Summer Student: Analytical Chemistry - Scion

About Scion

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 10-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 Sustainable Jewellery from Upcycled Biomass.

The primary objective of the work/project:

The project aims to develop sustainable jewellery, specifically a bracelet, utilising a biobased polymer and natural additives derived from agricultural and industrial byproducts. These pigments will be sourced from grape marc waste generated in winemaking and slash pine needles, while lanolin grease from the sheep industry will be incorporated to enhance the water stability of the product without compromising its eco-friendliness. By valorising these waste materials, the project seeks to reduce environmental impact and promote circular economy principles. The research team will develop innovative extraction methods to obtain colour pigments from these natural sources, ensuring they adhere to industry standards for colour, stability, and safety. The summer student will be involved in laboratory-scale extraction experiments to produce pigments, which will then be used to create prototypes for in-service testing.

Research Abstract

Scion is collaborating with Loopback Limited, a design-led biomaterial company that aims to eliminate the use of plastic made from fossil fuels by creating a circular, local, and compostable alternative. This project aims to develop eco-friendly jewellery, specifically a bracelet, from a biobased polymer, including additives derived from waste streams such as grape marc, lanolin grease, and slash pine needles. Laboratory-scale extraction of these pigments will be conducted to produce prototypes for in-service testing. Through a series of iterations and evaluations, we will assess whether the aesthetic and functional characteristics of these biobased materials meet industry standards. Our research demonstrates the feasibility of circular economy principles within the jewellery industry and seeks to reduce reliance on non-green and fossil fuel-based products. This initiative enhances core environmental objectives by illustrating how waste can be transformed into valuable products and promoting sustainable production practices in the market.

What the student will do

The student will be responsible for carrying out laboratory scale extractions to produce pigments and optimise methods to produce prototypes. The project will give the student hands-on laboratory experience in areas of Chemistry and Materials Science. It will also provide an understanding of scale up processes and more industrial/applied chemistry.

Responsibilities of this role include:

Conduct laboratory research

Perform chemical extractions, workups, and concentration of extracts to produce pigments

Conduct chemical analyses, such as moisture and solids content

Support in analysing data and reporting results

Write reports and presentations

Requirements

Studying a chemistry degree (or similar), having completed at least 2 years of the degree

Interest or experience in: organic chemistry, lab extractions, chemical analysis and applied/industrial chemistry

Consistency and persistence in undertaking routine extraction work

Good communication with the Task lead and larger project group

Strong record keeping skills

Application Close Date: 19 November 2024 at 5.00pm
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