Jenkins commenced a combined Law/Science degree at Macquarie University, then decided to pursue a career in the natural sciences and medicine. He graduated BSc (Hons) and completed a PhD degree, being awarded the University Prize for his postgraduate work in virology, which was followed by studies of viral coat proteins, protein structure prediction, artificial intelligence in medicine, virtual surgery and 3D imagery construction.[1]
Prior to being elected to Parliament, Dr Jenkins worked in private industry and as a medical-education consultant. He was a lecturer in the Medical and IT schools at Bond University in Queensland and was retained for a time as an adjunct professor.[2]