Summer student: Chemistry
Based in Rotorua
Approximate dates; 1 December 2025 - 20 February 2026
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.
Our people drive innovation and commercial outcomes in the bioeconomy, using research and technology to support enduring economic growth and resilience, a healthy environment, and positive social outcomes for Aotearoa New Zealand.
This position sits under the current Scion group of the Bioeconomy Science Institute
Scion specialises in research, science and technology development for the forestry industry, wood products and wood-derived materials. We lead new technology development for renewables, bioproducts and energy and the establishment of a broader-based circular bioeconomy.
Scion hosts a number of summer students, each with differing specialities, from tertiary institutes across New Zealand at both our Rotorua and Christchurch Campus. The programme involves a student completing a 12-week, full-time, research project under the direction of Scion supervisors (allowing time for holidays over the Christmas and New Year). Students are able to gain hands on, paid, work experience in the field of which they are studying, where they get to work shoulder to shoulder with Scion's internationally recognised staff.
We are seeking a motivated student to work on Microplastic Remediation of Organic Waste Streams
The primary objective of the work/project:
This internship offers the opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research focused on the remediation of microplastic contaminated organic waste streams. The successful candidate will join Scion's Environmental Technologies programme and gain hands on experience in experimental design, reactor operation, and analytical chemistry.
Research Abstract
Microplastics are an emerging contaminant in organic waste streams, and their persistence poses environmental and health risks. This project explores the potential for high-temperature processing to degrade microplastics under controlled conditions. Using a range of feedstocks, the student will investigate the treatment efficiency using a small-scale batch reactor followed by microplastic isolation and analysis techniques.
What the student will do
This internship is ideal for students studying chemistry or chemical engineering with an interest in environmental technologies. It offers practical experience in experimental research, analytical chemistry, and environmental remediation. Specific tasks will include:
- Preparation of materials (microplastics and organic waste streams) for processing.
- Setup and operation of small-scale reactor to conduct thermal treatment experiments.
- Quantification of microplastics in produced samples using standard microplastic analysis techniques (filtration, microscopy, infrared spectroscopy).
- Maintaining accurate lab book and data records.
- Summarising data, writing a final report, and contributing to internal discussions.
Qualifications, skills and attributes needed:
The ideal candidate will be in their third or fourth year of a Bachelor of Science (Chemistry) or Chemical Engineering degree, with an interest in environmental technologies, microplastics, and/or waste valorisation. Knowledge, skills or experience in the following areas are desirable:
- Working in a chemistry laboratory, including sample preparation and handling.
- Analytical chemistry techniques, particularly infrared spectroscopy.
- Safe handling of chemicals and materials, with awareness of safety protocols.
- Accurate data entry and recording.
- Strong attention to detail, good time management and communication.
- Adaptability
Application Close Date: 12 September 2025
