Research & Development Internship (Expression of Interest) – AKL

Goodman Fielder is recruiting for the Research & Development Internship (Expression of Interest) - AKL role in Auckland, North Island. This full-time opportunity gives graduates a structured path into hands-on research work within the organisation’s Dairy Research & Development team.

About the Role

The Research & Development Internship (Expression of Interest) - AKL is a six-month placement offered under the MBIE R&D Career Grant Programme. It is designed for graduates who want to apply academic knowledge to live commercial projects while building practical industry experience in Auckland. Successful candidates will sit inside the Dairy Research & Development team and contribute to work that advances dairy innovation, product creation, sustainability goals and process efficiency. Expressions of interest are welcome from capable individuals ready to learn, experiment and deliver measurable progress during the internship period.

Key Responsibilities

• Support active research streams that drive dairy innovation and continuous product refinement.
• Assist the team with practical product development tasks, including trials, formulation support and data capture.
• Contribute ideas and analysis that improve sustainability outcomes across dairy processes and packaging.
• Help investigate and recommend process improvements that enhance efficiency and quality in the laboratory and pilot-scale environments.
• Document findings, prepare clear technical notes and share results with colleagues so decisions can be made quickly.
• Collaborate daily with experienced scientists and technologists while developing professional research habits in a live industry setting.

Requirements

• Recent graduate (or soon-to-complete) with a relevant tertiary qualification in food science, chemistry, process engineering, dairy technology or a closely related scientific discipline.
• Genuine interest in research & development work, particularly projects involving dairy innovation and product development.
• Comfort operating in laboratory and pilot-plant environments with strong attention to experimental detail and safety.
• Ability to collect, analyse and communicate technical data clearly in written and verbal form.
• Self-motivated, curious and able to work both independently and as part of a collaborative research team.
• Willingness to complete a full-time six-month internship based in Auckland, North Island, through the MBIE R&D Career Grant Programme.

More About Goodman Fielder

Goodman Fielder is hiring for this Research & Development Internship (Expression of Interest) - AKL role and provides a supportive team environment where graduates can grow real-world expertise alongside experienced practitioners in Auckland.

Next Steps

To apply, complete your application directly on this page, or you'll be redirected to the employer's application platform to finish submitting there.