Research Intern, Infinitely Recyclable Plastics

Position Overview 

Are you passionate about sustainability and advancing new solutions to mitigate plastic waste buildup? Are you interested in getting hands-on experience in hard tech innovations and entrepreneurship?

FLO Materials is looking for a motivated technical intern who is excited to work with a fast-paced and energetic team to build new innovative plastics recycling solutions. A successful candidate will approach technical challenges with creative solutions, and have excellent organizational, time management, and communication skills.

Company Overview

FLO Materials is commercializing a new polymer platform that enables recyclability for products that are currently challenging to recycle. Chemical recycling allows plastics to be recycled without losing mechanical performance or aesthetic quality. This infinitely recyclable network of polymers will enable sustainable manufacturing, increase materials efficiency, and lead the transition to a more circular economy. The company is located at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab with technical co-founders as part of the Activate 2021 Cohort.

Join us in building the future of circular plastics.

Opportunities in Role

• Help design and develop new polymer formulations
• Evaluate the aesthetic and mechanical performance of new polymer formulations
• Conduct recycling experiments on polymer formulations
• Learn transferable technical skills including chemical synthesis, materials characterization, plastics manufacturing and recycling techniques.
• Learn entrepreneurial skills including intellectual property creation and protection, grant writing, product development and fundraising.

On an average day…

• Chemical synthesis of new plastics formulations
• Materials characterization of organic molecules and polymers
• Analyze mechanical, rheological, and optical properties of virgin and recycled materials
• Data management and data visualization
• Communicate scientific results to founders
• Support core team to drive product development 

Required Qualifications: 

• Flexible schedule with minimum of 20 hours per week of availability
• Pursuing a B.S./M.S./Ph.D. in scientific disciplines such as chemistry, materials science, engineering, physics, or related fields
• Previous lab experience in organic chemistry and/or polymer characterization
• Excellent organizational and communication skills
• Ability to prioritize responsibilities, multi-task and remain flexible and motivated in a fast-paced team
• Ability to work independently

Bonus Qualifications:  

• Experience with material characterization equipment (NMR, DSC, DMA, etc.)
• Experience with design software (AutoCAD, SolidWorks, etc.)
• Rapid prototyping tools (laser cutter, 3D printer, CNC machine, etc.)

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion, or other employment practices for reasons of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, marital or veteran status, medical condition or disability, or any other legally protected status.

To apply, please send resume and short description of your interest and background to [email protected]. 

Interested candidates are welcome to schedule a 15 min chat with the FLO team here.