Science Internships in Australia

We offer 17 areas for a Science Internship in Australia. Described below are the most common type of Science internships we organise and some of the tasks you can expect to be asked of you. All internships provide a high level of work experience with the aim to increase your skills within the industry. The examples below are just a guideline and each internship role will be developed individually according to the company and the candidate.​ ​

Biology
 
Biology interns work with and study living organisms and their behaviour. The duties of previous interns have included:
  • Learning and using techniques for screening wildlife samples.
  • Establishing a small research project with other students. 
  • Contributing to weekly laboratory duties.
  • Assisting with clinical research.
  • Reviewing and checking worksheets, data entries, Certificates of Analysis, and final reports. 
  • Performing clerical duties and maintaining records.
  • Receiving training in field techniques, risk assessments, work design, data logging and providing feedback.

Biotechnology 
 
Biotechnology is predominantly concerned with the exploration of biological process, but for industrial purposes. One of the companies we work with focuses on cell-based therapeutics, and are developing insulin-producing cells in micro-capsules for the treatment of type 1 diabetes. An intern would be part of the team, and might acquire general knowledge and practical experience with:
  • ​A selection of materials for cell encapsulation. 
  • Assessment of devices for encapsulation.
  • Assessment of product quality. 
  • Reporting on aspects in general manner without inclusion of commercially sensitive information.​

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I will miss the amazing people of Australia I met, both at work and in my house, but also how everyone greets you when they meet you in the street, no matter if they are strangers, they would always say 'hi', it makes my day!

Alessandra (Italy)

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​​This internship has given me a very good learning experience overseas. I am lucky enough to have a very good team.

Sowmya (India)

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Chemistry
 
An intern working in the field of Chemistry might perform such tasks as:
  • Working with industry partners or medical collaborators.
  • Using lab devices.
  • Carrying out product design refinement.
  • Developing commercial-ready alpha and beta prototypes.

Data Analysis
 
Picture
A Data Analysis intern might undertake such tasks as:
  • Implementing a prediction model to forecast work.
  • Designing, building and testing a prediction model.
  • Producing code for the visualisation of data and analysis.
  • Contribute to the development of the skills base in to disciplines such as: hypothesis testing, natural language processing, machine learning, conceptual modelling, statistical analysis and predictive modelling. 
  • Pre-sales support in the form of queries and reports.
  • Supporting the polishing up of client deliverables, such as charts, Excel sheets and presentations. 

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Besides my internship my highlight was to travel on the weekends with my fellow interns. I never would have thought I would be making such close friends who I know will be there for years to come.

Ross (USA)

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Watch out for kookaburras – they will steal food right out of your hand.

Katie (USA)

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Dermatology
 
Dermatology is the branch of medicine that is concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of skin disorders. An intern might be part of a team consisting of scientists, engineers, software developers and skilled melanographers. Their duties might include:
  • Consulting patients about their personal and/or family skin cancer history, risk factors and lesions of concern.
  • Completing file documentation.
  • Digitally imaging patients in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures and recommended techniques.
  • Supporting operational management in the delivery of clinics.

Food Science and Technology
 
Food Science and Technology interns are concerned with the production process that make foods. Roles provide experience in quality control, food safety and health and safety. Responsibilities include:
  • Reviewing food and safety manuals.
  • Reviewing microbiological limits.
  • Reviewing plant cleaning procedures. 
  • Reviewing HACCP plan, flow charts and procedures. 
  • Reviewing plant engineering processes.
  • Assisting with projects.

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If you are thinking about going abroad and doing an internship, do it! It will be one of the best decisions you ever make.

Marijn (The Netherlands)

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The most thing I like about this internship is flexible working environment which I could have opportunity to interact directly with different people across all functional areas which allows me to learn the new things about the company every day.

Cindy (Vietnam)

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Forensics
 
As a Forensics intern, you will be involved in using scientific techniques in order to detect crime. An intern might expect to:
  • Assist with various methods of testing and identification. 
  • Maintain a sound knowledge of methodologies available.
  • Assist other operators with their work.
  • Perform clerical duties and maintain records.
  • Routinely monitor equipment readings.
  • Help with sample prep, measurements and interpretation.

Marine Biology 
 
​Marine Biology is concerned with the biology of organisms that reside in the sea or other large bodies of water. Previously, interns have worked with some of the leading marine research centres and Government Research facilities in Australia. Interns in this field may carry out such tasks as:
  • Aquarium experiments. 
  • Processing tissues to determine growth and condition.
  • Field snorkelling.
  • Preparing culture media.
  • Aiding data analysis and entry.
  • Acute and chronic testing of toxicity.

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​Don’t be afraid to talk in another language,
the people in Australia will always help you!
And try to see as much as possible.

Nicol (The Netherlands)

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Really take advantage of the opportunity, soak in everything you learn during your time interning because you’re going to gain valuable experience and you will learn something new every day! Also have fun!

Sarah (England)

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Medical Research
 
In the past, candidates have interned in many areas of Medical Research. An intern's duties in this field might include:
  • Participating in measurements.
  • Learning techniques of data analysis and database management.
  • Interpreting and communicating results.
  • Learning about the regulations governing clinical trials.
  • Assisting with collating, filing and maintaining site visit files.
  • Assisting with the preparation of study documents for the conduct of the study.
  • Setting up samples.
  • Testing medical devices.

Molecular Biology
 
Molecular Biology is a branch of biology focusing on the structure and function of macromolecules. Interns can be involved with various projects such as the synthesis of novel tunable Janus hydrogen's as a novel bio-material for 3D cell culture/biomedical applications through the design of 3D architecture of porous nature, using a 3D printer. Hydrogels offer a good support structure for cell and tissue growth as a synthetic extracellular matrix. Janus hydrogels, comprising of 2 different types of gels in separate hemispheres will serve as a novel scaffold by maintaining two properties, within the same droplet gel, to make a tuneable environment for cells."

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I really liked the hands-on experiences I was able to take opportunity of when they were offered.

Sydney (USA)

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I am glad to gain work experience in my summer internship,  it was impressive to me.

Franco, Taiwan

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Neurology
 
Former Neurology interns worked in hospitals with patients that hadn't previously been admitted to said hospital.  Some responsibilities included: 
  • Working with the neurologist to record the details of why the patient had been admitted to hospital.
  • Reviewing records to see if the patient had re-presented to any of the hospitals in the surrounding area with further seizures.
  • Updating intranet records with results of neuro-imaging studies and/or EEG. 
  • Checking pharmaceutical records to see whether the patient has been taking anti-epileptic drugs, and if so, the consistency of prescription. 
  • Contacting the patients GP to see if they have had further seizures. 

Neuroscience
 
Whereas neurology is concerned with the practice of the branch of science that relates to neurons, neuroscience is more related to the research behind it. Interns might expect to carry out:
  • Neuro-imaging analysis.
  • Statistical analysis of collected data.
  • Presentation of results.
  • Stress tests.
  • Chemical analysis of brain regions.
  • Observation and analysis of cognitive testing.
  • Identification of gaps in research literature.

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​Don't wait for anything!! Go out and explore as much as possible!

Arjen (The Netherlands)

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Don't be afraid to go for it, don't let anything stop you! You will have the most amazing time like I have :)

Emma (England)

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Nutrition
A previous intern in the field of nutrition was involved with a project where their responsibilities included:
  • Recruiting potential participants, 
  • Screening procedures,
  • Conducting cross sectional data collection and analysis,
  • Making anthropometric measurements,
  • Collecting medical history and medication details,
  • Taking blood pressure readings and laboratory analysis for plasma glucose concentrations.
  • Planning and undertaking comprehensive research about competitors, the product, and the customer and market.
  • Assisting with data collection and data management.

Physics
 
The following was the role description for a previous Physics intern:
"​The intern will assume the role of a short term research assistant who will be involved in cutting edge research in applied physics and engineering. More specifically, the role will involve assisting postdoctoral research fellows or PhD students in their respective projects, all of which center around developing a miniaturised laboratory on a chip-scale device for biotechnological applications that span point-of- care diagnostics, drug screening, drug delivery, biosensing and tissue engineering. The projects involve either experimental and theoretical/numerical work in manipulating fluids and bioparticles (e.g., molecules/cells) at the microscale and nanoscale."

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I learnt a lot during my internship and I had the chance to discovered this amazing country and meet lovely people!

Tiphaine (France)

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My internship has been an extraordinary experience for me. I learnt great deal of skills and knowledge. The staff were very enthusiastic and hard working. They made me feel part of them. It was a very beautiful experience.

Jeshita (India)

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Statistics
 
​Statistics Interns will largely be involved with the analysis of a company's client activity. Tasks may include:
  • Monitoring website traffic via Google Analytics,
  • Monitoring blog traffic and trends/ patterns via Google Analytics, 
  • Competitor research in order to find a company's niche, 
  • Maintaining and updating the CCI economics database, 
  • Assisting with spreadsheet models and CCI budget process. 

Veterinary 
 
As a Veterinary intern, you are likely to assist with duties such as:
  • General feeding,
  • Cleaning and socialisation of animals in hospital, isolation and quarantine areas, 
  • Stocking up of supplies,
  • General grooming. 
You are likely to gain experience with:
  • A number of different species (canine, feline, birds, wildlife),
  • More skills related to animal handling. 

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​Enjoy the experience, try new things, and immerse yourself in the local culture.

Briana (USA)

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My experience was really good, I had the chance to learn about NZ culture and to work in an English speaking country for first time. 

Valeria (Chile)

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Zoology 
 

​We have had many interns in the past work in a Zoo or Wildlife Sanctuary. Some of the tasks include, but are not limited to:
  • Cleaning and maintenance of exhibits,
  • Food preparation,
  • Feeding the animals,
  • General animal husbandry,
  • Interacting with visitors and assisting them with enquiries. 
If you can't find the internship you're looking for