Co-Op, Materials Science, Heterogeneous Catalysis

Location: Cambridge, MA, USA; hands-on lab work at the Alewife site

Company

Builds AI-guided scientific systems and automated instruments for autonomous discovery across medicine, materials, and energy.

What you will do

• Synthesize heterogeneous catalysts and prepare samples for performance testing.
• Run batch and flow reactor tests to measure activity, selectivity, and stability.
• Characterize materials using XRD, BET, TGA, FTIR, chemisorption, or similar techniques.
• Analyze experimental data to identify trends in material structure, composition, and catalytic performance.
• Support automated and high-throughput synthesis workflows in collaboration with engineering, scientific, and data teams.
• Document protocols and results and present findings to the team.

Requirements

• Currently enrolled in a Master's or PhD program in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field.
• Hands-on laboratory experience with materials synthesis or catalyst testing.
• Working knowledge of common characterization techniques, including XRD, BET, TGA, FTIR, or similar.
• Ability to handle chemicals safely and follow laboratory safety protocols.
• Strong attention to detail in experimental execution and record keeping.
• Clear written and verbal communication of experimental results.

Nice to have

• Experience with batch or flow reactors or gas sorption measurements.
• Exposure to high-throughput experimentation or laboratory automation platforms.
• Data analysis or scripting experience in Python, R, or MATLAB.
• Coursework or research involving zeolites, MOFs, or other porous materials.

Culture & Benefits

• Startup-speed environment focused on scientific discovery and complex global challenges.
• Work alongside scientists, automation engineers, and data scientists.
• Exposure to AI-guided materials discovery and data-rich experimental science.
• Values include truth, trust, curiosity, grit, and velocity.
• Equal employment opportunity across legally protected characteristics.