.png){kind=icon}
As a part of our growth plans, we are continuing to strengthen our existing diagnostic products and develop new products for mastitis and related animal health applications. This work has a substantial R&D component, including microbiological testing, assay development, product validation, and commercial evaluation.
We have an exciting opportunity for a 10-week Microbiology internship to support this work.
ABOUT THE ROLE
We have an opportunity for a 10-week internship to work with our R&D team. This can be anytime between November and March.
The role is within our microbiology-focused R&D team, working on product development and validation for our bovine mastitis diagnostic products, and new animal health applications.
You’ll get hands-on experience working in a microbiology laboratory, insight into the wider workflow of bringing a diagnostic product to market, and support with aspects of the production of our diagnostics.
The exact project can be tailored to your interests, but examples include:
MIC testing for mastitis diagnostic development: The student would help run and analyze MIC testing for bacterial pathogens relevant to bovine mastitis. This work would support the development and validation of diagnostic products that aim to provide useful information for treatment decisions. The student would gain experience in bacterial culture, assay setup, antimicrobial dilution methods, data recording, and interpretation of microbiological results.
Product development and assay optimization: The student may contribute to testing and optimizing components of new or existing diagnostic products. This could include evaluating assay performance, comparing microbiological readouts, assisting with troubleshooting, and helping generate data to support product development decisions.
Production support and process understanding: The student would spend some time assisting the production team, including dispensing into Mastaplex test cartridges. This will give the student practical experience with how diagnostic products are manufactured and help them understand the link between R&D, production, quality, and commercial delivery.
Funding is provided by an MBIE R&D Experience Grant for up to 400 hours of full-time work over the summer.
You'll get mentoring and support from our experienced scientific and operations team through the internship.
WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR
Experience with standard microbiological techniques, and a demonstrated interest in product development, and/or commercialization
Attention to detail, and comfortable working solo or as part of a team
Reliable, consistent, and a clear communicator
MANDATORY APPLICANT CRITERIA
You must be studying (or have studied) an undergraduate or postgraduate qualification at NZQA level 6-10
Studying, or have studied, science, technology, engineering, design or business at a New Zealand tertiary education institute
If finished studying, your final semester should have ended within the last 12 months
You must be legally allowed to work in New Zealand
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Mastaplex is based at the Centre for Innovation at the University and we are happy to meet anyone interested to discuss further. Scott Clifford will mentor the student and can be contacted at scott.clifford@mastaplex.com should you like to discuss the opportunity further.
HOW TO APPLY
Send your CV and a short cover letter to scott.clifford@mastaplex.com. Applications will close at the end of September
