Laboratory Intern

Responsibilities

We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Summer Intern to support our PhD-level scientists, technical staff and lab manager in polymer processing, compounding, and materials characterization.

This internship provides hands-on experience with real laboratory workflows, exposure to advanced polymer technologies, and the opportunity to contribute to active innovation projects, with a focus on our healthcare development efforts.

Key Responsibilities:


* Laboratory Processing & Compounding
+ Prepare, weigh, and stage raw materials for extrusion, mixing, and molding trials
+ Assist with operation of lab-scale equipment
+ Support process setup, shutdown, cleaning, and material changeovers
+ Document processing parameters and maintain orderly lab logistics


* Testing & Characterization Support
+ Prepare samples and operate testing equipment including:
o Injection molding presses
o Mechanical testing (tensile, impact, hardness)
o Rheology and melt flow instrumentation
+ Perform routine data collection, record observations, and ensure data integrity
+ Assist in quality checks, calibration, and equipment readiness


* Scientific & Operational Collaboration
+ Work directly with PhD scientists and technicians to support experimental plans and research objectives
+ Maintain clear lab notebooks, follow experimental protocols, and participate in team discussions
+ Support continuous improvement in lab safety, organization, and workflow efficiency

Qualifications



* Currently pursuing a BS or MS degree in a relevant STEM field


* Strong interest in polymers, materials, or chemical processing


* Demonstrated ability to follow instructions precisely and document work accurately


* Comfortable with hands-on work, mechanical equipment, and experimental troubleshooting


* Strong communication, time management, and teamwork skills

About Us

Our purpose at Avient Corporation is to be an innovator of materials solutions that help our customers succeed, while enabling a sustainable world.

Innovation goes far beyond materials science; it's powered by the passion, creativity, and diverse expertise of 9,000 professionals worldwide.

Whether you're a finance wizard, a tech enthusiast, an operational powerhouse, an HR changemaker, or a trailblazer in materials development, you'll find your place at Avient.

Join our global team and help shape the future with sustainable solutions that transform possibilities into realities.

Your unique perspective could be the key to our next breakthrough!

We believe that all of our global employees are leaders and that the six most important behaviors for driving our strategy and culture are the same no matter if an employee is a leader of self, a leader of others, or a leader of the business.

By playing to win, acting customer centric, d...