R&D Intern (9-Month)

Job Summary

The Research Intern will support the commissioning, operation, and development of a laboratory-scale polymerization reactor. The intern will assist with experimental planning, raw-material preparation, reactor operation under supervision, post-processing, sample characterization, data analysis, and documentation. The role is intended to provide hands-on experience in polymerization, plastics processing, and product-development research.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Laboratory polymerization

• Perform lab polymerization tasks, including material weighing, measuring, and addition of raw materials and chemical ingredients in laboratory scale polymerization runs
• Operate lab scale polymer post-processing equipment including spin driers, sieve shakers, and coating mixers.
• Assist with equipment teardown, cleaning, and reassembly after processing runs
• Accurately record data, processing parameters, and observations during and after laboratory runs
• Follow safety protocols and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for equipment operation and material handling

Research and Learning

• Perform literature and patent research to provide input in product development and formulation initiatives
• Develop understanding of current polymerization process and formulation
• Develop understanding of final product parameters and how these are affected by formulation changes

Laboratory Operations Support & Collaboration

• Assist in characterization of material properties such as particle size analysis, MWD and conversion rate.
• Develop understanding of physical and chemical testing of raw materials, intermediate products, and final products
• Assist with material and sample pickup and staging as needed
• Contribute to team projects and complete additional tasks as assigned

Required Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Ability to perform laboratory chemical reactions under trained supervision and, after demonstrated competency and authorization, carry out defined procedures independently.
• Ability to work independently on approved tasks and collaboratively with the R&D team. Reactor charging, start-up, shutdown, and abnormal-condition response must follow established supervision and lone-work requirements.
• Ability to perform literature research and apply knowledge to real world applications
• Effective communication skills (written and verbal)
• Strong foundational understanding of chemistry, chemical engineering, polymer science, materials science, or related scientific principles.
• Ability to work independently (including working alone when required), as well as in team environment
• Strong attention to detail
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Willingness to learn new equipment, processes, and technologies
• Basic computer proficiency (e.g., Microsoft Excel, Word)

Education and Experience:

Education

• Currently pursuing or recently completed a bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Polymer Science, Materials Science, or a related field.
• Experience in performing chemical reactions in a lab setting
• Experience performing research in Chemistry, Polymer Science, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related field

Experience

• No prior professional experience required

Preferred

• Prior professional or post-doc laboratory experience in a research setting
• Exposure to polymer processing, compounding, or manufacturing environments
• Interest in materials science, plastics technology, and product development

Working Conditions:

• Primarily operates in a research/QC laboratory setting
• Requires flexible work hours, i.e. shift work during lab polymerization runs and regular work hours during cleanup and characterization days. Full polymerization run takes 12 hours and will require overlapping shifts
• No travel required
• Equipment used includes: laboratory scale polymerization reactor, reactor temperature and mixing control, laboratory reagents, laboratory scales/balances, and other polymer processing equipment