Research Intern: Polymer Composite

Honda Research Institute USA; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 25,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

Honda Research Institute USA invites a research intern to contribute to the development of photocatalytic membranes from electrospun composite materials. The role focuses on polymer processing, membrane fabrication, and understanding structure–property relationships to optimize performance.

The position is based in Columbus, OH, and requires legal work authorization in the U.S. Ideal candidates are pursuing a PhD in materials-related fields with hands-on experience in electrospinning,

Qualifications

• Pursuing a PhD in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemistry or related field.
• Hands-on experience with nanoparticle synthesis, polymer processing and polymer nanocomposites.
• Experience with electrospinning, laser processing, and materials-processing techniques.
• Background in hydrogen-generation measurement and photocatalytic materials is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Assist in preparation of nanoparticle suspensions and polymer solutions.
• Fabricate electrospun composite membranes and advanced functional materials.
• Lead synthesis, characterization, and modeling of material processing parameters.
• Coordinate with university collaborators to validate material performance.
• Establish structure–property–performance relationships to optimize material design.

Skills

Nanoparticle synthesis

Polymer processing

Electrospinning

Polymer nanocomposites

Hydrogels

Materials characterization

Laser processing

Education

PhD in Materials Science / Chemical Engineering / Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SEM

TEM

FTIR

Raman spectroscopy

XRD

UV-Vis spectroscopy

Contact-angle measurements

Job description

Research Intern: Polymer Composite - Honda Research Institute USA

Honda Research Institute USA (HRI-US) is seeking an innovative intern with a background in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline to contribute to the development of advanced photocatalytic membrane structures formed from electrospun composite materials. The ideal candidate has experience in polymer processing, electrospinning, membrane fabrication, or functional composite materials, and an understanding of structure–property relationships. Experience with photocatalytic materials, nanomaterials, environmental remediation, or translating laboratory-scale materials into practical applications is highly desirable.

Columbus, OH

Candidates must have the legal right to work in the U.S.A.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in the preparation of nanoparticle suspensions and polymer solutions.
• Fabricate electrospun composite membranes and advanced functional materials.
• Lead the synthesis, characterization, and modeling of material processing parameters.
• Coordinate with university collaborators to validate material performance.
• Establish structure–property–performance relationships to optimize material design and processing.

Minimum Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a PhD in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemistry, or a related field.
• Hands-on experience with nanoparticle synthesis, polymer processing, polymer nanocomposites fabrication techniques, hydrogels, electrospinning, laser cutting or laser processing, or related materials-processing techniques.
• Experience with photocatalytic hydrogen-production measurements, including hydrogen evolution rates, gas analysis. Experience with photocatalytic degradation may be considered relevant analogous experience.
• Proficiency in materials characterization and data analysis using techniques such as SEM, TEM, FTIR, Raman spectroscopy, XRD, UV-Vis spectroscopy, and contact-angle measurements.
• Understanding of photocatalytic hydrogen-generation systems, reaction mechanisms, charge-carrier generation and transfer, band alignment, and structure–property–performance relationships.
• Ability to process and interpret hydrogen-evolution and materials-characterization data, including calibration and normalization of gas-production measurements, identification of performance trends, and optimization of material formulations and processing parameters.

Bonus Qualifications

• Hands-on experience with molecular dynamics simulationsand computational materials modeling

Years of Work Experience Required 0

Desired Start Date 9/21/2026

Internship Duration 3 months,but may extend to 6 months based off business need

Position Keywords Electrospinning, polymer nanocomposites, photocatalysts, nanoparticle generation, laser processing