Summer Intern - Spinning a New Yarn: Turning Waste Protein into Sustainable Fibres

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Location: Tuhiraki, Lincoln, New Zealand

Fixed Term – 12 weeks

Hours: 40 hours

Summer Student Intern – Sustainable Textile Fibre Innovation from Protein-Rich Waste

Turning waste into high-value textile fibre materials

Interested in how science and innovation can help create new value from waste streams?

This internship offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to research exploring how protein-rich waste materials can be transformed into sustainable fibres with potential applications in textiles and other fibre-based products.

Working alongside an experienced research team, you'll investigate how structural proteins and natural polymers can be converted into continuous fibres using wet-spinning and crosslinking techniques. You'll gain hands-on experience in laboratory-based research while contributing to work that supports circular bioeconomy outcomes and the development of novel bio-based materials.

The successful candidate will participate in this research alongside scientists, technicians and other students within a collaborative research environment.

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What you will be doing | Ngā whāinga matua

• • Undertake a literature review to identify and evaluate fibre crosslinking strategies and relevant scientific approaches.
  • Investigate the production of fibres using structural proteins and film-forming natural polymers.
  • Prepare and produce continuous fibres using fibre extrusion techniques.
  • Characterise fibres by assessing their physical and chemical properties, including tensile strength, water absorption and composition.
  • Analyse results and contribute to project reporting, including a final presentation and written summary of findings.

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What you will bring | Ngā tino pūkenga me ngā wheako

To be successful in this role, the minimum qualifications required are:

• • Currently enrolled in, or recently completed, an undergraduate degree in materials science, chemistry, biotechnology, food technology, chemical engineering, biological sciences, or a related discipline.
  • An interest in sustainable materials, circular bioeconomy research, and applied science.
  • Strong attention to detail and the ability to accurately collect and record experimental data.
  • Good written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to work independently while contributing positively to a team environment.
  • Curosity, initiative, and a willingness to learn new laboratory techniques.

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Why join us?

This is an opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research focused on developing innovative, sustainable materials from underutilised biological resources. You'll gain practical research experience, work with experienced scientists, and develop skills in laboratory experimentation, data analysis and scientific communication.

A copy of the Position Description is available for you to view here.

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What you will get | Ngā hua o tēnei tūranga

• • Exposure to a professional research environment.
  • Hands-on experience in fibre production and materials characterisation techniques.
  • Mentoring and support from experienced researchers.
  • Opportunities to strengthen your scientific communication and analytical skills.
  • Valuable experience to support future study and career opportunities in science and innovation.

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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.  

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Ready to Apply? | Kua rite koe ki te tono?

If you're enthusiastic about science and keen to apply your studies in a research setting, we'd love to hear from you. Bring your curiosity, motivation, and willingness to learn, and join us for an exciting summer research experience.