Internship – Forestry, Plant Science, Microbiology or Environmental Science - Scion

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

Job summary

The Bioeconomy Science Institute is offering a Summer Student Intern role in Rotorua to screen radiata pine for resistance to terminal crook disease. You will work with forest health researchers to culture fungi, inoculate seedlings, and record observations in a controlled setting.

You will gain hands-on experience in plant pathology, disease screening, and forest genetics while contributing to a project that supports sustainable forestry in New Zealand.

Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree in forestry, plant science, biology, microbiology, or related field.
• Interest in forest health, plant pathology, breeding, or applied biological research.
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Culture Colletotrichum isolates and prepare inoculum suspensions.
• Inoculate radiata pine seedlings under controlled conditions.
• Assess disease severity and plant growth; record observations and data.
• Collaborate with researchers to analyse resistance and breeding data.
• Prepare a report and contribute to project presentations.

Skills

Analytical skills

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Independent work

Education

Undergraduate degree in forestry, plant science, biology, microbiology, or related field

Tools

Laboratory techniques

Job description

Location: Rotorua, New Zealand

Vacancy Number: 61291

Fixed Term: 12 Weeks

Hours: 40

Summer Student Intern – Screening Radiata Pine for Resistance to Terminal Crook Disease

Grow Your Research Skills In a World-class Science Environment

Terminal crook disease, caused by fungi from the genus Colletotrichum, has emerged as a significant threat to New Zealand's forestry sector, causing substantial losses in radiata pine nurseries and putting future seedling production at risk. Current management strategies rely heavily on fungicides, but alternative long-term solutions are needed. This project will investigate natural variation in disease resistance within Pinus radiata breeding material to determine whether resistance can be incorporated into future breeding programmes. Working alongside forest health researchers at our Rotorua campus, you will help screen radiata pine seedlings for resistance and contribute to research that supports the sustainability and resilience of New Zealand's forestry industry.

What you will be doing | Ngā whāinga matua

• Work with technical staff to culture Colletotrichum isolates and prepare conidial suspensions for inoculation.
• Perform inoculation of radiata pine seedlings under controlled experimental conditions.
• Assess disease severity and plant growth, accurately recording experimental observations and data.
• Work with researchers to analyse disease resistance and breeding data.
• Prepare a report summarising project outcomes and contribute to presentations for project stakeholders.

What you will bring | Ngā tino pūkenga me ngā wheako

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

• Currently enrolled in, or recently completed, an undergraduate degree in forestry, plant science, biology, microbiology, genetics, environmental science, biosecurity, or a related field.
• An interest in forest health, plant pathology, breeding, or applied biological research.
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a research team.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Motivation to learn new laboratory, nursery, and research techniques.

Why join us?

This internship offers a unique opportunity to contribute to research addressing a major challenge facing New Zealand's forestry sector. You will gain hands-on experience in plant pathology, disease screening, and forest genetics while working alongside experienced scientists and technical specialists. Your work will contribute to developing sustainable solutions that support healthy forests and future plantation productivity.

What you will get | Ngā hua o tēnei tūranga

• 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.

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.