Bio-Based Foam R&D Intern in Sustainable Materials

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

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