Analytical Science Lab Assistant Co-op

At Dow, we believe in putting people first and we’re passionate about delivering integrity, respect and safety to our customers, our employees and the planet. 

Our people are at the heart of our solutions. They reflect the communities we live in and the world where we do business. Their diversity is our strength. We’re a community of relentless problem solvers that offers the daily opportunity to contribute with your perspective, transform industries and shape the future. Our purpose is simple - to deliver a sustainable future for the world through science and collaboration.If you’re looking for a challenge and meaningful role, you’re in the right place.

Dow has an exciting part-time cooperative education job opportunity available in Midland, MI. This position is open to qualified and highly-committed college students enrolled in a fully accredited college or university located very close to the Midland Dow site. Unlike a short-term internship project outside of school terms, this particular role is a long-term, year-round, undergraduate student position -- at least one full year in duration -- while the student is simultaneously taking classes toward an undergraduate degree. This opportunity offers the student valuable professional work experience in a dynamic, multi-national corporation interfacing with colleagues and leaders in many different roles. This program is designed for academically successful students who meet ALL of the specific job and co-op program requirements listed below and who can simultaneously succeed both in school and in a professional work environment.

Job Purpose

The position exists to provide administrative support for the Analytical Science R&D Organization.

Key Job Responsibilities

Key responsibilities include, but not limited to:

• Works as part of a team in a laboratory supporting chemists and engineers in characterizing materials by preparing samples and utilizing analytical instruments such as Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectroscopy (NMR), Gas Chromatography (GC), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and other analytical methods.
• Manages and then safely executes laboratory work requests, maintaining and running relevant laboratory apparatus and testing equipment and documenting data.Accurately and reliably records readings and observations using relevant equipment and instruments, understanding how assigned duties integrate with others in the team.
• Acts responsible for calibration, safe operation, and routine maintenance of simple and moderately complex instruments or machinery, and troubleshoots faulty equipment effects repairs or initiates repair processes as appropriate.
• Maintains inventories of consumable materials, chemicals, and supplies related to activities by anticipating usage rates, order lead times, and ordering/purchasing procedures, impacting the accuracy of own work.
• Promptly and effectively communicates issues to Technology Leader or lead scientists in order to enable or accelerate problem resolution.
• Actively participate in work group team meetings to address safety, process improvement, problem solving, and other work group, department, and functional topics.

Required & Preferred Qualifications

• There is no required course of study for this position, but students pursuing a degree in a Science, Technology, or Engineering (STE) discipline may be best fit for this position.
• Student must be able to deliver a quality work product, pay attention to details, prioritize tasks, and follow through on details to completion.
• Student must be efficient and productive and be able to keep up with deadlines committed to.
• Student should be able to take initiative on work that needs to be done, ask for clarity or additional instruction when needed, and be able to work independently as well as cooperatively with the team.
• Student should be flexible, cooperative and have a positive attitude.

Preferred Skills

• Laboratory Skills - Supports experiments by preparing samples and following established laboratory procedures.
• Technical Learning - Learns to operate analytical equipment and apply new testing methods with guidance.
• Safety Awareness - Follows laboratory safety requirements and handles chemicals and equipment responsibly.
• Attention to Detail - Accurately records data, readings, and observations.
• Organization - Prioritizes assignments, manages supplies, and completes work by established deadlines.
• Problem Solving - Identifies equipment or testing issues and asks for support when needed.
• Teamwork - Works cooperatively with scientists, engineers, and other team members.
• Digital and Coding Skills - Uses or develops coding and digital tools, such as Python, Excel, or laboratory software, to organize data, improve workflows, and support technical work.  

Critical Requirements of the Local Student College Co-Op Program

• Must be 18 years of age or older
• High school diploma/GED and already enrolled at an accredited college or university located close to the Midland Dow site, pursuing an undergraduate degree.
• Successfully complete a minimum of 6 credit hours per term during both the Fall and Winter terms (~Sept-Apr).
• Seeking high performing student with strong GPAs of 3.000+ is preferred
• Able to begin work very soon, usually within 3 weeks of the job offer, and work year-round at least 16 hours each week ONLY during our regular business hours (8am-5pm, Mon-Fri…max 8 hours/day and 30/week during school).
• Commit to the role for at least 1 full calendar year (BEFORE completing classes for your stated undergraduate degree or BEFORE transferring out of the area). Students available longer than one year before completing their degree program are preferred and advantaged.
• Reliable attendance and punctuality in commuting to work daily or at least 2 days a week; therefore, dependable transportation, dedication and time management skills are absolutely required.
• Since this is a Local Co-op position, candidates must live within 50 miles of the Dow site to which they are applying
• Any current Dow college co-ops wishing to transfer into this role must have been in their current role at least one full year, must have at least one full year left before graduating or transferring out of the area, and must have supervisor approval before applying to each Dow co-op job posting.

Candidates who receive a job offer will be required to pass a background check and will verify school-related requirements and I-9 documentation before being hired into Dow.

A minimum requirement for this U.S. based position is the ability to work legally in the United States. No visa sponsorship/support is available for this position, including for any type of U.S. permanent residency (green card) process.

About Dow

Dow (NYSE: DOW) is one of the world’s leading materials science companies, serving customers in high-growth markets such as packaging, infrastructure, mobility and consumer applications. Our global breadth, asset integration and scale, focused innovation, leading business positions and commitment to sustainability enable us to achieve profitable growth and help deliver a sustainable future. We operate manufacturing sites in 30 countries and employ approximately 36,000 people. Dow delivered sales of approximately $43 billion in 2024. References to Dow or the Company mean Dow Inc. and its subsidiaries. ​​​​Learn more about us and our ambition to be the most innovative, customer-centric, inclusive and sustainable materials science company in the world by visiting www.dow.com.

As part of our dedication to inclusion, Dow is committed to equal opportunities in employment. We encourage every employee to bring their whole self to work each day to not only deliver more value, but also have a more fulfilling career. Further information regarding Dow's equal opportunities is available on www.dow.com.

Dow is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and is committed to providing opportunities without regard for race, color, religion, sex, including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity, national origin, age, disability and genetic information, including family medical history. We are also committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may call us at 1-833-My Dow HR (833-693-6947) and select option 8.