Summer intern - Wood Durability
Based in Rotorua
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 Wood Protection based in our Rotorua Campus
The primary objective of the work/project:
To increase our understanding of New Zealand grown timbers and contribute to an expanding database.
Research Abstract
The forest industry faces increasing pressure to diversify species, enhance resilience, and expand market options. This project supports these goals by enabling high-value product development from New Zealand-grown specialty timbers, improving grower confidence and promoting species diversification. The Wood Protection team evaluate multiple timber species and timber modifications at Scion's outdoor accelerated testing facility, alongside populating the Durability Database (DD) with performance data on a wide range of wood species and treatments under New Zealand-specific conditions. It addresses knowledge gaps by assessing the durability of specialty and locally grown species, contributing essential wood durability insights to a national database that supports Standards development and informed material selection.
What the student will do
The student will be contributing to two databases by preparing laboratory decay tests to test natural durability of specialty species for inclusion into the Wood Properties and Durability databases and uploading legacy data into the DD.
The student's involvement in this project will deepen their understanding of wood properties and biodeterioration processes, while introducing them to practical methods for durability testing that underpin inclusion in building standards. Additionally, they will gain experience in the development and management of biological science databases, enhancing their technical competency in data handling and interpretation within a research context. These experiences will directly support the learning outcomes of their degree and provide valuable exposure to applied scientific methods and industry-relevant practices.
Qualifications, skills and attributes needed:
Bachelor of Science or Forestry Science student with an interest in wood properties, biodeterioration, microbiology, or similar.
You will require skills in:
- aseptic technique,
- culturing,
- lab safety and compliance
- data entry and management,
- familiar with Excel
- attention to detail,
- time management,
- good communication
- adaptability
Application Close 12 September 2025
Dates approximately 1 December 2025 to 20 February 2026
