Summer Student Intern – Access and Benefit Sharing (Fixed-Term)

About the Role

Join the Legal team at the Bioeconomy Science Institute in Auckland, New Zealand, for a fixed-term summer internship focused on access and benefit sharing (ABS). This three-month opportunity, working 38 hours per week, involves conducting research on international ABS frameworks regarding indigenous flora, fauna, traditional knowledge, intellectual property, and indigenous rights. You'll collaborate with expert researchers to support policy and legal analysis around authentic taonga foods and responsible innovation.

Primary Responsibilities

• Investigate global ABS arrangements covering indigenous biodiversity and knowledge domains.
• Conduct comprehensive reviews of legal materials, scholarly publications, and case studies to extract prevalent methods and new trends.
• Compile clear research summaries and detailed reports aiding the Legal and ABS teams.
• Participate in ongoing legal and policy research projects and literature evaluations.
• Engage collaboratively with experienced researchers within a scientific setting.

Candidate Requirements

• Enrolled in a tertiary law qualification program.
• Interest in indigenous rights, intellectual property, international law, access and benefit sharing, or policy research.
• Strong capabilities in research, critical thinking, and synthesizing complex information.
• Excellent writing skills and ability to work autonomously or as part of a team.

What You'll Gain

• Experience in a professional research environment focused on legal and policy matters.
• Hands-on involvement in legal research, policy analysis, literature reviews, and international case assessments.
• Mentorship from seasoned scientists and researchers.
• Development of scientific communication and data analysis proficiencies.
• Valuable experience supporting further study or careers in law, policy, research, or indigenous development.

About the Employer

The Bioeconomy Science Institute was formed by the collaboration of AgResearch, Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research, Plant & Food Research, and Scion, uniting over 2200 professionals. The Institute drives innovation across agriculture, horticulture, forestry, aquaculture, biotechnology, manufacturing, biosecurity, and climate resilience to strengthen the bioeconomy both in New Zealand and globally.

Additional Details

• Location: Auckland, New Zealand
• Fixed-term contract for 3 months
• 38 hours per week

Application Encouragement

If you are passionate about applying your legal studies in a research context with a curiosity-driven and motivated mindset, this internship offers a unique chance to deepen your understanding of indigenous knowledge governance at a reputable science institute.