Summer Intern - Characterising Harakeke Fibre

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Location: Tuhiraki, Lincoln, New Zealand

Fixed Term – 12 weeks

Hours: 40 hours

Summer Student Intern – Characterising Harakeke Fibre

Exploring the properties of Aotearoa's natural fibres

Interested in sustainable materials, fibre science and innovative uses for natural resources?

Harakeke (New Zealand flax) has been valued for generations for its strong and versatile fibres. This internship offers an opportunity to contribute to research that will advance our understanding of harakeke fibre properties and help build capability in natural fibre characterisation.

Working alongside experienced researchers, you'll investigate how fibres can be extracted, tested and analysed using a range of laboratory techniques. The project will contribute to the development of knowledge that could support future applications of harakeke fibres in bio-based materials and sustainable products.

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What you will be doing | Ngā whāinga matua

• Extract fibres from harakeke leaves using laboratory and processing techniques.


• Characterise fibre strength through tensile testing and analysis.


• Investigate fibre structure using optical and scanning electron microscopy.


• Contribute ideas and help develop methods and techniques for fibre characterisation.


• Record, analyse and present experimental data and findings.

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What you will bring | Ngā tino pūkenga me ngā wheako

You may be studying materials science, engineering, chemistry, biological sciences, environmental science, biotechnology, physics, or another related discipline.

What matters most is your curiosity, attention to detail and interest in understanding how natural materials behave and perform.

You will likely:

• Enjoy hands-on laboratory and experimental work.


• Be comfortable learning new techniques and equipment.


• Have strong observational, analytical and problem-solving skills.


• Be organised and able to accurately record experimental information.


• Enjoy working collaboratively while also managing tasks independently.


• Be interested in sustainable materials and innovative applications of natural resources.


• Have an appreciation of, or interest in learning more about, the significance of harakeke in Aotearoa New Zealand.

A connection to Māori culture, mātauranga Māori or te ao Māori would be beneficial, but is not essential.

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Why join us?

This is an exciting opportunity to gain practical experience in materials research while contributing to a project focused on one of Aotearoa New Zealand's most iconic natural fibres. You'll develop laboratory, analytical and research skills while working alongside scientists in a collaborative research environment.

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 with fibre testing and characterisation techniques.


• Experience using advanced laboratory equipment, including microscopy tools.


• Mentoring and support from experienced researchers.


• Valuable experience to support future study and career opportunities in science, engineering 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.