Research and development

New Product Development Intern Part-Time 3 Months

Vitaco Group

Auckland2 days ago
Temporary

What the role involves

  • Planning product trials
  • Analysing trial results
  • Documenting project findings

What they ask for

Currently studying Food Science, Food Technology, Nutrition or a related field

About the job

November 2026 – February 2027 | 3-month fixed-term casual role

Are you studying Food Science, Food Technology, Nutrition or a related discipline and looking to gain hands-on experience in the food and sports nutrition industry?

We have an exciting opportunity for a Summer Student to join our NPD Food & Sports team over the 2026/27 summer.

About The Role

Working alongside our experienced NPD team, you will take ownership of a defined project, giving you the opportunity to apply what you’ve learnt through your studies to a real-world product development challenge.

Reporting to Senior Technologist NPD sport & food, you’ll be supported throughout the project while gaining practical exposure to how new food and sports nutrition products are developed.

Depending On The Project, Your Work May Include

  • Planning and completing practical product development trials
  • Collecting, analysing and documenting trial results
  • Working with suppliers and internal stakeholders where relevant
  • Maintaining clear project records and technical documentation
  • Presenting your findings and recommendations to the NPD team at the end of the placement

About You

We’re looking for someone who is:

  • Currently studying Food Science, Food Technology, Nutrition or a related field
  • Curious and enthusiastic about food, product development and innovation
  • Practical and comfortable working hands-on in an NPD/laboratory environment
  • Organised and able to work independently on a defined project
  • Confident analysing information and communicating findings
  • Keen to learn and contribute as part of a collaborative team

Placement details

  • Duration: Approximately 3 months, from November 2026 to February 2027
  • Christmas/New Year: There will be a planned two-week break over the Christmas/New Year period when you will not be required to work
  • Reporting to: Senior Technologist, Food & Sports NPD
  • Employment type: Casual Summer Student

Why join us?

This is a great opportunity to gain practical NPD experience and see first-hand how an idea or technical challenge is worked through within a commercial food and sports nutrition environment.

You’ll finish the summer having completed a meaningful project, built practical industry experience and gained exposure to the people, processes and decision-making involved in bringing food and sports nutrition products to life.

Interested? We’d love to hear from you.

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