Microscopy & Surface Analysis - Co-Op

Corning, Inc.; City of Corning (NY); On-site; USD 37,000 - 145,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Housing and travel assistance

Weekly tech talks

Final project presentation

Job summary

Corning, Inc. is seeking a co-op student to support research in surface functionalization and analysis within the Microscopy and Surface Analysis group.

You will work on functionalizing oxide surfaces with organic/inorganic treatments and study surface chemistry using XPS and ISS, taking ownership of an exploratory project alongside senior scientists. The role includes housing/travel assistance, weekly tech talks, and a final project presentation, with 40 hours per week and housing support as

Qualifications

• Students in final year of BS or graduate students in relevant fields.
• Prior lab experience is preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

• Own an exploratory research activity on oxide surface functionalization.
• Prepare samples and assist in workflows for surface modification and characterization.
• Conduct surface analysis using XPS and ISS and interpret data.
• Document procedures and results clearly and accurately.
• Collaborate with scientists to troubleshoot and refine methods.
• Maintain lab organization and safety.
• Communicate progress in technical discussions.

Skills

Surface chemistry

Materials characterization

Lab-based research

Attention to detail

Data analysis

Technical writing

Education

BS final year in Materials Science or related

Graduate students considered

Tools

XPS

ISS

Job description

Select how often (in days) to receive an alert: Email jobs to me

The company built on breakthroughs.
Join us.

Corning is one of the world’s leading innovators in glass, ceramic, and materials science. From the depths of the ocean to the farthest reaches of space, our technologies push the boundaries of what’s possible.

How do we do this? With our people. They break through limitations and expectations– not once in a career, but every day. They help move our company,and the world, forward.

At Corning, there are endless possibilities for making an impact. You can help connect the unconnected, drive the future of automobiles, transform at-home entertainment, and ensure the delivery of lifesaving medicines. And so much more.

Come break through with us.

Role Purpose

This co-op position will support research in surface functionalization and surface compositional analysis within the Microscopy and Surface Analysis group. The primary project involves functionalizing oxide surfaces with a range of organic and inorganic chemicals and studying the resulting surface chemistry using advanced characterization tools such as X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) and Ion Scattering Spectroscopy (ISS). The co-op will take ownership of a highly open-ended exploratory research activity while working closely with scientists in the lab.

• Assistance with housing and travel
• Meaningful project and final project presentation

Intern Activities:

• Social and networking opportunities
• Weekly tech talks
• Community involvement

Key Responsibilities

• Take ownership of a highly open-ended exploratory research activity focused on the functionalization of oxide surfaces with organic and inorganic chemical treatments
• Prepare samples and assist in experimental workflows related to surface modification and characterization
• Conduct or support surface analysis using X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) and Ion Scattering Spectroscopy (ISS)
• Collect, organize, and interpret experimental data related to surface chemistry and composition
• Document experimental procedures, observations, and results in a clear and accurate manner
• Collaborate with scientists to troubleshoot experiments, refine methods, and support project objectives
• Maintain strong laboratory organization, equipment readiness, and safe laboratory practices
• Participate in technical discussions and communicate progress on assigned work

Travel Requirements / Work Hours

• Work 40 hours a week

Education/Experience - Required

• Students in the final year of a BS program, or graduate students, in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Physics, or a related field. Candidates who have completed a BS degree and are planning to attend graduate school will also be considered.
• Prior laboratory experience is preferred but not required.

Required Skills

• Strong interest in surface chemistry, materials characterization, and laboratory-based research
• Strong attention to detail and ability to execute experiments carefully and consistently
• Basic data analysis, technical writing, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work effectively both independently and in a team-based research environment

Desired Skills

• An innate sense of curiosity and inquisitiveness
• Familiarity with X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) and Ion Scattering Spectroscopy (ISS) is a plus
• Experience handling chemical treatments, sample preparation, and structured experimental documentation
• Interest in applied industrial research and development

Soft Skills

• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to collaborate effectively with scientists and other team members
• Willingness to take initiative and work through open-ended technical problems
• Strong organizational skills and a disciplined approach to documentation and follow-through

This position does not support immigration sponsorship.

The range for this position is $1,635.00 - $3,185.00biweekly. Starting pay for the successful applicant is prescribed based on geographic location, nature of position, and year in school.

A job that shapes a life.

Corning offers you the total package.

Your well-being is our priority. Our compensation and benefits package supports your health and wellness, financial aspirations, and career from day one.

• Company-wide bonuses and long-term incentives align with key business results and ensure you are rewarded when the company performs well. When Corning wins, we all win.
• As part of our commitment to your financial well-being, we provide a 100% company-paid pension benefit with fixed contributions that grow throughout your career. Combined with matching contributions to your 401(k) savings plan, Corning’s total contributions to your retirement accounts can reach between 7% and 12% of your pay, depending on your age and years of service.
• Our health and well-being benefits include medical, dental, vision, paid parental leave, family building support, fitness, company-paid life insurance, disability, disease management programs, paid time off, and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to support you and your family.
• Getting paid for our work is important, but feeling appreciated and recognized for those contributions motivates us much more. That’s why Corning offers a recognition program to celebrate successes and reward colleagues who make exceptional contributions.

We prohibit discrimination on the basisofrace, color, gender, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status or any other legally protected status.

Corning is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and considers requests for reasonable accommodations in accordance with applicable laws. Individuals with disabilities or sincerely held religious beliefs may request reasonable accommodations to participate in the application or interview process, perform essential job functions, or access other benefits and privileges of employment. To submit a request for reasonable accommodation related to disability or religion, please contact us at [e-mail] .