Research and Scientific Writing Mentor

We’re looking for a Research and Scientific Writing Mentor who can live and volunteer for 12 months in Lae, Morobe Province, Papua New Guinea.

• This assignment seeks to provide mentorship and hands-on training to NARI scientists in scientific writing, ensuring their research findings are effectively communicated and meet international publication standards.
• As a volunteer, you will support researchers in navigating the submission process for peer-reviewed journals, including selecting appropriate journals, following submission guidelines, and responding to reviewer feedback. 
• To be considered for this role, you’ll need a degree in Agriculture, Biological Sciences, or a related field. Postgraduate qualifications or certifications in research methods, scientific writing, or related fields will be an advantage. 

About the Partner Organisation 

The National Agricultural Research Institute (NARI) is a key research organization in Papua New Guinea, established in 1996. Its primary focus is to enhance agricultural productivity, sustainability, and resilience. NARI conducts research on crop and livestock production, natural resource management, and climate change adaptation. It develops and disseminates agricultural technologies to improve food security and livelihoods, particularly for rural communities.

Currently, there is a need for NARI researchers to improve their skills in scientific writing, data analysis, and presenting research in a way that meets international publication standards. By enhancing the research and writing capacities of its scientists, NARI can increase the visibility of its work, foster greater collaboration with international research bodies, and contribute more effectively to the global scientific community. To support this goal, a Research and Scientific Writing Mentor is required to provide specialized guidance and hands-on experience in scientific writing, research design, and data presentation.

NARI’s leadership recognizes that while its scientists have the technical skills required for agricultural research, many face challenges in communicating their findings through scientific publications. There is a clear need for a mentor to offer targeted training and support to the local Scientists.

About the Australian Volunteers Program  

The Australian Volunteers Program is an Australian government-funded initiative. We support partner organisations across the Pacific, Asia, and Africa to achieve locally led change.  

Volunteers are supported throughout their volunteer journey. We actively support and encourage people of all backgrounds and abilities to volunteer and aim to make the program as accessible and inclusive as possible. If you have accessibility requirements, please contact us to discuss how we can support you to volunteer with us - inclusion@australianvolunteers.com. Learn more about our commitment to inclusion.