R&D PhD Summer Intern – Bio-functionality Of Polymers

Procter & Gamble; United States; On-site; USD 83,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Procter & Gamble invites a proactive PhD candidate to join our R&D team in Mason for a 12-week summer internship. You will contribute to developing functional biopolymers through fermentation, followed by ex-situ modification and comprehensive material characterization.

The role offers hands-on lab experience and cross-disciplinary collaboration in a fast-paced environment. The project emphasizes polymer science, microbiology, and chemical modification techniques, with opportunities to

Qualifications

• Working toward a PhD in microbiology, chemical biology, or polymer/material chemistry.
• Proficiency in aseptic technique, bacterial culturing, basic assays, and lab safety.
• Proactive, agile R&D contributor with strong problem-solving across chemical and microbiological contexts.

Responsibilities

• Synthesize biopolymers with defined functionality during bacterial fermentation; perform in-situ modification.
• Create a library of biopolymers with tailored properties and test in lab settings.
• Provide recommendations on antimicrobial efficacy and applications for consumer products.

Skills

Microbiology lab skills

Organic synthesis

Advanced problem solving

Internship availability

Education

PhD in microbiology/chemical biology/polymer chemistry

Tools

FTIR

NMR

XRD

Job description

Job Location MASON BUS AND INNOVATION CTR Job Description Research and Development (R&D) at Procter & Gamble, the largest consumer packaged goods company in the world, includes a diverse group of roles that contribute to the innovation and development of our products. It encompasses roles in product research, formulation, testing, and scientific analysis. You will find variety and excitement starting Day 1. This internship is specifically designed for individuals working towards a PhD who are developing proficiency in their field. As an intern or co-op in management, you will have the opportunity to learn from experienced professionals in a supportive environment. This is a 12-week paid internship, designed to provide you with a solid foundation for future career growth. The internship will take place from May (potentially early June) to August of 2027. Join us at P&G, where your contributions will play a vital role in shaping the future of consumer products! The Opportunity: We are seeking a proactive PhD Summer Intern to contribute to an exciting research project on our Corporate Functions R&D business. The project will be focused on developing and evaluating functional materials for various applications. This role involves assisting with the selection and integration of modifying agents, implementing chemical modification techniques, and characterizing the resulting materials for their physical and biological properties. A key component of the internship will be culturing bacteria and performing other microbiological assays, applying chemical techniques, and interpreting data to identify promising formulations. The intern will help provide recommendations for potential applications in areas such as consumer products, paper products, or textiles.

Key Responsibilities

• 1. Production of Biopolymers with Pre-Defined, Integrated Functionality: Successfully synthesize biopolymers where specific, desired functional groups (identified through literature search) are covalently incorporated into their chemical structure during bacterial fermentation. This results in a single-step, in-situ modification process. Produce functionally modified biopolymers using methods involving ex-situ chemical modification of pre-formed biopolymers.
• 2. Expanded Application Space for Biopolymers through Tailored Properties: Create a diverse library of biopolymers exhibiting new or enhanced properties directly attributable to the incorporated functional groups and test them in the lab for efficacy (e.g., increased hydrophobicity/hydrophilicity, improved adhesion, enhanced biodegradability, antimicrobial activity, specific binding sites).
• 3. Based on 1. And 2. Make recommendations that provide the antimicrobial efficacy and beyond to allow application in spaces relevant to P&G Job

Job Qualifications Required

• Education: Working towards a PhD in microbiology, chemical biology, polymer/material chemistry.
• Microbiological Laboratory Proficiency: Skilled in aseptic technique, bacterial culturing, basic microbiological assays, and rigorous adherence to laboratory safety and best practices (chemical & biological).
• Organic Synthesis & Reaction Skills: Proficient in setting up, running, and monitoring chemical reactions.
• Agile R&D Contributor with Advanced Problem-Solving: Proactively drives project outcomes in dynamic lab environments by expertly analyzing results, identifying issues, and devising robust technical solutions and troubleshooting strategies across both chemical and microbiological contexts, while rapidly adapting to changes in project scope.
• Available to work a 12-week internship from May/early June to August in the summer of 2027. 5 days a week in office at Mason Business Innovation Center location.

Preferred Skill Sets

• Chemical Characterization Techniques: Ability to perform and interpret data from techniques like FTIR, NMR, XRD.
• Polymer Science Fundamentals: Understanding of polymer structure, properties, and how modifications affect material characteristics.

Just so you know

At P&G, we believe that diverse experiences help build strong leaders. Mobility is a key component of many management careers, providing opportunities to grow through different assignments, locations, and business challenges. Candidates should be prepared to consider relocation opportunities throughout their career as business needs and development opportunities arise.

Compensation for roles at P&G varies depending on a wide array of non-discriminatory factors including but not limited to the specific office location, role, degree/credentials, relevant skill set, and level of relevant experience. At P&G compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. Total rewards at P&G include salary + bonus (if applicable) + benefits. Your recruiter may be able to share more about our total rewards offerings and the specific salary range for the relevant location(s) during the hiring process.

We are committed to providing equal opportunities in employment. We value diversity and do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

Immigration Sponsorship is not available for this role.

For more information regarding who is eligible for hire at P&G along with other work authorization FAQ's, please click HERE.

Procter & Gamble participates in E-Verify. Qualified individuals will not be disadvantaged based on being unemployed.

P&G is dedicated to meeting the needs of applicants requesting an accommodation/adjustment due to a disability in order to complete the online application process. If you have a disability that affects your ability to complete our online application process, please visit our Disability Accommodation Page.

Job Schedule Full time Job Number R000158983 Job Segmentation Internships Starting Pay / Salary Range $60.57 - $60.57 / hour P000158983 P000158983 P000158983 P000158983 P000158983 P000158983 P000158983 $$$

The insight, innovation and passion of talented teams has helped us grow into a global company that is governed responsibly and ethically, that is open and transparent, and that supports good causes and protects the environment. This is a place where you can be proud to work and do something that matters.