Science Internships in New Zealand

We arrange your Science internship in New Zealand in various fields. Described below are the most common types 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
 
 A previous Biology Intern has been asked to:
  • Contribute to the research and development programme by undertaking scientific and technical work as required, to deliver the development objectives of the company.
  • Contribute to establishing and improving processes, and undertake research and development associated with validating the performance and safety of medical devices.
  • Contribute to establishing and performing chemical and biological assays, cell culture, microbiology and physical testing.
  • Assist with report writing and regulatory submissions within the framework of the quality system.

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.​

/

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
​I am getting to travel to 16 different places around NZ over the next few months for work. My company is very supportive,

Tess, Australia

/

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5

/

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
Be open to new ideas, work hard, play hard and enjoy yourself!

Kristen, The USA

/

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 0
  • 1

Chemistry
 
Some of the tasks for a Chemistry intern may include, but are not limited to:
  • Studying systems, analytical methods and instrumentation used in Clinical Chemistry and (to a lesser extent) Hematology.
  • Comply with hospital policies and procedure, especially relating to Health and Safety, Code of Conduct and Patient Confidentiality.
  • Focusing on synthesising nano-materials for use as the active materials in a photo-electrochemical water splitting reaction.

Data Analysis 
 
Picture
As a Data Analysis intern, you will be involved and responsible for:
  • Researching and developing intellectual property related to computational linguistics, text mining and machine learning, with a goal of advancing the companies data products. 
  • Contributing to the development and implementation of the IP and skill base in relation to such disciplines as:
  • Hypothesis testing (being able to develop hypotheses and test them with careful experiments).
  • Natural Language Processing (interactions between computers and humans).
  • Machine learning (using computers to improve as well as develop algorithms).
  • Conceptual modeling (ability to share and articulate modelling to others).
  • Statistical analysis (ability to understand and work around possible limitations in models).
  • Predictive modelling (enhancing ability towards predicting future outcomes).

/

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
Living independently overseas is very new and exciting for me and I'm enjoying every minute of my time in New Zealand. It's also a great opportunity for me to experience life in the work place and to get an idea of what working in a lab is like.

Fiona (England)

/

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5

/

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
I met wonderful people from all over
the world, When I started, my boss told me that we are like a family which is really true. Can’t wait to go to the south island, swim with dolphins and go base jumping in Queenstown.

Alexis (France)

/

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 0
  • 1

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
 
A Food Science and Technology interns tasks may include:
  • Supporting analytics services with the Food Laboratory.
  • Ensuring that all analytical tests, methods and validation procedures, records and test results are completed as required by Laboratory's Quality Systems Manuals.
  • Carrying out routine rests within the required time frames and within employment contract work time agreements.
  • Ensuring the maintenance of equipment for the laboratory and ensuring their smooth and safe operation.
  • Completing laboratory housekeeping tasks as agreed.
  • Ensuring the customer satisfaction is assured in the most effective, efficient and courteous way.
  • Preparing for and participating in our performance management process and the laboratory's regular review meetings.
  • Complying with the requirements and responsibilities of the Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992. 
  • Being involved with sample preparation and routine analysis of different food and food products.

Forensics 
 
In the past, a Forensics intern helped provide research assistance to a supervisor at one of New Zealand's leading universities in their work on developing a new DNA diagnostic detection kit. Their work included:
  • Working as part of a team with other administrative staff in the department to provide an efficient and effective support staff.
  • Conjugation of DNA probes, performing binding experiments and monitoring by fluorescence. 
  • Keeping detailed records of experiments in a lab notebook and various other tasks related to the project, as directed by their supervisor.

Marine Biology 
Tasks of a Marine Biology intern may include, but are not limited to:
  • Small boat work.
  • Surveying cetaceans and observing cetacean behaviour.
  • Sampling of marine invertebrates in mangroves.
  • Habitat mapping and bird surveys in mangroves.
  • Deploying and monitoring experiments within the inter-tidal zone and in aquaria.
  • Taking digital measurements from photographs.
  • Assisting with cetacean stranding response.
  • Post-mortem sampling of cetaceans (lab and/or field).
  • Examining stomach contents of pilot whales. 
  • Literature searching and data collection.

/

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
My favorite aspect so far is the freedom that I get and that everybody here really sees me as a part of the company!

Eva (The Netherlands)

/

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5

/

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
Everything has been amazing, but I really enjoyed hiking the Routeburn Track.. or anything else that enabled me to get out of the city and enjoy the natural beauty of New Zealand.

Julie (USA)

/

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 0
  • 1

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 the branch of biology that deals with the structure and function of macro molecules, such as proteins and nucleic acids. While Molecular Biology internships can vary widely, one intern previously went into a lab that was working on the symbiosis of bacteria (rhizobia) with plants, investigating proteins (and the genes that encode them) that are located on a membrane around the bacteria. 

/

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
​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.

Nicole (The Netherlands)

/

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5

/

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
Don’t be afraid to get out of your comfort zone and do as much as you can in the moment, as you may not get another opportunity!

Julie (USA)

/

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 0
  • 1

Neurology 
 
Neurology is the branch of medicine that is focused on the clinical aspects of the brain and the nervous system. Interns in the field of Neurology may be asked to:
  • Check pharmacy records and see if the patient has been taking anti-epileptic drugs, and check on the consistency of prescription.
  • Contact the patient's general practitioner to determine if the patient has had further seizures.
  • Contact the patient directly, by phone or e-mail, to see if they have had further seizures.

Neuroscience 
Neuroscience is the study of how the nervous system develops, its structure and its function. In the past, interns have participated in research at some of New Zealand's leading universities; some of their tasks were: 
  • Observing and assisting in cognitive assessments and MRI scans for certain projects.
  • Observing and assisting in exercise assessments of stroke patients.
  • Identifying gap in the research literature on post-stroke fatigue, cognition and fitness. 

/

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
The colleagues are all lovely and really helpful. They've welcomed me with open arms and have taken me to dinner and out shopping!

Philippa (Wales)

/

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5

/

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
Being able to have practical work experience while also being lucky enough to live and travel in one of the most beautiful places in the world has been incredible.

Megan (USA)

/

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 0
  • 1

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
Physics internships can vary widely depending on projects that are currently available. Interns often go to universities and provide research assistance, within the field of physics, to PhD students and professors. One intern in the past has been involved in a project that centred 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 project involved experimental and theoretical/numerical work in manipulating bioparticals at a nanoscale. 

/

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
I like working in the lab. I enjoy finding different ways to make my particles smaller. I like that I
meet someone new almost every day, and the travelling around New Zealand is great as well.

Kayla (USA)

/

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5

/

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
It was nice meeting so many great people from
all over the world and the beautiful nature I have seen.

Carlotta (Germany)

/

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 0
  • 1

Statistics
 
Some of the tasks of a previous Statistics intern included:
  • Assisting with spreadsheet modes for the company's budget process.
  • Helping to write articles for a weekly economics publication, involving writing and data analysis skills.
  • Maintaining and updating the company's economic database.
  • Report writing for extra publications the economics team produces.
  • Research work as part of a longer-term policy project.

Veterinary 
 
In the past, a Veterinary intern was involved with:
  • Entering and updating animal details onto the centre database.
  • Assisting the vet with the initial examination of animals.
  • Assisting with short-term care of incoming animals before they move out to foster care. This can include defleaing, worming, administering medication and feeding.
  • Preparing food and feeding of vulnerable animals waiting to be fostered.
  • Following assessment, transferring incoming animals to other areas of the centre if required.
  • Finding appropriate foster homes that match the animals' needs.
  • Ensuring the incoming room is fully equipped with appropriate supplies.
  • Maintaining a clean and hygienic area for incoming animals.
  • Preparing equipment and paperwork for fosterers.
  • Talking to fosterers about the animals' requirements.
  • Assisting other staff and volunteers within the centre.

/

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
​The highlights of my trip have been living in a beautiful country that is like a romantic wonderland, learning about a different culture than the one I have been raised in, and meeting the easy going Kiwi people.

Ritu (India)

/

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5

/

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
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 everyday! Also, have fun!

Sarah (England)

/

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 0
  • 1

Zoology
 
Zoology interns will predominantly be involved with the maintenance and upkeep of the zoo and their animals. Some typical tasks of a Zoology intern are:
  • Assisting animal farm staff with cleaning, monitoring visitors and feeding. 
  • Tidying up around the sanctuary.
  • Interacting with visitors and assisting them with any enquiries they might have.
  • Spending time in the kangaroo reserve monitoring visitor and animal behaviour, cleaning and helping with enquiries.
  • Assisting with animal enclosure cleaning and food preparation.
If you can't find the internship you're looking for