R&D PhD Summer Intern (Bio-functionality Of Polymers)

Location: Mason Business Innovation Center, United States; onsite five days per week

Salary: $60.57 per hour

Company

Procter & Gamble develops consumer packaged goods through product research, formulation, testing, and scientific analysis.

What you will do

• Synthesize biopolymers with predefined functional groups through bacterial fermentation and ex-situ chemical modification.
• Develop a library of biopolymers with tailored properties such as hydrophobicity, adhesion, biodegradability, antimicrobial activity, and binding capacity.
• Culture bacteria and perform microbiological assays to evaluate physical and biological material properties.
• Apply organic chemistry techniques, characterize materials, and interpret experimental data.
• Recommend promising applications for consumer products, paper products, and textiles.

Requirements

• Currently pursuing a PhD in microbiology, chemical biology, polymer chemistry, or materials chemistry.
• Proficiency in aseptic technique, bacterial culturing, basic microbiological assays, and chemical and biological laboratory safety.
• Experience setting up, running, and monitoring organic synthesis reactions.
• Strong problem-solving, data analysis, troubleshooting, and adaptability in a dynamic laboratory environment.
• Available for a 12-week internship from May or early June through August 2027, working onsite five days per week.

Nice to have

• Experience with FTIR, NMR, or XRD characterization techniques.
• Understanding of polymer structures, properties, and material modification.

Culture & Benefits

• Paid 12-week summer internship with mentorship from experienced professionals.
• Opportunity to contribute to R&D projects supporting future consumer product applications.
• Potential mobility and relocation opportunities throughout a future management career.
• Salary, potential bonus, and benefits are part of the total rewards package.
• Immigration sponsorship is not available for this role.