Tom Tnrski

BSc in Marine Biology ( JCU) and a PhD in Fish Ecology (UTS)

Research Manager, Auckland Museum New Zealand

What I do:
I have a senior management role at the Auckland Museum. I am the line manager of all the curators in the museum and I develop the research strategy for the museum. My substantive position is Curator Marine Biology and I aim to return to this role in 2011. I am responsible for the development and interpretation of the museum’s marine collection (including collecting), undertake independent and collaborative marine research, raise the profile of the collection and research, develop exhibitions and public programs, and respond to marine enquiries.

Best aspect of the job:
the diversity of activities, and collaborating with marine colleagues. It is a challenge juggling the competing demands of the many aspects of the job, but job satisfaction is very high. For example one of the programs I am leading next year is a marine survey of the remote Kermadec Islands (between NZ and Tonga). This requires fundraising, coordinating a diverse team of scientists from NZ and Australia, permit applications, vessel charter agreements, setting priorities for the expedition, and planning the science communication strategy. Many of these skills were developed through my previous work experience and while undertaking my fieldwork-intensive PhD study through UTS.

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