Job Description

Location: Invermay, New Zealand

Fixed Term – 12 weeks

Hours: 40

Summer Student Intern – Exploring Microbial Epigenomics in Livestock Using Long-Read Metagenomic Sequencing

Grow your research skills in a world-class science environment

Join an exciting research project exploring how microbial DNA methylation influences microbial function, adaptation, and interactions within livestock systems. This internship will use cutting-edge Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) long-read sequencing to investigate microbial epigenomics in rumen and buccal microbiomes. You will gain hands-on experience in bioinformatics, genomics, and microbiome research while contributing to emerging knowledge that could support improvements in animal health and productivity.

What you will be doing | Ngā whāinga matua

• Process and analyse long-read metagenomic sequencing data from rumen and buccal microbiome samples.
• Detect and characterise microbial DNA methylation patterns using Oxford Nanopore Technologies base-modification analysis pipelines.
• Investigate relationships between microbial epigenetic variation, gene content, and livestock traits.
• Contribute to the refinement of laboratory and bioinformatics workflows for microbial epigenomic research.
• Learn from experienced researchers in a collaborative scientific environment.

What you will bring | Ngā tino pūkenga me ngā wheako

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

• Currently enrolled in an undergraduate or postgraduate programme in Bioinformatics, Genomics, Microbiology, Biotechnology, Animal Science, Computational Biology, Biological Sciences, or a related discipline.
• An interest in microbiome research, genomics, epigenetics, and advanced sequencing technologies.
• Experience with, or a willingness to learn, bioinformatics tools, biological data analysis, and computational workflows.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with excellent attention to detail.
• Good communication and organisational skills, with the ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary research team.

Why join us?

This internship provides a unique opportunity to work with leading-edge sequencing technologies and contribute to innovative research at the intersection of microbiology, genomics, and animal science. You will gain valuable experience analysing complex biological datasets and developing skills that are increasingly sought after across research, biotechnology, and agricultural science sectors.

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

What you will get | Ngā hua o tēnei tūranga

• Exposure to a professional research environment.
• Practical experience in long-read sequencing, microbial genomics, epigenetics, and bioinformatics analysis.
• Hands-on experience working with Oxford Nanopore Technologies sequencing data and metagenomic datasets.
• Mentoring and support from experienced scientists in genomics, microbiology, and animal science.
• Opportunities to strengthen your scientific communication, data analysis, and computational research skills.
• Valuable experience to support future study and career opportunities in bioinformatics, genomics, biotechnology, and agricultural science.

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.

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.