R&D Chemical Recycling Intern

E122 Sulzer Chemtech AG; Winterthur; On-site; CHF 17,000 - 23,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Holidays

Pension fund

Employee discounts

Central workplace near Winterthur

Job summary

Sulzer is seeking an R&D Chemical Recycling Intern to join the Polymer Application and Recycling R&D team in Switzerland. You will work on laboratory and pilot-scale projects focused on chemical recycling, renewable chemicals, and sustainable fuels, gaining hands-on experience with analytical techniques and reactor systems.

Join a global, collaborative environment and contribute to innovative solutions that support a circular chemical industry while developing technical expertise and safety

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Chemistry or related field
• Hands-on lab experience in chemical industries or R&D
• Strong knowledge of analytical chemistry and purification sciences

Responsibilities

• Develop analytical methods for oils, plastics, waxes, solvents and mixtures
• Conduct lab-scale investigations on chemical recycling and purification
• Operate lab reactors and support pilot campaigns
• Document results in technical reports and present findings

Skills

Analytical chemistry

Laboratory techniques

problem solving

English proficiency

Education

Master's degree in Chemistry

Tools

GC

ICP-MS

SimDist

Titration

Karl Fischer

Job description

Sulzer is a leading engineering company with a proud heritage of innovation. Join our global team to grow your expertise and develop innovative solutions that enable a prosperous and more sustainable society.

About the role

Join our Polymer Application and Recycling R&D team within Sulzer's Chemtech division in Switzerland as an R&D Chemical Recycling Intern. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the development of innovative technologies that support the transition towards a more circular and sustainable chemical industry. In this role, you will collaborate with experienced scientists and engineers on laboratory and pilot-scale projects focused on chemical recycling, renewable chemicals, and sustainable fuels. You will gain valuable hands‑on experience with advanced analytical techniques, reactor systems, and process development activities while contributing to cutting‑edge research and development programs. If you are passionate about chemistry, sustainability, and innovation, this internship offers a unique opportunity to develop your technical expertise within a dynamic, international, and collaborative environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement analytical methods for the characterization of oils, plastics, waxes, solvents, and complex chemical mixtures.
• Conduct laboratory‑scale investigations focused on chemical recycling, feedstock upgrading, purification, and upcycling processes.
• Operate laboratory reactors and support experimental campaigns across a range of R&D projects.
• Perform sample characterization using standardized analytical methods, including ASTM, UOP, and ISO procedures.
• Analyze, interpret, and document experimental results in technical reports.
• Present findings and recommendations during project and team meetings.
• Assist with the setup, execution, and monitoring of pilot plant trials.
• Support troubleshooting activities and help resolve operational challenges during pilot‑scale campaigns.
• Participate in continuous pilot plant operations, including shift‑based activities when required.
• Contribute to additional innovation projects involving polymer applications, biofuels, solvents, and bio‑based monomers and polymers.
• Maintain high standards of laboratory safety and ensure compliance with Environment, Safety, and Health (ESH) requirements.
• Help foster a safe, efficient, and well‑organized laboratory environment.

Your profile

• Master's degree in Chemistry, preferrably with a specialization in Analytical Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or Materials Science
• Hands‑on laboratory experience within a chemical, petrochemical, pharmaceutical, polymer, or flavor & fragrance environment
• Strong knowledge of analytical chemistry and separation and purification sciences
• Practical experience with chemical purification, separation techniques, and lab‑scale reactor operations
• Experience using analytical instruments and techniques such as GC (MS, FID, TOFMS, TCD), ICP-MS, CIC, Simulated Distillation (SimDist), and titration methods including Karl Fischer, Total Acid Number, and Bromine Number
• Knowledge of physical property measurements such as density and viscosity
• Strong understanding of laboratory safety practices and safe handling of chemicals and potentially hazardous materials
• Proficient English language skills, German is a plus
• Strong problem‑solving abilities, attention to detail, and organizational skills
• Collaborative mindset and ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary teams

What we offer you

• An innovative, vibrant and agile culture
• Excellent social benefits (holidays, pension fund etc.)
• Access to a wide range of discounts on Everyday Shopping, Entertainment and Lifestyle
• Central workplace, only 5 minutes from Winterthur train station

Sulzer is an equal opportunity employer. We believe in the strength of a diverse workforce and are committed to offering an inclusive work environment. We are proud to be recognized as a Top Employer 2026 in Brazil, Canada, China, Finland, Germany, Ireland, Mexico, Switzerland, South Africa, the UK and the USA. Sulzer is a leading engineering company with a proud heritage of innovation. By supporting water and energy security, enabling the energy transition and driving the use of circular technologies, we help our customers build a better world. With more than 13’000 employees and 160 world‑class production facilities and service centers across the globe, we are a globally diverse team. We value the uniqueness of all our colleagues, and we appreciate the contributions that each of us makes to the company’s success. We prioritize your health and safety and are committed to offering a work environment in which you can thrive.