Veterinary Resident | Wildlife & Conservation Medicine

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary

Residency in Wildlife and Conservation Medicine

Information and Application Details for 2026

General information

  • Murdoch University School of Veterinary Medicine, together with Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary and Currumbin Wildlife Hospital, invites applications from qualified veterinarians for a three-year, full-time Residency and Professional Doctorate (DVetMedSc) in Wildlife and Conservation Medicine.
  • Based at one of Australia’s most iconic wildlife destinations, this unique residency offers unparalleled exposure to zoo and wildlife clinical medicine within a world-class conservation setting. Established in 1947, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is home to over 1,000 native and exotic animals and plays a vital role in wildlife research, education, and habitat protection. Its on-site Currumbin Wildlife Hospital treated over 16,000 wildlife patients in 2024, making it one of the busiest wildlife hospitals in the world.
  • The successful applicant will gain hands-on experience in all aspects of wildlife medicine, rehabilitation, and preventative health, while contributing to meaningful fieldwork and conservation programs led by Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary and Hospital's veterinary and research teams. Fulfilment of the Professional Doctorate includes postgraduate coursework and a research dissertation supported by the Murdoch University supervisory team.
  • Applicants must hold a veterinary degree registrable in Australia, have a minimum of two years’ experience in domestic animal practice, and be an Australian resident or New Zealand citizen. Candidates should demonstrate a strong academic background, research capacity, an evidence-based approach to clinical casework, and excellent communication and teamwork skills. A passion for wildlife, conservation, research, and advancing the standards of veterinary care is essential.
  • The successful candidate will receive a tax-free scholarship of $43,500 p.a. over the three-year period.
  • The degree will require completion of coursework and a dissertation of 60,000 words (3 research papers). Coursework will include units in epidemiology and statistics. The dissertation topic will be determined by the Resident in consultation with Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary and Murdoch University supervisors.
  • Further information about Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary and the Currumbin Wildlife Hospital can be found at: https://currumbinsanctuary.com.au
  • Further information on the Murdoch University residency program can be found at: https://www.murdoch.edu.au/schools/veterinary-medicine/study/conservation-medicine-program/currumbin-residency

Residency conditions and scholarship details

The Resident will have their time approximately divided as follows:

  • 3 days per week: clinical training on site at Currumbin Wildlife Hospital (may include weekends);
  • 2 days per week: research/project time working on dissertation and other coursework.

There is some flexibility regarding time spent in clinical training and time spent on research; in consultation with supervisors, the divisions can be altered to accommodate field work, laboratory work, special clinical procedures, writing time etc.

Residents will be paid a tax-free scholarship stipend on a fortnightly basis via the University payroll system ($43,500 per annum).

  • A further $20,000 is available for research and project costs following confirmation of candidature, and candidates may apply for domestic and international travel grants through the Murdoch Research Office to attend conferences.

Residents will be entitled to 4 weeks annual leave per year. Leave must be applied for and approved by the Currumbin Wildlife Hospital team.

The Currumbin Wildlife Hospital uniform must always be worn whilst on duty. Uniforms, including are provided by Currumbin Wildlife Hospital.

Selection criteria and application

There is no assumption of prior experience in the management of clinical cases involving sanctuary animals or wildlife, although experience is considered highly beneficial. The Resident will be closely mentored by other veterinarians while working towards specific competencies.

  • The Resident Veterinarian must undergo a medical examination, including screening for TB (negative results on Quantiferon Gold); Q-fever screening and vaccination, rabies vaccination (positive post-vaccination titre acceptable), proof of hepatitis B vaccination and titre; JEV vaccination (JEV can be done once on site and prior to working at TWPZ Dubbo site).
  • Must also have Working With Children Check and driver’s license

To apply, please supply a CV and a cover letter addressing the selection criteria listed below.

Applicants should:

  • Be an Australian resident or citizen, or a New Zealand citizen;
  • Have a veterinary degree registrable in Queensland, Australia;
  • Have a minimum of two years' experience in veterinary practice, wildlife experience preferred;
  • Have a strong academic background;
  • Have good time management, written and verbal communication skills;
  • Have previous experience with research or veterinary professional investigation (including those undertaken as part of a DVM degree);
  • Have the ability to work well in a team and be able to demonstrate a strong commitment to the field of conservation and wildlife medicine;
  • Obtain a Working With Children Check in NSW at own expense (if successful applicant);
  • Have the ability to get a Queensland driving license.

Please apply directly online. If you have any specific queries, please email ZooWildlifeResidents@murdoch.edu.au