Chemist Internships
Chemist internships give university students, recent graduates, and early-career switchers hands-on project experience, mentorship from working chemists, and, at many employers, a path toward a full-time offer. Openings cover Chemicals & Materials, Science & Research, and Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals, with Clean Harbors, MAPEI Corporation, and Elanco among the employers posting roles now.
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Veolia Group is a global leader in environmental services, operating across all five continents with nearly 218,000 employees. Specializing in water, energy, and waste management. Veolia Group designs and implements innovative solutions for decarbonization, depollution, and resource regeneration, supporting communities and industries in their ecological transformation.
Within this framework, Veolia’s Water Technology Business brings together a dedicated team of experienced professionals committed to tackling the world’s most complex challenges related to water scarcity, quality, productivity, and energy. Together, we pursue a shared mission to create a more sustainable future.
Job Description
As a Chemist Intern, you will lead and support projects from initiation through completion.
Working alongside cross-functional teams in engineering, operations, and quality assurance, you will gain hands-on experience optimizing safety standards, refining manufacturing processes, updating laboratory standard operating procedures (SOPs), and driving continuous quality improvement initiatives.
Duties & Responsibilities:
- Provide day to day support for monitoring, optimizing, and maintaining the laboratory.
- Perform routine testing on raw materials, in-process, and finished materials using analytical instrumentation and wet chemistry methodologies.
- Perform non-routine testing in support of process and chemistry troubleshooting.
- Perform instrument validations and calibrations.
- Calculate chemical adjustments for in-process material.
- Document observations, author technical reports, and present findings to key stakeholders.
- Prepare product and raw material samples for shipment to other Veolia laboratories.
- Actively participate in Laboratory Standard Operating Procedure Reviews.
- Provide data analysis and interpretation of analytical results.
- Help research chemical reactions.
- Perform other duties as required by management.
- Adhere strictly to all Veolia policies and Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) guidelines.
Specific Projects (subject to changes based on needs to facility):
- Assist in the execution of Management of Change (MOC) projects relating to Quality and Laboratory.
- Conduct bench-scale chemistry experiments under the guidance of the Quality Manager.
- Learn and support QC testing
- Formalize site Laboratory Instrument Calibration Program.
- Deliver a capstone presentation to site leadership at the end of the internship term, detailing project outcomes and key learnings.
Outcomes:
The Chemist Intern can expect to gain practical experience in a broad range of areas
such as:
- Design and execute technical solutions aligned with core business objectives.
- Develop project management skills, project planning abilities, and independent problem-solving skills.
- Translate academic knowledge and chemical principles into industrial manufacturing applications.
- Gain exposure to real-world operational and technical troubleshooting in a chemical production environment.
Qualifications
Basic Qualifications:
- Currently enrolled in an accredited University Degree Program (preferably junior or senior) OR Bachelors in Science in Chemistry
- Pursuing a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Chemistry or a related scientific discipline.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, Word)
Internship Duration:
- Spring, Summer, Fall
Reporting Structure:
- Reports to the Quality Manager
Additional Information
At Veolia, we realize diverse teams make smarter decisions, deliver better results, and build stronger communities. We’re an organization that champions diversity and inclusion at every rung of the ladder and are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace.
To ensure transparency and compliance with employment laws, we provide the following details regarding this position:
Compensation:
The compensation range is tied to the market for similarly bench-marked roles. The range is not an absolute, but a guide, and offers will be based on the individual candidate’s knowledge, skills, experience and market conditions, as well as internal peer equity. Depending upon all the preceding considerations for the final selected individual candidate, the offer may be lower or higher than the stated range: $20.00 - $25.00 USD.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) Disclosure:
We do not use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to screen, assess, or select applicants for this position.
Vacancy Status:
This posting is for an existing vacancy.
Veolia does not accept unsolicited resumes from external recruiting firms. All vendors must have a current and fully executed MSA on file before submitting candidates. Any unsolicited resumes and candidate profiles will be deemed the property of the company and no fee will be due.
As an inclusive company, Veolia is committed to diversity and gives equal consideration to all applications, without discrimination.
As an inclusive company, Veolia is committed to diversity and gives equal consideration to all applications, without discrimination.
Veolia Group is a global leader in environmental services, operating across all five continents with nearly 218,000 employees. Specializing in water, energy, and waste management. Veolia Group designs and implements innovative solutions for decarbonization, depollution, and resource regeneration, supporting communities and industries in their ecological transformation.
Within this framework, Veolia’s Water Technology Business brings together a dedicated team of experienced professionals committed to tackling the world’s most complex challenges related to water scarcity, quality, productivity, and energy. Together, we pursue a shared mission to create a more sustainable future.
Job Description
As a Chemist Intern, you will lead and support projects from initiation through completion.
Working alongside cross-functional teams in engineering, operations, and quality assurance, you will gain hands-on experience optimizing safety standards, refining manufacturing processes, updating laboratory standard operating procedures (SOPs), and driving continuous quality improvement initiatives.
Duties & Responsibilities:
- Provide day to day support for monitoring, optimizing, and maintaining the laboratory.
- Perform routine testing on raw materials, in-process, and finished materials using analytical instrumentation and wet chemistry methodologies.
- Perform non-routine testing in support of process and chemistry troubleshooting.
- Perform instrument validations and calibrations.
- Calculate chemical adjustments for in-process material.
- Document observations, author technical reports, and present findings to key stakeholders.
- Prepare product and raw material samples for shipment to other Veolia laboratories.
- Actively participate in Laboratory Standard Operating Procedure Reviews.
- Provide data analysis and interpretation of analytical results.
- Help research chemical reactions.
- Perform other duties as required by management.
- Adhere strictly to all Veolia policies and Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) guidelines.
Specific Projects (subject to changes based on needs to facility):
- Assist in the execution of Management of Change (MOC) projects relating to Quality and Laboratory.
- Conduct bench-scale chemistry experiments under the guidance of the Quality Manager.
- Learn and support QC testing
- Formalize site Laboratory Instrument Calibration Program.
- Deliver a capstone presentation to site leadership at the end of the internship term, detailing project outcomes and key learnings.
Outcomes:
The Chemist Intern can expect to gain practical experience in a broad range of areas
such as:
- Design and execute technical solutions aligned with core business objectives.
- Develop project management skills, project planning abilities, and independent problem-solving skills.
- Translate academic knowledge and chemical principles into industrial manufacturing applications.
- Gain exposure to real-world operational and technical troubleshooting in a chemical production environment.
Qualifications
Basic Qualifications:
- Currently enrolled in an accredited University Degree Program (preferably junior or senior) OR Bachelors in Science in Chemistry
- Pursuing a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Chemistry or a related scientific discipline.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, Word)
Internship Duration:
- Spring, Summer, Fall
Reporting Structure:
- Reports to the Quality Manager
Additional Information
At Veolia, we realize diverse teams make smarter decisions, deliver better results, and build stronger communities. We’re an organization that champions diversity and inclusion at every rung of the ladder and are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace.
To ensure transparency and compliance with employment laws, we provide the following details regarding this position:
Compensation:
The compensation range is tied to the market for similarly bench-marked roles. The range is not an absolute, but a guide, and offers will be based on the individual candidate’s knowledge, skills, experience and market conditions, as well as internal peer equity. Depending upon all the preceding considerations for the final selected individual candidate, the offer may be lower or higher than the stated range: $20.00 - $25.00 USD.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) Disclosure:
We do not use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to screen, assess, or select applicants for this position.
Vacancy Status:
This posting is for an existing vacancy.
Veolia does not accept unsolicited resumes from external recruiting firms. All vendors must have a current and fully executed MSA on file before submitting candidates. Any unsolicited resumes and candidate profiles will be deemed the property of the company and no fee will be due.
As an inclusive company, Veolia is committed to diversity and gives equal consideration to all applications, without discrimination.
As an inclusive company, Veolia is committed to diversity and gives equal consideration to all applications, without discrimination.
Chemist Internship Market
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Chemicals & Materials
- Science & Research
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals
Tips for Your Chemist Internship Search
Apply months before the internship starts
Large pharmaceutical, chemical, and materials companies open summer intern applications the previous fall, often in September or October. Smaller employers and co-op programs post closer to their start dates. Check listings regularly so you catch both cycles and don't miss early-closing cohorts.
Build a project record before you apply
Hiring teams for chemist interns assess candidates on lab projects, not job history. Document two or three complete experiments or research projects, name the instruments and techniques you used, and have a written report, poster, or lab notebook ready to share. That artifact does more work than a long list of coursework titles.
Work your campus network alongside direct applications
Campus career fairs surface structured programs tied to your university, and professors or career center staff often know which employers recruit from your school before roles post publicly. Apply directly to companies running smaller cohorts at the same time, since many chemist intern openings at mid-size employers never appear at university events.
Practice technical screens out loud before your first interview
Chemist intern interviews typically include a technical conversation covering lab techniques, analytical methods, or problem-solving scenarios drawn from your coursework and projects. Practice explaining your reasoning out loud, not just arriving at an answer, since interviewers weigh how you think through a problem as much as whether you get it right.
Target structured internship programs at larger employers
Many large chemical, pharmaceutical, and consumer products companies run formal summer cohort programs designed to train people new to the field. These programs pair you with a dedicated mentor, structured project milestones, and a cohort of peers. They recruit early and fill fast, so identify the programs that match your chemistry discipline and apply in the first wave.
Set your work-type filter before you start searching
On-site roles are 100% of the chemist internships listed here. Bench and lab work is almost always on-site, while computational, data, and regulatory roles are more likely to be remote or hybrid. Decide what you can commit to first, then filter by location and work type on Migrate Mate so you spend your time on roles you can actually accept.
Chemist Internships: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a chemist internship?
Lead with coursework and personal projects rather than work history, since hiring teams expect limited experience at the intern level. For chemist candidates, a lab notebook, documented experiment writeups, or an independent research project gives recruiters something concrete to assess. Combine direct applications with campus career fairs, where recruiters often make decisions faster for students they meet in person.
Can a chemist internship turn into a full-time job?
Many employers extend return offers to strong interns, but conversion is never guaranteed. For chemist interns, what actually drives it is performance on real lab or project work, available headcount on the team, and whether return-offer decisions come before you graduate. Position yourself by treating every assignment as permanent-hire work without counting on a specific outcome.
When should I apply for chemist internships?
Earlier than most candidates expect. Large employers in pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and materials science recruit their summer intern cohorts the preceding fall, sometimes as early as September or October. Smaller companies and co-op programs post closer to their start dates, so openings appear year-round and rewarding opportunities come up outside the traditional summer cycle too.
Are chemist internships paid?
Most professional chemist internships in the United States are paid. Compensation varies by company size, industry, and location, and listings show it where the employer discloses it. Unpaid arrangements are more common at nonprofits or academic labs, so check each listing carefully and factor location costs into your decision.
What should a chemist internship resume include?
Lead with projects, not work history. Include two or three complete, documented projects with the techniques and instruments used, such as HPLC methods, spectroscopic analysis, or synthesis procedures, and link to any published reports, lab write-ups, or research posters where the work is visible. Add relevant coursework in organic chemistry, analytical methods, or materials science, and keep everything to one page.
Are there remote chemist internships?
Yes. Remote and hybrid roles make up 0% of the chemist internship listings here, with the rest on-site. Fully remote chemist internships tend to focus on computational chemistry, cheminformatics, data analysis, or regulatory work rather than bench-based roles. Remote cohorts fill fast, so apply early and filter by work type to see them.
Can international students get chemist internships?
Yes. F-1 students can intern through CPT while enrolled or through OPT work authorization after finishing a degree, and the employer does not have to file anything for either, so many companies are open to international interns. Confirm your eligibility and timing with your university's international student office before accepting an offer.
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