Project Description
The intern will undertake an industry-based research project focused on the development and evaluation of innovative materials and formulations for food and chewing applications.
The project will form part of AFPI’s ongoing research and development activities aimed at identifying suitable ingredients, improving product performance and developing commercially viable manufacturing processes.
The research will involve reviewing relevant scientific literature, investigating the chemical and physical properties of selected materials, and conducting laboratory-scale formulation and experimental work. Depending on the intern’s field of study, activities may include ingredient characterisation, formulation trials, assessment of texture and mechanical properties, stability testing, analytical evaluation, process optimisation and interpretation of experimental data.
A particular emphasis will be placed on understanding how different ingredients, processing conditions and manufacturing parameters influence the functional and physical characteristics of the final product. The intern may compare alternative materials and formulations, identify technical limitations, troubleshoot problems and recommend modifications based on experimental observations and results.
As part of the research and development process, interns may also be asked to participate in relevant manufacturing operations. This practical involvement is intended to help them understand the concepts, equipment, procedures and process variables involved in translating laboratory research into production. Participation may include observing or assisting with development trials, troubleshooting production issues, collecting process data and evaluating how changes in operating conditions affect product quality and performance.
The project will provide experience in translating scientific knowledge into practical industrial applications, including experimental design, data analysis, quality assurance, regulatory considerations and commercialisation. Interns will maintain appropriate research records, discuss results with the AFPI team and contribute to a final technical report documenting findings, conclusions and recommendations.
Industry: Agrifood
Study area: Chemistry, Medical Science
Partner: Australian Food and Pharmaceutical Industries
Suburb: Remote / in person: Nowra
Why:
Australian Food and Pharmaceutical Industries (AFPI) is an Australian manufacturing and research-focused company based in Bomaderry, NSW. Established in 2015, AFPI develops and manufactures innovative food and chewing products, with particular expertise in resin-based chewing formulations, product development, manufacturing processes and commercialisation. The company operates a HACCP-certified manufacturing facility equipped with specialised production and packaging equipment.
AFPI combines scientific research with practical manufacturing and commercial development. Its activities include formulation development, ingredient evaluation, process optimisation, quality assurance, regulatory compliance, intellectual property, packaging and international market development. AFPI has also collaborated with universities and provided industry-based experience to hundreds of students across science, engineering, business and related disciplines.
The company exports products internationally and continues to undertake research aimed at developing new materials, formulations and manufacturing solutions with potential food and pharmaceutical applications.
Paid
Yes
Selection Criteria
Skills wish list:
- Analytical/Organic Chemist: ideally with experience in natural products, resins, chromatography and chemical characterisation. This person could work on characterisation of mastic and other resin/gum materials, identifying chemical fractions, comparing materials, analytical methods, stability and structure–property relationships.
- Food Technologist/Formulation Chemist: ideally with experience in food formulation, texture/rheology, polymers or confectionery. This person could concentrate on formulation development: chewing properties, texture, processing behaviour, ingredient interactions, stability and prototype optimisation.
Research Outcomes
Research outcomes to be determined in collaboration with the selected intern. The project will be co-designed between the industry partner and PhD candidate, with support from their academic supervisor as appropriate.
Other Information
- Eligible candidates will be in their first 18 months of candidature, have completed their APR or have it scheduled
- Open to Domestic and International Students
- Full-time or Part-time
Duration
3/6 months
Application closing date
30 October 2026
Contact information
Georgia Watson