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Undergraduate Chemistry

Co-ops, Internships, and Jobs

University Career Resources

Please visit the Eberly College of Science Office of Science Engagement for other career resources.  Many science-related internship and co-op opportunities can be found using the Career Services Nittany Lion Career Network.

You can also visit the Penn State career services website

Additional Job, Internship, and Co-op Opportunities

Participating in an co-op, internship, or job is a great way to put your education into action! Penn State has strong connections to the chemical industry, and the Department of Chemistry fosters connections that allow students to be placed in top-notch industrial internships.  Explore additional opportunities below:

Co-ops, Internships, and Jobs

Dow has an exciting and challenging opportunity for a Senior R&D/TS&D Technician in the polymer synthesis group in the Formulation, Automation and Materials Science (FAMS) capability of Core R&D located in Collegeville, PA. 

FAMS is strategically aligned to Dow businesses, accelerating innovation and enabling custom solutions to meet the needs of Dow’s customers. The technologist in this role will work as part of a team in a laboratory supporting lead scientist and R&D technologists in developing, screening and commercializing new products and process.

Day to day work will involve planning experiments, running polymerizations reactions (including emulsion polymerization and solution polymerizations), and measuring physical polymer properties. Results will be organized and maintained in an electronic laboratory notebook and communicated effectively with coworkers and supervisors. Efficient computer skills are needed to prepare experiments and to analyze and report results. 

The desired candidate will have a basic understanding of organic chemistry and a desire to learn polymer synthesis. Previous synthesis experience is highly desired.  The desired candidate is an independent learner who desires to work in a team environment, is comfortable with analytical equipment, adept in the use of software platforms, and has good interpersonal and organizational skills. The candidate must have the flexibility to adapt to the changing needs of their project team and the overall FAMS organization.  The candidate may be asked to train and work with some of FAMS high throughput synthesis tools.  The ability to work safely and independently is a must. 

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Intertek is a leading Total Quality Assurance provider to industries worldwide. Our network of more than 1,000 laboratories and offices and over 43,000 people in more than 100 countries, delivers innovative and bespoke Assurance, Testing, Inspection and Certification solutions for our customers’ operations and supply chains. Intertek Total Quality Assurance expertise, delivered consistently with precision, pace and passion, enabling our customers to power ahead safely.

 

This team serves the chemical and pharmaceutical industries with a diverse range of services, from chemical testing and consultancy to inspection, contract laboratory services, regulatory guidance and supply chain assurance

 

 

The Chemical Technician will support the Chemicals and Pharma business by efficiently performing various chemical and physical analyses, primarily on pharmacuetical products. We’re looking for someone with ability to utilize non-complex and complex instrumentation.

 

 

Duties:



Provides support for chemists

Prepares samples, standards and solutions

Sets up, adjusts, operates and calibrates basic laboratory equipment and instruments

Performs ICP-OES or ICP-MS or LCMS analyses

Performs standard lab analyses under direct supervision

Prepares and documents test results in lab records, including notebooks, audit trails, standardized forms, and other documentation

Performs work in compliance with current procedures and regulations

Performs general laboratory housekeeping duties

Orders supplies as requested, or communicates to supervisor the need to order supplies

Computer literate with common PC based applications

Writes, revises and reviews SOPs related to job function

Has basic knowledge of commonly used concepts, practices, procedures, and regulations

Works under immediate supervision

Primary job functions do not typically require exercising independent judgement

Performs other duties or special projects as required or as assigned



REQUIREMENTS:

BA/BS Chemistry, Biology, Biochemistry, Environmental Science, Chemical or Biochemical Engineering 

Any related industry experience in an analytical laboratory is a plus

Prefer candidate with cGMP and ICP or LCMS experience

Knowledge of laboratory safety precautions and protocols for safe handling and the disposal of hazardous agents/reagents, chemicals and materials

Organization, communication and analytical skills

Ability to understand and effectively communicate technical and business information, both oral and written to others, including co-workers, supervisors, subordinates, clients, and vendors

Intermediate mathematical skills, including: algebraic functions, statistics (mean, median, standard deviation, variance, probability) and scientific calculators

 

A career with Intertek means joining a global network of professionals dedicated to bringing quality and safety to life. Our vision is to become the world’s most trusted partner for Quality Assurance and we offer our employees the chance to make an impact with attractive growth opportunities in this industry on a global scale.

 

We offer a salary and benefit package competitively placed within the local market, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, 401(k) with company match, tuition reimbursement and more.

 

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against applicants due to veteran status or on the basis of disability. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, or gender identity.

 

Intertek is a drug-free workplace. As a condition of employment, all hires are required to pass a pre-employment drug test.

 

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