click on this link for more details, or alternatively, click on any of the icons at the top of the page to get more information on programs being taught at GTAC.
See the "Scheduling" section for more details on what programs are being run during the year here.
What kind of training will be provided?
GTAC will provide training on the effective use of its educational resources to engage young learners in the classroom.
See the "About the role" section for more details here.