Summer Student: Extraction Chemistry

Scion specialises in research, science and technology development for the forestry industry, wood products and wood-derived materials. We lead new technology development for renewables, bioproducts and energy and the establishment of a broader-based circular bioeconomy.

Scion hosts a number of summer students, each with differing specialities, from tertiary institutes across New Zealand at both our Rotorua and Christchurch Campus. The programme involves a student completing a 12-week, full-time, research project under the direction of Scion supervisors (allowing time for holidays over the Christmas and New Year). Students are able to gain hands on, paid, work experience in the field of which they are studying, where they get to work shoulder to shoulder with Scion's internationally recognised staff.

We are seeking a motivated student to work on the Bark Based Bioproducts project.

**The primary objective of the work/project**:
This project aims to establish a Bark Biorefinery in New Zealand to extract useful chemicals such as tannins and waxes from _Pinus radiata_ bark, adding value to the forestry industry by transforming a waste product into a commodity. The Extraction Chemistry Summer Student will be involved in laboratory-scale extraction experiments to aid understanding of the process at larger scale.

**Research Abstract**

Pine bark is an underutilised resource in New Zealand; at best it is used for garden mulch or fuel, at worst, it is left on the forest floor. Many useful chemicals can be extracted from bark and Scion is currently developing a Bark Biorefinery to efficiently extract chemicals from bark at large scale. This research project aims to improve our understanding of the bark extractions using laboratory-scale modelling of the larger extraction processes. Different extraction processes, variation in extraction conditions, yield optimisation, batch to batch variation, and chemical analysis may be explored to aid our understanding in the development of a Bark Biorefinery.

**What you will do**:
You will be responsible for carrying out laboratory scale extractions to answer questions that will inform on the success of larger scale extractions. The project will give the student hands on laboratory experience in areas of chemical extraction and several chemical analysis techniques. It will also provide an understanding of scale up processes and more industrial/applied chemistry.

**Responsibilities of this role include**:

- Laboratory research
- Carrying out chemical extractions
- Carrying out material processing such as grinding, sieving, particle size distribution measurements
- Carrying out chemical analyses such as moisture content, solids content, UV/Visible spectroscopy
- Analysing data and reporting results
- Report writing and presentation

**Qualifications, skills and attributes needed**:
We are looking for a motivated individual who is energetic and willing to learn; someone who has an interest and desire to build their knowledge in organic chemistry and industrial/applied chemistry. You will be happy being busy in the lab and show consistency and persistence when undertaking routine extractions.

You will need to be studying a chemistry degree (or equivalent), having completed at least 2 years of study.

**Other desired skills that will make you a great fit for this role include**:

- An interest in organic chemistry
- Good communication skills
- Skills in maintaining a laboratory notebook/record keeping

Application Close Date: 6 September 2024

Job Details
- Crown research institute
Scion- Reference #
56229- Posted on
19 Aug 2024- Closes on- Location(s)
Rotorua- Expertise
Chemistry- Job level(s)
Student- Work type(s)
Fixed Term less than 6 months- More details (document)
Extraction Chemistry Summer Student PD 2024.pdf