New Zealand’s Scientists Face Job Crisis as Funding Cuts Bite

The job market for science graduates in New Zealand is increasingly dire, prompting many to seek opportunities overseas. Recent cuts in funding and significant restructuring within the sector have left many newly graduated scientists, like Ian, struggling to find work that matches their qualifications. After dedicating thirteen years to his education, which included earning both an undergraduate and master’s degree along with a PhD thesis focused on Antarctic sea ice, Ian has sent out around 100 job applications over the past year with little success.

“I’ve switched from applying for high-level science jobs to looking for positions as a data analyst and even labourer roles,” Ian said. This reflects a broader trend where early-career scientists are finding it nearly impossible to secure positions in their field, a situation exacerbated by recent economic challenges and restructuring within the scientific community.

Funding Cuts and Mergers Impact Job Market

In July, New Zealand’s seven Crown Research Institutes were merged into four new Public Research Organisations, accompanied by a budget cut of $212 million from the science sector. Those funds are being redirected towards initiatives focused on commercially viable science and innovation, leaving many in the scientific community concerned about their future.

According to Troy Baisden, representative from the New Zealand Association of Scientists, the job market has always been competitive for science graduates, but the current climate is unprecedented. “It’s particularly depressing right now, where even senior professionals with impressive CVs are either not considering opportunities in New Zealand or finding very few positions available,” Baisden noted.

This situation has led to a significant “brain drain,” with many graduates from Ian’s class relocating overseas for better opportunities. Out of a cohort of 15 science graduates, only three remain in New Zealand. Ian lamented the prospect of abandoning his career ambitions, stating, “After investing so much time and money into my education, it’s a bitter pill to swallow to consider taking a job as a labourer.”

Looking Ahead: Changes and Challenges in the Sector

The Bio-economy Science Institute, one of the newly formed Public Research Organisations, has also felt the impact of these changes. Keri-Anne Tane, Chief People Officer at the institute, explained that funding reductions and ongoing organisational reforms have necessitated a pause on hiring new graduates. “New entrants face two significant challenges: reduced funding and organisations in the midst of change,” Tane said. She noted that job postings have attracted overwhelming competition, with some roles drawing up to 100 applicants.

In response to these challenges, the New Zealand government has launched initiatives aimed at better aligning PhD training with industry needs. According to Isaac Hollis, science policy manager at the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, the government has introduced an applied doctorate scheme and offers 20 Tāwhia te Mana Fellowships each year. Hollis indicated that these reforms represent the most significant changes to the science system in over three decades and are intended to create more opportunities in the long term.

Despite these efforts, the immediate outlook for many early-career scientists remains uncertain. The latest figures from Stats NZ indicate that while the science sector has seen growth, increasing from over 28,000 roles in 2022 to more than 30,000 in 2024, most of this growth is occurring within the private sector.

As Ian reflects on his situation, he recognizes the potential for change but stresses the importance of valuing scientific expertise in the local job market. “If my degree isn’t valued by employers, then it is what it is,” he said, highlighting the frustration shared by many in his position. The ongoing challenges in New Zealand’s science sector prompt critical questions about the future of scientific research and innovation in the country.