Quality Control Lab Intern, Summer 2027

Kuraray America, Inc.; Pasadena (TX); On-site; USD 18,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

Kuraray America, Inc. in Pasadena, TX invites enthusiastic chemistry students to join as Quality Control Lab Intern for Summer 2027. You will assist with routine analytical testing, uphold safety standards, and help with instrument operation in a collaborative lab setting.

This program emphasizes method development, hands‑on practice, and exposure to real-world laboratory work. Eligible candidates are pursuing a B.S.

Qualifications

• Pursuing a B.S. in Chemistry or equivalent.
• Completed at least two years of college with at least three chemistry classes.
• GPA 3.0/4.0 or higher.
• Demonstrated communication and leadership skills.
• Must have legal U.S. working authorization to participate in the program.
• Must successfully pass pre-employment screening.
• Must be at least 18 years of age.

Responsibilities

• Learn and assist in performing routine analytical testing in accordance with established laboratory procedures.
• Follow all laboratory safety protocols and guidelines to ensure a safe working environment.
• Support lab analysts with general housekeeping duties to maintain cleanliness and organization.
• Gain familiarity with common laboratory instrumentation and its applications.
• Contribute to analytical method development and improvement as part of the assigned summer project.

Skills

Communication

Leadership

Interpersonal skills

Adaptability

Initiative

Integrity

Teamwork

Safety awareness

Education

Pursuing a B.S. in Chemistry

Two years of college completed

GPA 3.0/4.0

Job description

Title: Quality Control Lab Intern, Summer 2027

Location: Pasadena, TX

Who we are:

Voted one of the Nation's Best and Brightest Companies to Work for, Kuraray America, Inc. (KAI) is a global leader in specialty chemical, fiber, and resin production. With top-of-the-line research and production facilities and a vast network of supplies from around the world, Kuraray leads the industry in specialty dental, fiber, resin, and elastomer products. Kuraray America is a wholly owned subsidiary of Kuraray Company, Ltd. Based in Tokyo, Japan. Kuraray has operations in 32 countries and employs more than 11,000 employees, including over 800 in the United States.

Why Kuraray:

Founded in 1926, Kuraray is building a better tomorrow, today. Our team members are dedicated to expanding our business with committed professionals who share essential values such as integrity, excellence, teamwork, and accountability.

As a part of Kuraray America, Inc., our team shares the advantages of working for the leader in specialty chemicals, resins, and fibers. Our international presence and resources allow us to be a world-leading innovator in the industries we service. Yet, despite our size, our people are more than just a number. As a new team member, you can expect to earn responsibility quickly. Our commitment to our people is visible in our comprehensive benefits package. As a Kuraray team member, you will have the opportunity to enjoy competitive salaries and benefits, incentive opportunities, and an excellent work environment.

Celebrating 100 Years of Innovation

Be part of a historic milestone as we celebrate our 100th anniversary in 2026! Our centennial year will be filled with local and global events, storytelling campaigns, and sustainability initiatives that reflect Kuraray's legacy and future vision. Interns are encouraged to participate in commemorative projects and anniversary events while experiencing firsthand what it means to be part of a company with a century-long commitment to innovation, safety, and community impact.

Internship Summary:

The Quality Control Laboratory Intern will support daily operations within the analytical lab by assisting with routine testing, maintaining safety standards, and contributing to method development. This role offers hands‑on experience with common laboratory instrumentation and procedures, while also helping lab analysts with housekeeping tasks to ensure a clean and efficient work environment. As part of the summer project, the intern will participate in analytical method development or improvement, gaining valuable exposure to real-world lab practices and scientific processes.

Housing will not be provided for the internship

Responsibilities:

• Learn and assist in performing routine analytical testing in accordance with established laboratory procedures
• Follow all laboratory safety protocols and guidelines to ensure a safe working environment
• Support lab analysts with general housekeeping duties to maintain cleanliness and organization
• Gain familiarity with common laboratory instrumentation and its applications
• Contribute to analytical method development and improvement as part of the assigned summer project

Minimum Qualifications:

• Pursuing a B.S. in Chemistry, or equivalent
• Completed at least two years of college education before beginning internship, with at least three chemistry classes completed
• Strong academic performance minimum 3.0/4.0 GPA and extracurricular achievement.
• Demonstrated communication and leadership skills.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills and proven track record of adaptability, innovation, initiative and integrity.
• Must have legal U.S. working authorization to participate in the program.
• Must successfully pass pre-employment screening process.
• Must be at least 18 years of age

Competencies:

• Customer Focus
  • Building strong customer relationships and delivering customer‑centric solutions.
• Business Insight
  • Applying knowledge of business and the marketplace to advance the organization's goals.
• Cultivates Innovation
  • Creating new and better ways for the organization to be successful.
• Action Oriented
  • Taking on new opportunities and tough challenges with a sense of urgency, high energy, and enthusiasm.
• Ensures Accountability
  • Holding self and others accountable to meet commitments.
• Drives Results
  • Consistently achieving results, even under tough circumstance
• Collaborates
  • Building partnerships and working collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives.
• Values Difference
  • Recognizing the value that different perspectives and cultures bring to an organization
• Communicates Effectively
  • Developing and delivering multi‑mode communications that convey a clear understanding of the unique needs of different audiences.
• Courage
  • Stepping up to address difficult issues, saying what needs to be said.
• Instills Trust
  • Gaining the confidence and trust of others through honesty, integrity, and authenticity.
• Situational Adaptability
  • Adapting approach and demeanor in real time to match the shifting demands of different situations.

Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S

Kuraray America, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer disability/protected veteran status.