Job Description

Location: Invermay, Dunedin, New Zealand

Fixed Term – 12 weeks

Hours: 40 hours pe week

Summer Student Intern – Mitigation of N2O fluxes from pastoral soils

Grow your research skills in a world-class science environment

Nitrous oxide (N₂O) is a powerful greenhouse gas that is produced naturally in soils and can be increased through agricultural activities such as grazing livestock. Reducing N₂O emissions from pastoral soils is an important part of improving the environmental sustainability of New Zealand's farming systems.

This project will investigate factors that influence N₂O emissions and evaluate potential mitigation approaches. The research will contribute to developing practical solutions that support lower-emission farming, helping to address climate change while maintaining productive pastoral systems.

What you will be doing | Ngā whāinga matua

• Assist with establishing and conducting field and laboratory experiments investigating N₂O emissions from pastoral soils.
• Measure greenhouse gas fluxes from soils using specialised field and laboratory equipment.
• Prepare and process soil samples and extracts for analysis.
• Calculate, interpret and evaluate greenhouse gas emissions data.
• Analyse results and contribute to data visualisation, reporting and presentation of findings.

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 environmental science, agricultural science, soil science, biology, or a related field.
• An interest in climate change, greenhouse gas mitigation, and sustainable agriculture.
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a research team.
• Good written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to work with scientific data.
• Motivation to learn new laboratory and research techniques.

Why join us?

This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to research that addresses some of New Zealand’s most important environmental and agricultural challenges. You will work alongside leading scientists, gain hands-on experience in a professional research environment, and be part of a project exploring innovative, nature-based solutions to improve water quality, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and enhance sustainable farming systems.

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 with plant and soil science research, laboratory techniques, and experimental systems.
• Mentoring and support from experienced scientists.
• Opportunities to strengthen your scientific communication and data analysis skills.
• Valuable experience to support future study and career opportunities in 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.