Internship – Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science - Scion

Sciene New Zealand; Rotorua; On-site; NZD 112,000 - 134,000; Full time

Job summary

Scion invites you to join the Bioeconomy Science Institute's Process Optimisation team as a Summer Student Intern in Biomass Processing and Biomanufacturing. You will work with experienced scientists to explore how processing conditions influence material properties and sustainable biobased products.

Design and conduct lab experiments, collect and analyse data, and contribute to reports and presentations. Ideal for students in engineering, chemical engineering or materials science seeking

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a tertiary qualification in engineering, chemical engineering, materials science or related discipline.
• Interest in applied scientific research and hands-on lab experience.
• Strong analytical and data interpretation skills.
• Excellent communication, proactive attitude and safety commitment.

Responsibilities

• Design and conduct laboratory biomass processing experiments (feedstock prep, twin-screw extrusion trials, sampling, testing).
• Collect, analyse and interpret data related to biomass properties and process performance.
• Summarise results and contribute to project reporting and presentations.
• Contribute to literature reviews, experimental planning and development of research findings.
• Learn from experienced technicians, scientists and engineers in a collaborative environment.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem solving

Communication skills

Safety awareness

Education

Engineering, chemical engineering, materials science (current student)

Job description

61293 Summer Student Intern – Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science - Scion

Vacancy Number: 61292

Fixed Term:12 Weeks

Hours: 40

Summer Student Intern – Biomass Processing and Biomanufacturing

Grow your research skills in a world-class science environment

Join the Bioeconomy Science Institute's Process Optimisation team and gain hands‑on experience supporting research into biomass processing and biomanufacturing. This internship offers the opportunity to work alongside experienced scientists, contributing to innovative research that explores how biomass processing conditions influence material properties and support the development of sustainable biobased products.

What you will be doing | Ngā whāinga matua

• Design and conduct laboratory‑based biomass processing experiments, including feedstock preparation, twin‑screw extrusion trials, sample collection, and testing activities
• Collect, analyse, and interpret experimental data relating to biomass properties and process performance
• Interpret and summarise results and contribute to project reporting and presentations.
• Contribute to literature reviews, experimental planning, and the development of research findings.
• Learn from experienced technician, scientist and engineers in a collaborative scientific environment.

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

• Currently studying towards a tertiary qualification in engineering, chemical engineering, materials science, or a related discipline.
• An interest in applied scientific research and a desire to gain hands‑on laboratory and research experience.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to collect and interpret scientific data.
• Excellent communication skills, a proactive attitude, and a commitment to working safely in a research environment.

This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to research that supports innovation in New Zealand's bioeconomy while gaining valuable practical experience in biomass processing and biomanufacturing. Working within the Materials, Engineering & Manufacturing function, you'll be exposed to innovative technologies, scientific methodologies, and real‑world research challenges that will help build your future career in science and engineering

• Exposure to a professional research environment.
• 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.