Fall 2026 Research Assistant

Elinor Coatings; Fargo (ND); On-site; USD 20,000 - 29,000; Full time

Job summary

Elinor Coatings is seeking a Research Assistant intern to join a team developing protective and anti-corrosion coatings for defense applications. You will assist in formulation, apply coatings, and learn industry standards.

This internship emphasizes data management, reporting, safety, and collaboration with multidisciplinary teams. Pay starts at $18/hour; open to Sophomore to Graduate students.

Qualifications

• College student (Sophomore, Junior, Senior, or Graduate)
• Two semesters of chemistry lab experience preferred
• Oral and written communication skills to enable working with multi-disciplinary groups of individuals with diverse backgrounds

Responsibilities

• Assist in protective coating formulation following procedures
• Apply formulated coatings to specification requirements
• Learn ASTM and/or industry standards to evaluate coating properties
• Learn and perform proper substrate preparation
• Follow data acquisition procedures and enter data correctly
• Prepare reports from data and observations
• Participate in meetings and field testing as needed
• Other duties as assigned

Skills

Communication

Team collaboration

Education

College student in science or engineering

Job description

This role will join a team of researchers developing protective and anti-corrosion coatings for U.S. Department of Defense aerospace, maritime, and ground vehicle support. Research Assistants report to the internship field supervisor/senior scientist.

Primary Responsibilities

Assist in protective coating formulation:

• Formulate coatings following written procedures
• Apply formulated coatings to specification requirements
• Learn and use ASTM and/or industry standards to evaluate coating properties
• Learn and perform proper substrate preparation

Understand data management and research reporting:

• Follow standard operating procedures for data acquisition and data entry
• Become familiar with database handling and report generating

Learn and use basic safety, skills and operating procedures in a laboratory setting:

• Maintain safe and clean workspaces consistent with environmental regulations and best practices
• Follow lab standard operating procedures
• Practice good chemical hygiene
• Follow proper cybersecurity protocols

Additional Responsibilities

• Participate in meetings and reports when appropriate
• Assist with field testing if needed
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• College student (Sophomore, Junior, Senior, or Graduate)
• Major in field of science or engineering
• Two semesters of chemistry lab experience preferred
• Oral and written communication skills to enable working with multi-disciplinary groups of individuals with diverse backgrounds

Classification and Compensation

Internship or Multi-Semester Co-op:

• Pay starting at $18/hour depending on experience