Internship – Computer Science, Software Engineering or Data Science - Scion

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

Benefits offered by this job

Mentoring and support from experienced

Professional research environment

Exposure to AI project work

Career development opportunities

Job summary

Scion in Rotorua invites applications for a 12-week Summer Student Intern role in Computer Science, Software Engineering or Data Science. The project explores an AI-powered knowledge search tool to access BPA information securely and efficiently.

You will define user needs, evaluate AI options, and draft MVP specifications while collaborating with experienced researchers. A strong analytic mindset and teamwork are essential for success.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in, or recently completed, an undergraduate degree in CS, SW Eng, IS, Data Science, AI, or a related field.
• Interest in AI, data management, information systems, or digital innovation.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Collate and organise BPA information and knowledge resources.
• Define priority user needs and use cases for an AI knowledge search tool.
• Assess available AI tools, platforms, and approaches.
• Develop specifications for a minimum viable product (MVP).
• Summarise schema and metadata structure for the project.
• Assist with developing and testing an initial prototype if time allows.
• Learn from researchers and professionals in a collaborative environment.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Team collaboration

Written and verbal communication

Interest in AI

Education

Undergraduate degree in computer science, software engineering, information systems, data science, or related

Job description

61290 Summer Student Intern - Computer Science, Software Engineering or Data Science - Scion

Vacancy Number: 61290

Fixed Term:12 Weeks

Hours: 40

Summer Student Intern - BPA AI tool

Grow your research skills in a world-class science environment

Research organisations generate enormous amounts of valuable information through proposals, project reports, publications and other outputs. However, finding relevant information quickly and efficiently can be challenging. This project will explore the development of an AI-powered knowledge search tool that enables secure, natural-language access to BPA's historic information and research records. The internship will focus on understanding user needs, assessing available AI technologies, and defining a minimum viable product that could support future decision-making, reduce duplication, and help connect knowledge across projects.

What you will be doing | Ngā whāinga matua

• Collate and organise relevant BPA information and knowledge resources.
• Define priority user needs and identify practical use cases for an AI knowledge search tool.
• Assess available AI tools, platforms, and technical approaches.
• Work with supervisors and colleagues to develop specifications for a minimum viable product (MVP).
• Identify how such a product could be brought into existing, self-hosted, open-source tools, and summarise the schema and proposed metadata structure.
• Assist with developing and testing an initial prototype if project timeframes allow.
• Learn from experienced researchers and business professionals in a collaborative environment.

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

• Currently enrolled in, or recently completed, an undergraduate degree in computer science, software engineering, information systems, data science, business analytics, artificial intelligence, or a related discipline.
• An interest in artificial intelligence, data management, information systems, or digital innovation.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Motivation to learn new laboratory, nursery, and research techniques.

This internship offers an exciting opportunity to work on a practical AI project with real organisational impact. You will gain experience exploring emerging technologies, engaging with business stakeholders, and helping shape innovative approaches to knowledge management. The project provides exposure to the growing field of AI-enabled business solutions while developing skills that are increasingly sought after across research, technology, and commercial organisations.

• Exposure to a professional research environment.
• Practical experience with plant and soil science research, laboratory techniques, and experimental systems.
• 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.