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VETASSESS question: Life Scientist (nec) job description

7K views 12 replies 5 participants last post by  Lahori_Rajput 
#1 ·
Hi all,

this is my first post on this board, I tried to find an answer to my question in older threads, but there doesn't seem to be one.

My wife and I have been living in Melbourne for over two years now, she's on a 457, I'm on a TSS, both of us as Life Scientist (nec).

We now want to apply for a 189 and need to have our skills assessed by VETASSESS. We both are neuroscientists, so I guess Life Scientist (nec), ANZSCO code 234599, would be most fitting, since neuroscientist is one of the specialisations.

I've read in other threads that to get a positive skill assessment, at least 50% of the tasks in the description have to be met. However, the tasks for both Life Scientist (general), ANZSCO code 234511, and Life Scientist (nec) are identical and as follows:
Tasks

  • Designing and conducting experiments, making observations and measurements, researching information, analysing data, preparing or supervising the preparation of laboratory reports and scientific papers, presenting findings at scientific meetings and conferences, and supervising the work of staff

  • Studying the forms and structures of bodily organs and tissues by systematic observation, dissection and microscopic examination

  • Investigating the chemical structure and function of living cells and their isolated components, organs and tissues in humans, animals, plants, and micro-organisms

  • Examining micro-organisms, such as bacteria, fungi, yeast and their enzymes, and using the knowledge gained to create and develop new, and improve existing, products, materials and processes

  • Investigating the effects of environmental factors, such as rainfall, temperature, sunlight, soil, topography and disease, on plant growth

  • Planning and undertaking experiments to study, measure and understand marine animals and plants

  • Studying the growth and characteristics of micro-organisms, such as bacteria, algae and fungi, and the effects they have on plants, animals and humans to develop medical, veterinary, industrial, environmental and other practical applications

  • Investigating the interrelationships between animals in their natural surroundings, in captivity and in laboratories
Now, how the hell am I supposed to fulfill half of these as a neuroscientist?! My field of study is the human brain, no micro-organisms, no marine animals, and surely not plants! And why are there two different ANZSCO codes when the tasks are the same?

If any life scientist who had their skills assessed succesfully could help me here, that'd be awesome.

Thanks and cheers,

Jan
 
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#2 · (Edited)
Hi all,

this is my first post on this board, I tried to find an answer to my question in older threads, but there doesn't seem to be one.

My wife and I have been living in Melbourne for over two years now, she's on a 457, I'm on a TSS, both of us as Life Scientist (nec).

We now want to apply for a 189 and need to have our skills assessed by VETASSESS. We both are neuroscientists, so I guess Life Scientist (nec), ANZSCO code 234599, would be most fitting, since neuroscientist is one of the specialisations.

I've read in other threads that to get a positive skill assessment, at least 50% of the tasks in the description have to be met. However, the tasks for both Life Scientist (general), ANZSCO code 234511, and Life Scientist (nec) are identical and as follows:


Now, how the hell am I supposed to fulfill half of these as a neuroscientist?! My field of study is the human brain, no micro-organisms, no marine animals, and surely not plants! And why are there two different ANZSCO codes when the tasks are the same?

If any life scientist who had their skills assessed succesfully could help me here, that'd be awesome.

Thanks and cheers,

Jan
Some Life Science occupations are common enough to warrant their own description, others are lumped together as NEC - "not elsewhere classified". It happens in most ANZSCO codes, they're not picking on Life Scientists! You'll fall under 234599 as per the link below (note that there is another ANZSCO page where listed details for 234599 are incomplete and don't include Neueroscientists - this page does).

Clearly only the first 3 tasks here are applicable to your specialisation:
https://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs...02C0CDFB20E514E6CA257B9D0009CEC2?opendocument

Why don't you call Vetassess and ask them what they might need for 234599 LIFE SCIENTISTS NEC - that would be 9655 4801 if you're in Melbourne. :)
 
#3 ·
Hi Kaju,

thanks for your quick reply! To be honest, I haven't considered calling them because I assumed there's no way they would actually give out helpful information without paying a few hundred dollars :D

And while I understand the reasoning behind having the nec category and the specialisations, I can't really understand why they still have the same taks descriptions... but anyway, thanks for the help!

Cheers,
Jan
 
#4 ·
Vetassess will tell you to simply address the categories that you can address - I know that because I just called them!

They apparently do have a consultancy service (half-hour) for $220 during which they can provide further information for those that may not be confident in how to address the criteria.

You can always call them yourself and check, there was no waiting when I called although they did have to put me through to the right ANZSCO person, which they did right away. :)
 
#7 ·
Hi Jan1983,

Don't be too stressed about this! If you work more as a scientist other than a technician, you won't have too much trouble in getting positive assessment in this category.

From my experience, you just address your duty in a few dot points and you are good to go. For example, the projects you are working on, laboratory assays you are performing, manuscript you are writing, etc.

Let me know if you have any questions and keep us updated.

cheers,
 
#8 ·
Thanks Jenny. I was planning to submit the SoS with the following descriptions:

  • Design and conductance of experiments pertaining to the fields of epilepsy and addiction research (neuroscience)

  • Study of neurological processes and electrical activity in brain tissue of rodents

  • Study of protein function in isolated animal cells

  • Investigation of the behaviour of laboratory rodents

  • Analysis, organisation, presentation, and publication of data gained from studies described above

  • Supervision of PhD, Master’s and Honours students, and research assistants

Think that'll work? I see from your signature you went though the very same thing - did you do a document check before you submitted?

Cheers,

Jan
 
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