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For many people, a career in science might look like white coats and lab benches. But there’s so much more to the science ecosystem than what happens in the lab.

This was a big conversation point for us at the University of Otago 2026 Summer Jobs & Beyond Career Expo, where Lab Supply’s Customer Service Manager, Katie Preston, and Senior Warehouse & Inventory Specialist, Nic Elkins, spent the day talking with students about careers in science and what comes next after university.

At Lab Supply, science sits at the heart of what we do, but our team covers a wide range of roles and skills. From customer service and sales to purchasing, logistics, warehouse operations, marketing, technical support and equipment servicing, there are plenty of ways to build a career connected to science without necessarily working at the bench.

Katie and Nic shared insights into what goes on behind the scenes at Lab Supply and the different career paths that help keep New Zealand’s scientific community moving. For students starting to think about their next steps, these conversations can be a useful way to discover opportunities they may not have considered before.

We relish any opportunity to meet with students, hear about their interests, and learn what they’re thinking about for life after university. As a New Zealand-owned and operated laboratory supplier, we’re behind New Zealand science - part of a wider science ecosystem that includes universities, research organisations, healthcare, food production, manufacturing and more. Connecting with the next generation of scientists and professionals is an important part of that ecosystem.

If you’re looking for a career connected to science in New Zealand, we’d love to hear from you.