Internship – Engineering or Materials Science - Scion

Science New Zealand; Rotorua; On-site; NZD 25,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Science New Zealand invites applications for a Summer Student Intern in Rotorua, to work with our Sustainable Materials team on reducing water use in moulded fibre packaging. This 12‑week fixed-term placement offers hands‑on lab experience and exposure to fibre-foam technologies.

You will assist with laboratory experiments, data analysis, and reporting, collaborating with experienced researchers to develop practical, low‑water packaging solutions for the future.

Qualifications

• Analytical and problem-solving skills for data interpretation and reporting.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work in a team environment.
• Interest in hands-on laboratory, workshop or prototype development work.
• Experience with CAD software such as SolidWorks is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Support laboratory-based experimentation and performance testing of fibre-foam and moulded fibre packaging tech.
• Review literature and contribute to planning experimental approaches.
• Collect, analyse and interpret data on product performance and manufacturing processes.
• Prepare reports and presentations summarising project findings and recommendations.
• Learn from experienced researchers in a collaborative scientific environment.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Education

Currently studying towards a tertiary qualification in science/engineering/materials science

Tools

SolidWorks

Job description

Location: Rotorua, New Zealand

Vacancy Number: 61289

Fixed Term: 12 weeks

Hours: 40

Summer Student Intern – Reducing Water Use in Moulded Fibre Packaging

Grow Your Research Skills In a World-class Science Environment

Join our Sustainable Materials team and contribute to innovative research aimed at reducing water consumption in moulded fibre packaging manufacturing. Working alongside experienced researchers, you'll gain hands‑on experience developing and testing fibre‑foam technologies that support more sustainable packaging solutions for the future.

What you will be doing | Ngā whāinga matua

• Support laboratory-based experimentation, prototype manufacture, and performance testing of fibre-foam and moulded fibre packaging technologies.
• Conduct review of literature and contribute to planning and developing experimental approaches.
• Collect, analyse, and interpret data relating to product performance, physical properties, and manufacturing processes.
• Prepare reports and presentations summarising project findings and recommendations.
• Learn from experienced researchers in a collaborative scientific environment.

What you will bring | Ngā tino pūkenga me ngā wheako

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

• Currently studying towards a tertiary qualification in science, engineering, materials science, or a related discipline
• Strong practical skills and an interest in hands‑on laboratory, workshop, or prototype development work.
• Analytical and problem‑solving skills, with an interest in sustainable materials, packaging innovation, and applied research
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment. Experience with CAD software such as SolidWorks would be advantageous.

Why join us?

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.

What you will get | Ngā hua o tēnei tūranga

• 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.

About us | Ko wai mātou

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.

For further details about the Bioeconomy Science Institute can be found on our website, watch this Bioeconomy Science Institute short clip.