Research and Development Associate Internships
Research and development associate internships give university students, recent graduates, and early-career switchers hands-on project experience, mentorship from working scientists and engineers, and, at many employers, a path toward a full-time offer. Openings are concentrated across Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals, Medical Devices, and Agriculture & Farming, with General Motors (GM), Aldevron, and SIG SAUER among the employers posting roles now.
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Showing 5 of 38+ Research and Development Associate Internships
Job Title:
2027 CO-OP-Hardcoat Research and DevelopmentSummary:
The Hardcoat Research and Development CO-OP will contribute to the growth of Hardcoat Technology through support of NPI programs and Platforms. The Intern will develop critical structure-property knowledge that can be applied to multiple programs/customers. The CO-OP will investigate the effect of formulation and processing changes on hardcoat performance, particularly with respect to coating performance failures for thermal cure hardcoat systems on polycarbonate or metal substrates, glass substrates and other substrates. Additionally, the work could include documentation and standardization of Hardcoat developmental data.Responsibilities Include:
Contributions to Hardcoat Thermal Cure Next Generation Platforms which includes the following focus areas:
- Effect of chemistry and process parameters on chemical resistance, adhesion and cracking.
- Effects of additives to improve adhesion to wider range of substrate types.
- Effects of pigments and matte agents on appearance and performance.
- Development of in-house test methods of importance to Consumer/Industrial space.
- Improvements to performance of metal protection hardcoats
- Improvements to anti-fingerprint performance of hardcoats.
Qualifications:
Applicant must be comfortable working in a wet chemistry lab and also with performing physical property testing and characterization:
- Experience with coating processes and test methods
- Experience with polymer chemistry and mechanical property testing on polymeric systems
- Experience with statistical data analysis
- Experience with Microscoft tools (Excel, Powerpoint) and data storage platforms (Sharepoint).
Program Minimum Qualifications:
- The candidate must be actively enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program at the time of application and for at least one semester following the conclusion of the internship.
- The candidate is expected to be available 40 hours a week for the duration of six months from January 2027 through June 2027 ideally
Education Requirement:
- Must be pursuing an MS or PhD in a polymer or materials science program or polymer chemistry program which is at a higher payrate then posting range.
What We Offer:
Base Pay Range: $22.00 - $26.00The base salary offered is determined by factors including but not limited to education, experience, skill sets, and geography. If you are interested in this position, we’d ask that you apply! #BePartoftheSolution
At Momentive, we value your well-being and offer competitive total rewards and development programs. Our inclusive culture fosters a strong sense of belonging and provides diverse career opportunities to help you unleash your full potential. Together, through innovative problem-solving and collaboration, we strive to create sustainable solutions that make a meaningful impact. Join our Momentive team to open a bright future.
Refer to the Hiring Process tab on our Careers page for a detailed description on the physical job requirements.
About Us:
Momentive is a premier global advanced materials company with a cutting-edge focus on silicones and specialty products. We deliver solutions designed to help propel our customer’s products forward—products that have a profound impact on all aspects of life, around the clock and from living rooms to outer space. With every innovation, Momentive creates a more sustainable future. Our vast product portfolio is made up of advanced silicones and specialty solutions that play an essential role in driving performance
across a multitude of industries, including agriculture, automotive, aerospace, electronics, energy, healthcare, personal care, consumer products, building and construction, and more.
Momentive believes a diverse workforce empowers our people, strengthens our business, and contributes to a sustainable world. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any characteristic protected by law.
To be considered for this position candidates are required to submit an application for employment and be of legal working age as defined by local law. An offer may be conditioned upon the successful completion of pre-employment conditions, as applicable, and subject to applicable laws and regulations.
Note to third parties: Momentive is not seeking or accepting any unsolicited assistance from search and selection firms or employment agencies at this time.
Job Title:
2027 CO-OP-Hardcoat Research and DevelopmentSummary:
The Hardcoat Research and Development CO-OP will contribute to the growth of Hardcoat Technology through support of NPI programs and Platforms. The Intern will develop critical structure-property knowledge that can be applied to multiple programs/customers. The CO-OP will investigate the effect of formulation and processing changes on hardcoat performance, particularly with respect to coating performance failures for thermal cure hardcoat systems on polycarbonate or metal substrates, glass substrates and other substrates. Additionally, the work could include documentation and standardization of Hardcoat developmental data.Responsibilities Include:
Contributions to Hardcoat Thermal Cure Next Generation Platforms which includes the following focus areas:
- Effect of chemistry and process parameters on chemical resistance, adhesion and cracking.
- Effects of additives to improve adhesion to wider range of substrate types.
- Effects of pigments and matte agents on appearance and performance.
- Development of in-house test methods of importance to Consumer/Industrial space.
- Improvements to performance of metal protection hardcoats
- Improvements to anti-fingerprint performance of hardcoats.
Qualifications:
Applicant must be comfortable working in a wet chemistry lab and also with performing physical property testing and characterization:
- Experience with coating processes and test methods
- Experience with polymer chemistry and mechanical property testing on polymeric systems
- Experience with statistical data analysis
- Experience with Microscoft tools (Excel, Powerpoint) and data storage platforms (Sharepoint).
Program Minimum Qualifications:
- The candidate must be actively enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program at the time of application and for at least one semester following the conclusion of the internship.
- The candidate is expected to be available 40 hours a week for the duration of six months from January 2027 through June 2027 ideally
Education Requirement:
- Must be pursuing an MS or PhD in a polymer or materials science program or polymer chemistry program which is at a higher payrate then posting range.
What We Offer:
Base Pay Range: $22.00 - $26.00The base salary offered is determined by factors including but not limited to education, experience, skill sets, and geography. If you are interested in this position, we’d ask that you apply! #BePartoftheSolution
At Momentive, we value your well-being and offer competitive total rewards and development programs. Our inclusive culture fosters a strong sense of belonging and provides diverse career opportunities to help you unleash your full potential. Together, through innovative problem-solving and collaboration, we strive to create sustainable solutions that make a meaningful impact. Join our Momentive team to open a bright future.
Refer to the Hiring Process tab on our Careers page for a detailed description on the physical job requirements.
About Us:
Momentive is a premier global advanced materials company with a cutting-edge focus on silicones and specialty products. We deliver solutions designed to help propel our customer’s products forward—products that have a profound impact on all aspects of life, around the clock and from living rooms to outer space. With every innovation, Momentive creates a more sustainable future. Our vast product portfolio is made up of advanced silicones and specialty solutions that play an essential role in driving performance
across a multitude of industries, including agriculture, automotive, aerospace, electronics, energy, healthcare, personal care, consumer products, building and construction, and more.
Momentive believes a diverse workforce empowers our people, strengthens our business, and contributes to a sustainable world. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any characteristic protected by law.
To be considered for this position candidates are required to submit an application for employment and be of legal working age as defined by local law. An offer may be conditioned upon the successful completion of pre-employment conditions, as applicable, and subject to applicable laws and regulations.
Note to third parties: Momentive is not seeking or accepting any unsolicited assistance from search and selection firms or employment agencies at this time.
Research and Development Associate Internship Market
Who's Hiring
- General Motors (GM)18
- Aldevron2
- SIG SAUER2
- 3M1
- ATI1
Top Industries Hiring
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals
- Medical Devices
- Agriculture & Farming
Tips for Your Research and Development Associate Internship Search
Apply earlier than the academic calendar suggests
Large employers in pharmaceuticals, consumer goods, and technology open summer internship applications the preceding fall, often closing them before winter break. Smaller companies and co-op programs post closer to start dates. Check listings in September and October rather than waiting until spring, when the structured cohorts at bigger employers are already filled.
Build a project portfolio before you apply
Hiring teams for research and development associate internships expect limited work history and look for documented project work instead. Prepare two or three completed projects that name the tools, methods, or instruments used and link to something reviewable: a GitHub repository, a lab report, published data, or a CAD file. That artifact gives recruiters something concrete to assess.
Work your campus network alongside direct applications
Campus career fairs surface structured internship programs tied to your university, and recruiters there often move faster for students they meet in person. Professors and career center staff frequently know which employers recruit from your school before roles post publicly. Applying directly to companies running smaller cohorts at the same time widens the pool you reach.
Practice the technical screen out loud before you apply
Research and development associate internship interviews typically include a technical screen: data interpretation or experimental design questions for lab-track roles, an analytical or coding exercise for data-heavy positions, or a problem-solving case for applied research functions. Practice your answers out loud and narrate your reasoning as you work, because interviewers weigh how you think as much as the final answer.
Target structured R&D rotational programs early
Many large employers in life sciences, chemicals, and consumer products run formal rotational or cohort-based R&D internship programs designed to train people new to the field. These programs recruit months ahead of the summer start date and fill fast. Identify the programs that match your technical background and apply in the first wave rather than waiting for general openings.
Set your work-type filter before you start
On-site roles are 50% of the research and development associate internships listed here. Decide whether you can relocate or commute before you open your search, then filter by location and work type so you are only reviewing roles you can actually accept. Sorting through listings that don't fit your situation wastes time you could spend on applications.
Research and Development Associate Internships: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a research and development associate internship?
Lead with coursework, personal projects, and a portfolio rather than work history, hiring teams expect limited experience at the intern level. For research and development associate candidates, the concrete artifact recruiters want to see is documented project work: lab notebooks, published analyses, CAD files, or a GitHub repository showing experimental or technical output. Combine direct applications with campus career fairs, where recruiters often move faster for students they meet in person.
Can a research and development associate internship turn into a full-time job?
Many employers extend return offers to strong interns, but conversion is never guaranteed. What actually drives it for research and development associate interns is consistent performance on real project work, available headcount on the team, and understanding the employer's return-offer timeline early in the internship. Position for one by treating every deliverable seriously, but keep applying to other roles so your options don't depend on a single outcome.
When should I apply for research and development associate internships?
Earlier than most students expect. Large employers in pharmaceuticals, consumer goods, and technology recruit summer interns the preceding fall, with application windows closing as early as October or November. Smaller companies and co-op programs post closer to their start dates, so openings appear year-round. Checking listings regularly rather than waiting for a single season gives you the widest set of options.
Are research and development associate internships paid?
Most professional research and development associate internships in the United States are paid. Compensation varies by company size, industry, and location, and listings show pay where the employer chooses to disclose it. Unpaid internships exist but are uncommon at established employers in this field. Review each listing individually to see what the employer has disclosed about compensation.
What should a research and development associate internship resume include?
Lead with projects, not work history. Include two or three complete, documented projects that name the tools, instruments, or methods used and link to where the work lives, a GitHub repository, a published analysis, a CAD portfolio, or a lab report. Add relevant coursework in chemistry, biology, engineering, or data methods depending on your specialization. Keep the entire document to one page.
Are there remote research and development associate internships?
Yes. Remote and hybrid roles make up 50% of the research and development associate internship listings here, with the rest on-site. Remote cohorts fill fast because they draw applicants from outside a single metro, so apply early once you decide what you can commit to. Filter by work type to see only the listings that match your situation before you start applying.
What is a rotational R&D internship program?
Rotational R&D internship programs place interns across two or more research or development teams during a single summer, exposing them to different product lines, lab environments, or technical disciplines. They are designed for people new to the field and are common at large pharmaceutical, chemical, and consumer products companies. These programs recruit early and are competitive, so identify the ones that fit your background and apply in the first wave.
Can international students get research and development associate 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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