Summer Student Screening Native Grasses for Biological Nitrification Inhibition Capacity

.

M te Pakihi About the Company:

As part of the Governments reset of the science innovation and technology system on 1 July 2025 AgResearch Manaaki Whenua Landcare Research Plant & Food Research and Scion merged to form the New Zealand Institute for Bioeconomy Science trading as the Bioeconomy Science Institute.

This merger has created a world-class research organisation of globally significant size and scale with over 2000 employees including scientists researchers and support staff. It brings together fundamental science knowledge and expertise in the natural resources that underpin the bioeconomy and the native estate alongside applied research capabilities in manufacturing agritech and biotech and the food and fibre sectors.

At the AgResearch Group - New Zealand Institute for Bioeconomy Science Ltd our purpose is to use science to enhance the value productivity and profitability of New Zealands pastoral agri-food and agri-technology sector value chains to contribute to economic growth and beneficial environmental and social outcomes for New Zealand. We are committed to the knowledge system of mtauranga Mori on equal footing with Western science and existing structures that have helped support positive change in farming practices and food production in Aotearoa.

.

Krero m te tranga About the role

AgResearchis looking for enthusiastic and dedicated students to join us for our Summer Internship program which runs from 24 November 2025 until 13 February 2026. Our program is aimed at students who are currently undertaking tertiary study.

This is an exciting opportunity for you to experience what your science career could be like at a Science Institute. You will gain exposure to the science community develop your skills and create collaborative connections.

.

Te kaupapa The project

Soil nitrification the microbial conversion of ammonium to nitrate contributes to nitrogen leaching into freshwater systems and increases nitrous oxide emissions from grazed pastures. As such inhibiting nitrification is a key strategy for reducing this environmental pollution and improving farm system efficiency. While synthetic nitrification inhibitors are available their use is limited by concerns around food safety. A promising natural alternative is biological nitrification inhibition (BNI) a process which appears to have evolved multiple times in which plant roots release compounds that suppress nitrification in the soil. Since BNI likely evolved in nitrogen limited ecosystems some of Aotearoas 182 indigenous grass species may possess strong BNI capabilities a possibility that remains unexplored. This project will assess selected native grass species for their BNI potential. Identifying indigenous grasses with effective BNI traits could offer a sustainable locally adapted alternative to synthetic inputs supporting te Taiao through cleaner waterways and lower greenhouse gas emissions.

.

pmanawa About you

• Currently studying in a relevant tertiary course
• Be able to commit to working from 24th Nov 2025 13th Feb 2026 (excluding our two-week Christmas close-down period)

• A keen attitude and motivation to work in an innovative environment

.

Ng huatanga kei a mtou What we offer

You will participate in the research described above alongside our science team members including other students. Some of our benefits for this internship include:

• Gain practical experience from some of the experts in your field.
• Exposure to working as part of a supportive and collaborative Science Institute.

.

Tono Mai Apply Now!

Please apply below andincludea CV and a Cover Letter detailing why you feel you would be suitable for this position.

Please contact if you have any questions or queries about the Summer Intern program.

Applications close: Friday 29 August 2025

The AgResearch Group - New Zealand Institute for Bioeconomy Science Ltd embraces diversity and is committed to an inclusive and respectful workplace where everyone is valued for their unique contribution. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and we celebrate and respect diversity in all its forms including ethnicity religion gender gender identity or expression sexual orientation national origin genetics disability or age. We also welcome and support neurodiverse individuals and recognise the value of different ways of thinking.