Materials Science Laboratory Intern

Who We Are:

The Polymers Center is a pioneering research and development organization dedicated to advancing the polymer and plastics industry through applied research, toll compounding, injection molding, and materials testing. Located in Charlotte, NC, we collaborate with forward-thinking clients to develop innovative, next-generation products.

The Internship Experience:

We are seeking a Materials Science Laboratory Intern for the upcoming summer who is eager to gain hands-on experience in polymer formulations, laboratory testing, and product development. This internship offers a unique opportunity to work directly with qualified polymer experts, engage with real-world customer projects, and contribute to meaningful technical outcomes in a fast-paced laboratory environment.

The intern will support laboratory testing, data analysis, and internal technical initiatives while learning best practices in materials characterization, regulatory testing, and technical communication.

Technical Responsibilities of the Job:

• Conduct laboratory testing on lab-scale samples, production trial samples, and ongoing customer and internal development projects
• Perform physical and chemical property testing in accordance with applicable test standards.
• Collect, document, and organize test data, observations, and results.
• Prepare summaries and assist with interpretation of experimental data.
• Communicate findings and observations to management, technical staff, and, when appropriate, customers.
• Assist with the setup, operation, troubleshooting, and routine maintenance of laboratory and sample preparation equipment.
• Support evaluation of competitive materials and benchmarking studies.
• Assist in the evaluation and validation of new raw materials.
• Support internal troubleshooting efforts and non-routine customer inquiries as needed.
• Help maintain and improve laboratory testing procedures and sample preparation methods.
• Manage multiple tasks concurrently to support timely project completion.
• Assist with manual, hands-on tasks supporting production environments and injection molding activities, as needed.

What We’re Looking For:

• Completion of junior year toward a bachelor’s degree in a technical field required.
• Prior hands-on laboratory experience (academic or industry) in product development, analytical services, or materials characterization.
• Familiarity with laboratory techniques such as thermal analysis, physical testing, spectroscopic or other material characterization methods.
• Experience using auxiliary lab equipment, i.e., small lab ovens, temperature or humidity monitoring devices.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and enjoyment of hands-on experiential.
• Ability to work with limited supervision.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

The Polymers Center located in Charlotte North Carolina is a full-service research and technology hub that was established in collaboration with NC State University and the University of North Carolina-Charlotte to further knowledge, offer technical assistance, and help businesses in the plastics industry. The facility includes innovative lab equipment and a diverse mix of product pilot lines that bring innovative solutions to customers in the polymers and plastics markets. We provide the chance to work with experts in the field in a unique setting with the finest technology to enhance the performance of products.

At The Polymers Center, we understand that our greatest asset is our people. If you are interested in working for an innovation hub and enjoy solving complex challenges, consider joining our team.