Mō te Pakihi | About the Company:

As part of the Government’s reset of the science, innovation and technology system, on 1 July 2025, AgResearch, Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research, Plant & Food Research, and Scion merged to form the New Zealand Institute for Bioeconomy Science, trading as the Bioeconomy Science Institute.

This merger has created a world-class research organisation of globally significant size and scale, with over 2,000 employees — including scientists, researchers, and support staff. It brings together fundamental science knowledge and expertise in the natural resources that underpin the bioeconomy and the native estate, alongside applied research capabilities in manufacturing, agritech and biotech, and the food and fibre sectors.

At the AgResearch Group - New Zealand Institute for Bioeconomy Science Ltd, our purpose is to use science to enhance the value, productivity, and profitability of New Zealand’s pastoral, agri-food, and agri-technology sector value chains to contribute to economic growth and beneficial environmental and social outcomes for New Zealand. We are committed to the knowledge system of mātauranga Māori on equal footing with Western science and existing structures, that have helped support positive change in farming practices and food production in Aotearoa.

Kōrero mō te tūranga | About the role

AgResearch is looking for enthusiastic and dedicated students to join us for our Summer Internship program which runs from 24 November 2025 until 13 February 2026. Our program is aimed at students who are currently undertaking tertiary study.

This is an exciting opportunity for you to experience what your science career could be like at a Science Institute. You will gain exposure to the science community, develop your skills, and create collaborative connections.

Te kaupapa | The project

This project covers a sheep flock has been divergently selected for methane emissions for 15 years. This has resulted in changes in allele frequencies of genes. Identification of these genes could lead to understanding the mechanism underpinning the physiological differences. The student would evaluate the response to selection in the lines over the 15 year duration of the project, look at changes in allele frequencies and explore regions of the genome divergent between the high and low methane sheep lines.

Ō pūmanawa | About you

Currently studying in a relevant tertiary course
Be able to commit to working from 24th Nov 2025 – 13th Feb 2026 (excluding our two-week Christmas close-down period)

A keen attitude and motivation to work in an innovative environment

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou | What we offer

You will participate in the research described above alongside our science team members, including other students. Some of our benefits for this internship include:

Gain practical experience from some of the experts in your field.
Exposure to working as part of a supportive and collaborative Science Institute.

Tono Mai | Apply Now!

Please apply below and include a CV and a Cover Letter detailing why you feel you would be suitable for this position.

Please contact peopleandculture@agresearch.co.nz if you have any questions or queries about the Summer Intern program.

Applications close: Friday 29 August 2025

The AgResearch Group - New Zealand Institute for Bioeconomy Science Ltd embraces diversity and is committed to an inclusive and respectful workplace where everyone is valued for their unique contribution. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, and we celebrate and respect diversity in all its forms including ethnicity, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, or age. We also welcome and support neurodiverse individuals and recognise the value of different ways of thinking.

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