R&D PhD Summer Intern: Dissolution-Based Recycling

Procter & Gamble; United States; On-site; USD 83,000 - 87,000; Full time

Job summary

Procter & Gamble is offering a 12-week PhD internship in Research & Development at the Mason Business Center. The role focuses on polymers and chemical processing, delivering materials development and sustainability improvements through hands-on lab and pilot-scale work.

You will learn from seasoned professionals in a supportive environment and contribute to innovative packaging and materials solutions. The ideal candidate is pursuing a PhD in Chemical Engineering, Polymer, or

Qualifications

• Working towards a PhD in Chemical Engineering, Polymer or Material Science & Engineering or Mechanical Engineering (materials focus).
• Available for a 12-week internship May/June–August 2027.
• In-person internship at Mason Business Center five days a week.
• Ability to operate laboratory equipment safely and independently.

Responsibilities

• Develop materials/packaging and recycling processes to improve performance and sustainability.
• Design and execute lab-based to pilot-scale experiments and generate insights.
• Apply laboratory skills to characterize polymers and processes.
• Collaborate across teams to solve business problems with experimental data.

Skills

Polymer processing

Laboratory skills

Data analysis

Communication skills

Problem solving

Education

PhD candidate in Chemical Engineering

PhD in Polymer/Material Science or Mechanical Eng

Tools

DSC

TGA

GPC

Rheology

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

P&G has an opportunity for a PhD intern to work on our corporate function R&D team. Corporate Functions Research & Development (CF R&D) at Procter & Gamble, the largest consumer packaged goods company in the world, focuses on delivering the trifecta of irresistibly superior and sustainable propositions that deliver value for the company through disruptive platforms. This internship is specifically designed for individuals working towards a PhD who are developing proficiency in the field of polymers or chemical processing. As an intern, you will have the opportunity to learn from experienced professionals in a supportive environment. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a strong eagerness to learn and grow professionally and possess excellent communication skills – both written and verbal. This role is perfect for those with passion for innovation and problem-solving, along with a proactive attitude and the ability to adapt to new challenges.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and apply engineering principles to creating new materials/packaging and plastic recycling processes that improve both product performance and sustainability.
• Partner seamlessly to design and execute laboratory-based to pilot-scale experiments, develop technical models and prototypes, and generate critical insights and solutions that will further grow P&G’s business.
• Demonstrate strong laboratory skills and co-creation mindset for business problem solving to deliver against challenges across multiple categories.
• Design upstream materials through process design.
• Work may include bench-to-pilot experiments to define key material & process parameters, design and development of new and existing test methods to relate polymer composition to mechanical properties, and lifecycle and techno-economic analysis.

Job Qualifications Required

• Education: Working towards a PhD in Chemical Engineering, Polymer or Material Science & Engineering or Mechanical Engineering (with a focus on materials)
• Available to work a 12-week internship from May/early June to August in the summer of 2027.
• This is an in-person internship; candidate is expected to work from our Mason Business Center five days a week.
• Ability to work safely and independently while performing routine laboratory tasks and operating chemical reactors.
• Experience in designing and building experimental set ups.
• Ability to design and execute experiments and analyze complex data sets.
• Laboratory quantitative and digital skills for sample characterization.
• Strong understanding of mass transfer, chemical separation, and fluid dynamic principles.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in process scale up or process engineering.
• Experience with polymer processing or characterization through DSC, TGA, GPC, or rheology is beneficial.
• Knowledgeable about plastic recycling and life cycle analysis.

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

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.

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.

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 R000158977

Job Segmentation Internships

Starting Pay / Salary Range $60.57 - $60.57 / hour

P&G was founded over 180 years ago as a simple soap and candle company. Today, we’re the world’s largest consumer goods company and home to iconic, trusted brands that make life a little bit easier in small but meaningful ways. We’ve spanned three centuries thanks to three simple ideas: leadership, innovation and citizenship. 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.