Summer Intern - Plantain Research

AgResearch; Whanganui; On-site; NZD 36,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

AgResearch is offering a Summer Student Intern – Plantain Research opportunity in Palmerston North or Hamilton, New Zealand. The role involves contributing to two potential projects: social science focusing on plantain in te ao Māori or a lab-based study of plant‑microbiome interactions.

You may work on interviews, lab work, and plant experiments, with mentoring from experienced researchers. The placement targets students in social or biological sciences who are curious, motivated, and capable

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in an undergraduate or postgraduate programme in a relevant discipline.
• Interest in social science or biological science projects.
• Able to work independently and in a team.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• Willingness to learn new research methods.

Responsibilities

• Conduct literature reviews from scientific, cultural, and community sources.
• Support interviews, engagement activities, and narrative collection on 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 samples.
• Analyze, interpret, and communicate findings in a report, presentation, or summary.

Education

Undergraduate or postgraduate studies in Social Science or Biological Science

Tools

Laboratory equipment

Job description

Location: Palmerston North or Hamilton, New Zealand

Fixed Term – 12 weeks

Hours: 40

Summer Student Intern – Plantain Research

Please note: We are seeking expressions of interest from students interested in contributing to one of two potential plantain research projects. We anticipate appointing one Summer Student Intern, with the final project allocation determined based on the successful applicant's skills, experience, interests, and project requirements. Applications are welcomed from students with backgrounds in either social science or biological science disciplines. When applying, please indicate your preferred project (Option 1 or Option 2) and why it aligns with your interests and career aspirations.

Skills

Grow your research skills in a world-class science environment

Are you curious about the role plants play in shaping sustainable food systems, environmental resilience, and human wellbeing? Join our team this summer and contribute to innovative research exploring the value and potential of plantain ( Plantago lanceolata ). This internship offers a unique opportunity to work on one of two exciting research projects. Depending on your skills, experience, and interests, you may contribute to either a social science project exploring the significance of plantain in te ao Māori or a laboratory-based science project investigating plant-microbiome interactions and the recruitment of microbial communities in plantain.

What you will be doing | Ngā whāinga matua

• 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.

Exploring the importance of plantain inte ao Māori

Plantain is recognised as a rongoā species and holds cultural significance within te ao Māori. This project seeks to better understand the traditional and contemporary value of plantain, including its historical uses, its place within Māori knowledge systems, and its potential contribution to addressing future challenges such as climate change and sustainable agriculture. Students interested in social science research, interviewing, stakeholder engagement, storytelling, and science communication are encouraged to apply.

Investigating the recruitment of microbiomes in plantain

Plantain ( Plantago lanceolata ) is a valuable forage species and an excellent model for studying how plants recruit and interact with beneficial microorganisms. This project will explore plant-microbiome interactions and investigate how microbes may influence plant-derived bioactive compounds. The work will involve laboratory-based microbiology, sample processing, and plant experiments. Students interested in microbiology, plant science, chemistry, and laboratory research are encouraged to apply.

What you will bring | Ngā tino pūkenga me ngā wheako

• Currently enrolled in an undergraduate or postgraduate programme in a relevant discipline, such as Social Science, Māori Studies, Environmental Studies, Biology, Microbiology, Plant Science, Agricultural Science, Chemistry, or a related field.
• 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.

Why join us?

This internship offers the opportunity to contribute to research that combines scientific discovery, cultural understanding, and agricultural innovation. You will gain hands-on research experience, work alongside experienced scientists and researchers, and develop skills that will support your future studies and career aspirations. A copy of the Position Description is available for you to view here.

What you will get | Ngā hua o tēnei tūranga

• Exposure to a professional research environment.
• Hands-on experience contributing to a real research project.
• Mentoring and support from experienced researchers.
• Opportunities to strengthen your communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience presenting research findings through written and/or oral communication.
• Valuable experience that will support future study and career opportunities in science, research, and innovation.

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.