61302 Summer Internship - Science, Engineering, Chemistry - Scion

Sciene New Zealand; Rotorua; Hybrid; NZD 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Mentoring by scientists

Hands-on lab experience

Professional development

Job summary

The Summer Student Intern – From Biomass to Functional Foam: Developing highly consistent growing media is part of the Bioeconomy Science Institute in New Zealand. You will support our Materials Science team in transforming agricultural fibre residues into bio-based foams for sustainable growing media, learning from experienced researchers.

Gain hands-on experience in fibre-foam technology, foam prototype testing, and data analysis, while developing scientific communication skills within a

Qualifications

• Currently studying towards a tertiary qualification in material science, engineering, science, chemistry, or a related discipline.
• Interest in sustainable materials, biomass utilisation, or applied research.
• Enjoy hands-on laboratory work and practical experimentation.
• Demonstrate analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
• Good written and verbal communication skills; able to work in a team.
• Able to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team.
• Show initiative, curiosity, and willingness to learn new techniques.
• Commitment to safe laboratory practices and workplace health and safety.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and process selected biomass feedstocks, including pulping and foam manufacture.
• Support laboratory-based experimentation to optimise fibre foam production processes and material performance.
• Characterise and evaluate foam prototypes, including testing physical and mechanical properties.
• Assist with plant growth trials to assess the performance of developed materials as growing media.
• Collect, analyse, and interpret experimental data and contribute to research findings.
• Prepare a report and presentation summarising project outcomes, conclusions, and recommendations.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem-solving

Lab work

Communication skills

Teamwork

Willingness to learn

Education

Tertiary qualification in material science/engineering/science/chemistry

Job description

Vacancy Number: 61302

Fixed Term:12 weeks

Hours: 40

Summer Student Intern – From Biomass to Functional Foam: Developing highly consistent growing media

Grow your research skills in a world-class science environment

Join our Materials Science team and contribute to innovative research aimed at transforming low-value agricultural fibre residues into functional, bio-based foams for use as sustainable growing media. Working alongside experienced researchers, you'll gain hands-on experience developing novel bio-based materials that support more sustainable growing systems while helping create higher-value opportunities for underutilised biomass resources. In a collaborative, multidisciplinary research environment, you'll learn from experienced scientists while developing your research, analytical, and scientific communication skills.

What you will be doing | Ngā whāinga matua

• Prepare and process selected biomass feedstocks, including pulping and foam manufacture.
• Support laboratory-based experimentation to optimise fibre foam production processes and material performance.
• Characterise and evaluate foam prototypes, including testing physical and mechanical properties.
• Assist with plant growth trials to assess the performance of developed materials as growing media.
• Collect, analyse, and interpret experimental data and contribute to research findings.
• Prepare a report and presentation summarising project outcomes, conclusions, and recommendations.

To be successful in this role, the minimum qualifications required are:

• Be currently studying towards a tertiary qualification in material science, engineering, science, chemistry, or a related discipline.
• Have an interest in sustainable materials a, biomass utilisation, or applied research.
• Enjoy hands-on laboratory work and practical experimentation.
• Demonstrate analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
• Be comfortable undertaking both laboratory-based and occasionally physical aspects of research work, including sample preparation and material processing.
• Have good written and verbal communication skills and the ability to work effectively within a team environment.
• Be able to work both independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Show initiative, curiosity, and a willingness to learn new techniques.
• Be committed to maintaining safe laboratory practices and following workplace health and safety requirements.

This internship offers the opportunity to contribute to meaningful research that supports sustainable packaging innovation while gaining practical experience in applied science and engineering. Working in a professional research environment, you'll develop valuable technical, analytical, and problem-solving skills that will support your future career aspirations

• Exposure to a professional research environment.
• Practical experience with fibre-foam technology, moulded fibre product development, and laboratory-based testing techniques.
• Mentoring and support from experienced scientists.
• Opportunities to strengthen your scientific communication and data analysis skills.
• Valuable experience to support future study and career opportunities in science.

We've built something new. AgResearch, Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research, Plant & Food Research and Scion have come together to form the Bioeconomy Science Institute. We are more than 2200 people working to support the growth and resilience of the bioeconomy in New Zealand and beyond.

Together, our world-class science can do more to advance innovation in agriculture, horticulture, forestry, aquaculture, biotechnology and manufacturing; protect and enhance ecosystems from biosecurity threats and climate risks; and develop new bio-based technologies and products.