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SAGCOct 27, 2026, 2:36:55 PM5 min read

Indigenous Genomics Internship - Back for the 3rd year!

Indigenous Genomics Internship

Applications Open:  Indigenous Genomics Internship (Paid placement) – commencing December 2026

The South Australian Genomics Centre (SAGC), in partnership with the Australian Alliance for Indigenous Genomics (ALIGN) and SAHMRI's Wardliparingga, is inviting expressions of interest for its next paid Indigenous Genomics Internship, commencing in December 2026.

Application and more information: 🔗Expressions of Interest Paid Internship in Indigenous… 

Now entering its third year, the program provides Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, researchers and professionals with hands-on experience in genomics and bioinformatics, fostering greater Indigenous participation and leadership in genomic research. Through its support for this internship program, the SAGC reaffirms its commitment to working closely with our partners to boost Indigenous genomics capability and capacity in the country. 

Building on the success of previous internships, the program offers participants the opportunity to develop practical scientific skills, work alongside experienced researchers and contribute to projects that connect genomics with Indigenous priorities, communities and Country.image (1) (1)

About the Indigenous Genomics Internship

The internship forms part of the South Australian node of the Australian Alliance for Indigenous Genomics (ALIGN), a national MRFF-funded initiative working to strengthen Indigenous leadership in genomics, research and healthcare, and address health inequities experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

The South Australian node is led by researchers from Wardliparingga and SAGC, both based at SAHMRI.

Through the internship, participants gain experience across the genomics workflow, from sample preparation and DNA extraction through to sequencing, bioinformatics and data interpretation. Working closely with SAGC scientists and collaborators, interns undertake a research project while developing technical skills, professional networks and an understanding of Indigenous-led research.

Previous Intern Experiences

2025–2026: Exploring Soil Microbiomes on Kaurna Country

 The second year of the program welcomed Angie Couzner and Corrin Paepke, two Aboriginal scientists bringing diverse scientific backgrounds and a shared interest in expanding their genomics expertise.

Angie, a proud Aboriginal woman with connections to Kokatha mobs, brought experience in laboratory medicine and microbiology. Corrin, a proud Kaurna woman with a background in forensic biology, is undertaking a PhD in genomics at Adelaide University and the Australian Centre for Ancient DNA.

Their internship centred on an environmental metagenomics project at Warriparinga, a culturally significant site for Kaurna people along Warri Pari (the Sturt River) in southern Adelaide.

Working in collaboration with Southern Cultural Immersion, Aboriginal Urban Design, Dr Craig Liddicoat from Flinders University and Mark Calyx from Aboriginal Urban Design, the interns investigated microbial communities in soil and how this knowledge could contribute to environmental regeneration efforts.

The project was co-designed with local collaborators to explore whether differences in soil microbes across the site could provide insights to support the care and restoration of Country.

Angie and Corrin collected soil samples, extracted DNA, conducted genomic sequencing and worked with SAGC's bioinformatics team to analyse the microbial communities present across different sampling locations.

The experience combined practical laboratory training with real-world research and meaningful engagement with Kaurna custodians. 
2024–2025: Sequencing the South Australian White-Backed Magpie

The inaugural Indigenous Genomics Internship introduced participants to genomic sequencing through a project focused on the South Australian white-backed magpie.

Over 12 weeks, interns worked alongside SAGC scientists and collaborators to sequence and analyse the magpie genome, gaining practical experience across laboratory and computational workflows.

Using DNA extracted from museum specimens, the interns prepared sequencing libraries and generated data using SAGC's DNBSEQ-G400 sequencing platform. They then assembled the genome using a black-backed magpie reference scaffold and undertook comparative genomic analyses.

The project provided an opportunity to develop technical skills while exploring the potential applications of genomics in biodiversity research and conservation.

Importantly, the program also emphasised culturally safe research environments, mentorship and the integration of Indigenous perspectives into scientific research.

 

Past Internship Reflections

"The experience was extremely beneficial to me as I got to expand on my professional and academic skills, in a real workplace setting, whilst being involved in a meaningful project for Kaurna custodians and Country. The experience was fully immersive and allowed us to make new connections and grow valuable and refined skills in genomics, bioinformatics and wet lab."

— Corrin Paepke, Indigenous Genomics Intern

"This experience really helped me in developing my professional and scientific skills, through the wet lab, bioinformatics, and the connections made to other academics and Kaurna custodians. It was amazing being involved in something that benefits Country and has the custodians involved in every step."

— Angie Couzner, Indigenous Genomics Intern

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"As interns at the SAGC, this experience has been inspiring and deeply rewarding. The hands-on training and mentorship from both Indigenous and non-Indigenous experts have fuelled our passion for genetic research and its potential to create meaningful change in healthcare, especially within Indigenous communities and potential conservation initiatives. We have gained invaluable skills and insights that would typically be beyond our reach at this stage of our studies. Most importantly, being part of a project that prioritises cultural safety has reinforced how research can not only acknowledge but actively celebrate and integrate Indigenous perspectives."

— Savannah Stawiarski, Indigenous Genomics Intern

Savannah lab

 

Building Connections and Career Pathways

Beyond the technical training, the Indigenous Genomics Internship aims to build confidence, professional networks and pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people interested in genomics and related scientific careers.

Feedback from previous participants has helped shape the program, ensuring it continues to offer meaningful research experiences, supportive mentorship and opportunities to develop skills that can be applied in future study, research and employment.

SAGC and its partners are also looking to strengthen ongoing connections with past participants through an Indigenous Genomics alumni network, creating opportunities to share knowledge, maintain professional relationships and support the longer-term impact of the program.

Expressions of Interest Now Open – December 2026

SAGC, ALIGN and Wardliparingga are inviting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, researchers and professionals to apply for the next paid Indigenous Genomics Internship.

What the internship offers:

    • Paid placement of approximately 10–12 weeks
    • Funding of up to $10,000 per internship.
    • Hands-on laboratory training in genomics and sequencing technologies.
    • Experience in bioinformatics and genomic data analysis.
    • The opportunity to undertake a small research project.
    • Mentorship and connections with scientists, researchers and Indigenous research collaborators.
    • Greater understanding of Aboriginal health research and Indigenous genomics.

Who can apply?

Applicants should:

    • Identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander.
    • Be an undergraduate or postgraduate student, researcher or professional seeking practical experience in genomics.
    • Have a background in biology, genetics, biotechnology, health and medical sciences or a related discipline.
    • Have some prior knowledge of or exposure to a laboratory environment.
    • Be available to undertake the placement.

Interested in applying?

Expressions of interest are now being sought for the internship commencing in December 2026.

Application and more information: 🔗Expressions of Interest Paid Internship in Indigenous… 

Join us in building skills, connections and opportunities for the next generation of Indigenous genomics researchers.

 
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