Chemistry Intern

We are looking for a Materials Intern to assist with resin formulating testing and production. From soft and flexible rubbers to rigid and tough plastics, the candidate will support the development and testing of the material properties. This is an ideal job for Ambitious 2^nd or 3^rd year student pursuing a bachelor’s degree in material science, chemistry, chemical engineering, or related field looking to gain industry experience in polymer science and/or 3D printable materials. This role supports the Chemistry team in the development and analysis of new products.      

THE OPPORTUNITY 

The Materials Intern will gain knowledge of a corporate, start-up chemistry and material science process by engaging with our dynamic team of chemists and material scientists on projects. The Materials Intern will also have the opportunity to own a project. Projects can focus on resin formulation and/or material characterization. Depending on the project type chosen, the Materials Intern will be responsible for formulating a resin that meets specific material properties expectations or develop characterization methods for material comparisons.   This is all about working in a lab with a team to support chemical and material solutions.   

Specifically, this person will: 

• Shadow members of the material team and assist with resin formulating, testing, and production.
• Conduct qualitative and quantitative studies on how formulation alterations impact material properties.
• Operate instruments used for chemical and material characterization of resins.
• Maintain lab notebook with experimental findings and report findings in a meeting setting.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR IN YOU:

• Ambitious 2^nd or 3^rd year student pursuing a bachelor’s degree in material science, chemistry, chemical engineering, or related field looking to gain industry experience in polymer science and/or 3D printable materials.
• Familiar and comfortable working in a wet lab environment.
• Completed organic chemistry courses on a polymer chemistry track.
• You love to be hands-on and are excited about working with polymer materials of any kind from resins, coatings, adhesives, elastomers to composites, thermoplastics, and thermosets.
• You are passionate about scientific and technical problems and analyze these problems with rigor to pose innovative and practical solutions.
• You focus on the details, always looking for new ways to do things better the next time.
• Are a problem-solver and trouble-shooter.  When something does not work, you think creatively and do what it takes to figure it out.  The phrase “I don’t know” is not in your lexicon. 
• Enjoy getting your hands dirty.  We are a start-up which means we need people to roll up their sleeves and that is what you like to do.
• Take initiative.  You do not wait for someone to tell you what to do.  You see a need and you take it on.
• Are not fazed by a fast-paced environment. We are ambitious with our timelines and have milestones are driving toward hitting.  
• Have a deep sense of integrity.  You believe in doing things well, not cutting corners, and treating people with respect. 

HOW YOU WILL REALLY STAND OUT:

• Have a working knowledge of various polymer chemistry and material characterization instruments (DSC, DMA, Viscometer, tensile tester).
• Experienced with vat polymerizable 3D printing processes.
• Completed research in the field of polymers or composites.
• Knowledge of common modeling and slicing software.

 HERE’S WHAT WE ANTICIPATE FOR YOUR SUMMER INTERSHIP EXPERIENCE WITH AZUL 3D: 

 Within two to four weeks, you will: 

• Become familiar with the Chemistry team and processes.
• Gain insight into how our 3D printer functions.
• Shadow members of the material team and assist with resin formulating, testing, and production.
• Maintain lab notebook with experimental findings and report findings in a meeting setting.

  Within four to eight weeks, you will: 

• Conduct qualitative and quantitative studies on how formulation alterations impact material properties.
• Operate instruments used for chemical and material characterization of resins.
• Produce a project with a focus on property specific resin formulation and/or material characterization method optimization.
• Present the project and findings to Azul 3D engineers and chemists including the leadership team.