Internship – Organic and Analytical Chemistry - Scion

Sciene New Zealand; Rotorua; On-site; NZD 28,000 - 33,000; Part time

Job summary

Scion in New Zealand is offering a fixed-term Summer Student Intern position in Organic and Analytical Chemistry for 12 weeks. This role provides hands-on laboratory experience in extraction and characterization of natural products from biological materials, supporting sustainable bio-based products.

You will perform extractions, analytical testing (spectroscopy, bioactivity assays), data analysis, record-keeping, and contribute to project reports.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in an undergraduate or postgraduate programme in Chemistry, Food Technology, Biotechnology, Biological Sciences, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• A strong interest in natural products, sustainable bioprocessing, or analytical chemistry.
• Ability to work independently, maintain accurate records, and demonstrate attention to detail.
• Good data analysis and scientific communication skills.
• A commitment to laboratory health, safety, and wellbeing practices.

Responsibilities

• Conduct laboratory extractions and sample preparation using established laboratory protocols.
• Perform analytical testing, including spectroscopy, bioactivity assays, and other chemical analysis techniques.
• Analyse and interpret experimental data and contribute to project reporting and presentations.
• Maintain accurate laboratory records and assist with data management.
• Learn from experienced researchers in a collaborative scientific environment.

Skills

Attention to detail

Data analysis

Scientific communication

Independent work

Education

Undergraduate or postgraduate in Chemistry or related field

Tools

Spectroscopy

Laboratory techniques

Job description

61265 Summer Student Intern – Organic and Analytical Chemistry - Scion

Summer Student Intern – Organic and Analytical Chemistry

Vacancy Number: 61265

Fixed Term: 12 Weeks

Hours: 40

Grow your research skills in a world-class science environment

Join our research team for an exciting summer internship exploring the extraction and characterisation of naturally occurring compounds from biological materials. This project will provide practical experience in organic and analytical chemistry while contributing to research focused on sustainable bio-based products.

What you will be doing | Ngā whāinga matua

• Conduct laboratory extractions and sample preparation using established laboratory protocols.
• Perform analytical testing, including spectroscopy, bioactivity assays, and other chemical analysis techniques.
• Analyse and interpret experimental data and contribute to project reporting and presentations.
• Maintain accurate laboratory records and assist with data management.
• Learn from experienced researchers in a collaborative scientific environment.

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

• Currently enrolled in an undergraduate or postgraduate programme in Chemistry, Food Technology, Biotechnology, Biological Sciences, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• A strong interest in natural products, sustainable bioprocessing, or analytical chemistry.
• Ability to work independently, maintain accurate records, and demonstrate attention to detail.
• Good data analysis and scientific communication skills.
• A commitment to laboratory health, safety, and wellbeing practices.

This internship offers a unique opportunity to apply your academic knowledge in a real-world research environment. You will work alongside experienced scientists, gain practical laboratory experience, and contribute to research that supports the development of sustainable bio-based products and technologies.

• Exposure to a professional research environment.
• Hands-on experience in organic and analytical chemistry techniques, including extraction processes, spectroscopy, and bioactivity testing.
• 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.
• Experience contributing to research focused on sustainable bio-based products and innovation.

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.

If you're enthusiastic about science and keen to apply your studies in a research setting, we'd love to hear from you. Bring your curiosity, motivation, and willingness to learn, and join us for an exciting summer research experience.