R&D PhD Summer Intern – Polymer Synthesis (Polymer Science)

Location: Mason Business and Innovation Center, United States; onsite 3–5 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 polymer materials with controlled molecular architectures using established internal and published methods.
• Characterize synthesized materials using NMR, SEC/GPC, FTIR, rheology, thermal analysis, and related techniques.
• Prepare and test materials to evaluate physical, mechanical, and performance properties.
• Compare experimental results with computational model predictions to assess accuracy and identify refinement opportunities.
• Collaborate with experimental polymer scientists and computational modelers on materials innovation research.

Requirements

• Currently pursuing a PhD in Polymer Science, Polymer Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Macromolecular Science and Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Expertise in polymer synthesis and modification, including functionalization of polysaccharides and other natural materials.
• Ability to independently plan and execute laboratory research, analyze scientific data, interpret results, and troubleshoot technical problems.
• Experience preparing and testing materials for physical, mechanical, and performance properties.
• Ability to work onsite at the Mason Business and Innovation Center 3–5 days per week.

Nice to have

• Knowledge of polymer physics, soft materials, molecular modeling, molecular simulation, coarse-grained modeling, or self-consistent field theory.
• Experience working in multidisciplinary experimental and computational research teams.
• Proficiency with Python-based scientific computing and data analysis tools.

Culture & Benefits

• Paid 12-week internship running from May or potentially early June through August 2027.
• Opportunity to learn from experienced professionals in a supportive R&D environment.
• Internship work supports active industrial materials innovation efforts.
• Immigration sponsorship is not available for this role.