R&D Intern (9-Month)

Carlisle Construction Materials; Airdrie; On-site; CAD 20,664 - 30,307; Full time

Job summary

Plasti-Fab, a Carlisle Company, invites applications for a Research Intern to support the commissioning, operation, and development of a laboratory-scale polymerization reactor. The intern will assist with experimental planning, raw-material preparation, reactor operation under supervision, post-processing, sample characterization, data analysis, and documentation.

The role provides hands-on experience in polymerization, plastics processing, and product-development research.

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing or recently completed a degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Polymer Science, Materials Science, or related field.
• Experience performing chemical reactions in a lab setting.
• Experience performing research in Chemistry, Polymer Science, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or related field.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Perform laboratory polymerization tasks, including material weighing and addition of reagents.
• Operate lab-scale polymer post-processing equipment and assist with teardown and cleaning.
• Accurately record data, parameters, and observations.
• Follow SOPs for safety and material handling.
• Assist with literature and patent research to support product development.

Skills

Lab safety and SOP compliance

Data analysis

Independent work

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD in Chemical Engineering or Chemistry

Experience performing chemical reactions in a lab setting

Experience in Chemistry/Polymer Science research

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Job description

About Us

At Plasti-Fab, a Carlisle Company, we’ve been supporting sustainable building for over 50 years with high-quality insulation solutions used in commercial, residential, and infrastructure construction across North America. Learn more about our company here.

Job Description

At Plasti-Fab, a Carlisle Company, we’ve been supporting sustainable building for over 50 years with high-quality insulation solutions used in commercial, residential, and infrastructure construction across North America. Learn more about our company here.

Now part of Carlisle Weatherproofing Technologies (CWT), we’re proud to be contributing to industry-leading innovation, sustainability, and performance. With a strong focus on energy efficiency, labor savings, and re-roofing trends, we’re positioned for continued growth through Carlisle’s Vision 2030 strategy.

Now’s the perfect time to join us! As a fully vertically integrated EPS manufacturer, our operations span over 50 locations across Canada and North America. Our recent expansions - including in-house resin production and cutting-edge technical labs - underscore our commitment to quality and environmental responsibility.

Job Summary

The Research Intern will support the commissioning, operation, and development of a laboratory-scale polymerization reactor. The intern will assist with experimental planning, raw-material preparation, reactor operation under supervision, post-processing, sample characterization, data analysis, and documentation. The role is intended to provide hands-on experience in polymerization, plastics processing, and product-development research.

Duties And Responsibilities

Laboratory polymerization

• Perform lab polymerization tasks, including material weighing, measuring, and addition of raw materials and chemical ingredients in laboratory scale polymerization runs
• Operate lab scale polymer post-processing equipment including spin driers, sieve shakers, and coating mixers.
• Assist with equipment teardown, cleaning, and reassembly after processing runs
• Accurately record data, processing parameters, and observations during and after laboratory runs
• Follow safety protocols and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for equipment operation and material handling

Research and Learning

• Perform literature and patent research to provide input in product development and formulation initiatives
• Develop understanding of current polymerization process and formulation
• Develop understanding of final product parameters and how these are affected by formulation changes

Laboratory Operations Support & Collaboration

• Assist in characterization of material properties such as particle size analysis, MWD and conversion rate.
• Develop understanding of physical and chemical testing of raw materials, intermediate products, and final products
• Assist with material and sample pickup and staging as needed
• Contribute to team projects and complete additional tasks as assigned

Required Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Ability to perform laboratory chemical reactions under trained supervision and, after demonstrated competency and authorization, carry out defined procedures independently.
• Ability to work independently on approved tasks and collaboratively with the R&D team. Reactor charging, start-up, shutdown, and abnormal-condition response must follow established supervision and lone-work requirements.
• Ability to perform literature research and apply knowledge to real world applications
• Effective communication skills (written and verbal)
• Strong foundational understanding of chemistry, chemical engineering, polymer science, materials science, or related scientific principles.
• Ability to work independently (including working alone when required), as well as in team environment
• Strong attention to detail
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Willingness to learn new equipment, processes, and technologies
• Basic computer proficiency (e.g., Microsoft Excel, Word)

Education And Experience

Education

• Currently pursuing or recently completed a bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Polymer Science, Materials Science, or a related field.
• Experience in performing chemical reactions in a lab setting
• Experience performing research in Chemistry, Polymer Science, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related field

Experience

• No prior professional experience required

Preferred

• Prior professional or post-doc laboratory experience in a research setting
• Exposure to polymer processing, compounding, or manufacturing environments
• Interest in materials science, plastics technology, and product development

Working Conditions

• Primarily operates in a research/QC laboratory setting
• Requires flexible work hours, i.e. shift work during lab polymerization runs and regular work hours during cleanup and characterization days. Full polymerization run takes 12 hours and will require overlapping shifts
• No travel required
• Equipment used includes: laboratory scale polymerization reactor, reactor temperature and mixing control, laboratory reagents, laboratory scales/balances, and other polymer processing equipment