Polymer Chemistry Internship - Fall 2025

Return To Vendor, Co.

Watertown, MA, USA

Published: 6/14/2022

Science

Full Time

Job Description

Do you want to address how we recycle most of the plastic in the ocean? Do you want to test and refine how gloopy something can be? Would you rather talk about rheology than gloopyness? Then you may be the right person to intern at Return to Vendor, a fashion-materials company that is looking to create infinitely recyclable clothing.

Return To Vendor, Co. is seeking a sharp and detail-oriented Polymer Chemistry Intern to join our Technology team for a paid internship at our lab in Watertown this Fall 2025. The successful candidate will have a strong foundation in chemistry and a keen interest in the synthesis, characterization, and application of polymeric materials. This internship offers an inquisitive person hands-on opportunity to learn and apply polymer chemistry principles and see those changes in the lab and at the industrial scale.

Responsibilities

Synthesis and Modification of Polymers:
- Conduct polymer synthesis experiments under the guidance of our PhDs
- A focus on open-ring polymer techniques (no you don't need to know what that is, just be willing to be curious)
- Learn to modify existing polymers to achieve desired properties
Characterization of Polymers:
- Utilize analytical techniques such as NMR, FTIR, GPC, DSC, TGA, and rheometry to determine polymer structure, composition, thermal properties, and mechanical behavior. Will train on all techniques.
- Analyze and interpret characterization data to understand structure-property relationships
- Liaise with external labs for validation testing
Project Support:
- Contribute to ongoing research projects focused on advanced chemical recycling
- Assist in the development of new polymer materials or processes
- Document experimental procedures, results, and analyses in a clear and organized manner
- Assist in testing material extrusion as part of the circularity chain RTV will employ
Collaboration and Communication:
- Work effectively within a small, high-performing team
- Time reserved for literature review of current advances in chemical recycling and sharing with the R&D team
- Present findings and progress updates to team members and supervisors

Qualifications

Currently pursuing or recently completed a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemistry, Biology, Polymer Science, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.(e.g. physics, engineering)
A foundation in chemistry and laboratory techniques
Familiarity with polymer synthesis and characterization methods is a plus
Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills
Detail-oriented and organized work habits
Excellent written and verbal communication skills

DEI

RTV looks to hire a team that reflects the wonderful diversity of our planet. Applicants that feel like they are edge cases or from non-STEM backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

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