Graduate Chemical Research Intern

The Heritage Group is a fourth-generation, family-owned business focused on construction and materials, environmental services and specialty chemicals. Over the last 90+ years, the Heritage portfolio has grown to include more than 50 companies that employ more than 6,000 people. What unites this diverse group of businesses and individuals is our commitment to create a safer, more enriching, and sustainable world by harnessing the power of family.

The Heritage Research Group assists The Heritage Group companies, customers, and partners in evolving and adapting to an ever-changing marketplace. Heritage Research Group provides innovative products, processes, and training that constantly improve the way The Heritage Group companies serve their clients and deliver solutions to address the myriad of challenges their clients face. It also creates new technologies that fuel further business opportunities for The Heritage Group.

Heritage Research Group is seeking a graduate student studying organic, inorganic, organometallic, polymer, or related chemical discipline for a summer internship position in chemistry research. The role will focus on bench-scale R&D for new product development, scaling for manufacturing, and process optimization for projects in the areas of road construction and materials, specialty chemicals, and waste recycling and valorization. The qualified candidate should have direct lab experience with chemical synthesis, materials analysis, and/or application testing. Duties include but are not limited to sample preparation, syntheses, material screening, analysis, report writing, and other laboratory duties as designated by the direct supervisor.

Essential Functions

• Effectively and safely participate in R&D efforts through catalyst screening/development, sample synthesis, and material analysis.
• Guide research direction for projects in collaboration with direct supervisor.
• Have mechanical ability and fine motor skills.
• Able to do multiple tasks, and work on parallel projects.
• Maintain a well-organized workspace.
• Ability to identify and resolve issues (troubleshooting).
• Complete actions with high levels of attention to detail.
• Ability to document testing activities in lab notebook.
• Effective communication skills (oral and written).
• Effective time management.

• Additional duties and responsibilities as assigned, including but not limited to continuously growing in alignment with the Company’s core values, competencies, and skills.

Education Qualifications

• Required High School or Equivalent
• Required Bachelor's Degree in chemistry, engineering, or related field OR an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• Preferred PhD : Currently in 3rd or 4th year of program studying chemistry or related field.

Experience Qualifications

• Preferred 1+ years of previous experience working in a laboratory environment.

Skills and Abilities

• Understanding and implementation of safe laboratory practices.
• Candidates must be comfortable working in a laboratory environment and be able to work independently (after appropriate training) with high personal accountability.
• Basic computer proficiency is required including Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
• Experience handling hazardous waste preferred.
• Knowledge of hazardous waste classifications preferred.
• Desire to innovate and achieve excellence in research.
• Ability to work both independently and as a member of a larger team.
• Ability to communicate clearly with peers, supervisors, and external collaborators.

Working Conditions/Physical Demands

• Must be able to lift, carry, or otherwise move up to 40 pounds occasionally.
• Must be able to wear lab PPE for up to 8 hours of lab time.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

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