Plantain Research Internship: Summer Science & Impact

AgResearch; Palmerston North, Hamilton; On-site; NZD 11,000 - 13,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Mentoring by researchers

Hands‑on laboratory experience

Professional development

Job summary

AgResearch in New Zealand invites applications for a Summer Student Intern in Plantain Research for 12 weeks, 40 hours per week. The role welcomes students from social science or biological science disciplines and offers two potential projects, with placement based on skills, experience, and interests, and preferred project indicated on application.

You will gain hands‑on research experience in a world‑class science environment, contributing to literature reviews, interviews, lab work, plant

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in an undergraduate or postgraduate programme in a relevant discipline.
• Curious, motivated, and interested in applying your studies to real‑world research challenges.
• Able to work independently while also contributing effectively as part of a research team.
• A strong communicator with good organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Interested in learning new research methods, whether in community engagement, social research, fieldwork, or laboratory science.

Responsibilities

• Conduct literature reviews and gather information from a range of scientific, cultural, and community sources.
• Support interviews, engagement activities, and the collection of narratives relating to the importance of plantain in te ao Māori.
• Assist with microbiology laboratory work, including in vitro bioassays and sample processing.
• Contribute to plant experiments, including maintaining pot trials and collecting plant and soil samples.
• Analyse, interpret, and communicate research findings through a report, presentation, story, or scientific summary.

Skills

Independent worker

Communication

Attention to detail

Team collaboration

Education

Undergraduate or postgraduate studies in relevant fields

Tools

Laboratory techniques

Plant science methods

Job description

AgResearch in New Zealand invites applications for a Summer Student Intern in Plantain Research for 12 weeks, 40 hours per week. The role welcomes students from social science or biological science disciplines and offers two potential projects, with placement based on skills, experience, and interests, and preferred project indicated on application.

You will gain hands‑on research experience in a world‑class science environment, contributing to literature reviews, interviews, lab work, plant