R&D Intern - Waterbased & Polymers

H.B. Fuller is a leading global adhesives provider focusing on perfecting adhesives and sealants across all industries throughout the world. While our products are virtually invisible, they play a vital role in ensuring the quality of modern life and we are committed to connecting what matters to solve some of the world's biggest adhesion challenges.
What you can expect from H.B. Fuller's Internship Program:
You'll be joining a cohort of talented students from a variety of schools across the U.S. We hire interns into the following positions: Process Engineering, R&D, Strategic Sourcing, Technical Sales, Supply Chain, Product Marketing, Information Technology, and more.
The projects we task our interns to lead are impactful and meaningful to our organization. You'll be supported by your Manager and Mentor to gain in-depth knowledge of the adhesive industry and collaborate with various departments and functions. We also offer an established path for next-level opportunities - making this internship the starting point for a long-term career path.
Internship Location: Simpsonville, SC.
Our Internship Experience includes:

• 12-week paid program beginning the end of May to mid-August to gain insight and knowledge in your field.
• Interactive orientation and events with skilled professionals in your field, including managers, directors, and CEO.
• Multiple networking, volunteer and fun events - both virtual and in-person.
• Impactful projects that make a difference internally and externally for H.B. Fuller.

• End of summer final presentation to showcase your career development with support from managers and peers.

Position Overview:
The R&D Summer Intern position will support research and development activities focused on a fast paced and strategic market within the HHC business unit. This role provides support to the waterbased/polymer team in Simpsonville, SC.
The goal for this position will be to:
There is currently a large market shift to replace polyethylene paper coatings with more sustainable materials that are able to provide high levels of barrier protection, but are also able to be recycled, repulped, and/or composted. This internship will focus on increasing the level of water, oxygen, and oil/grease protection within our product portfolio by scouting for high performing raw materials and synthesizing new polymers.
This internship will provide opportunities to learn performance testing, polymer synthesis, waterbased coating formulation, and industrial processes to produce these materials.
Primary Duties:
In general, the individual will be responsible for:

• Preparing, applying and performing various tests to understand the performance of coating samples
• Performing quantitative and qualitative analysis to determine the chemical and physical properties of materials to determine that formulations are able to meet the required targets
• Assist with developmental improvements of current products by evaluating new materials, reformulations, and synthesizing new polymers
• Fulfilling the responsibilities required to maintain a safe work environment when using individual and community workspaces

Required Qualifications:

• Rising Senior in pursuit of a Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry, Polymer Science, Material Science, or related field

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous experience designing and synthesizing waterbased polymers
• Good verbal and written communication skills
• Aptitude with instrumentation and computers

Pay is based on several factors including but not limited to education, work experience, certifications, and geographic location.
The salary for this role is $21-$23 per hour.
In addition to your salary, H.B. Fuller offers employees a competitive total rewards package including comprehensive benefits, incentive and recognitions programs, health & wellness benefits, 401K contributions, paid time off and paid holidays. Eligibility may vary.
H.B. Fuller is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and proud to have created a collaborative culture where employees around the world are seen, heard, and respected. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability, or marital status or status as a protected veteran, or any other legally protected classification.
H.B. Fuller does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters, employment agencies, or staffing firms. To conduct business with H.B. Fuller, a written service agreement must be executed by Human Resources prior to submitting any information relating to a potential candidate. Without a signed service agreement, H.B. Fuller shall not be obligated for payment of any fee or compensation.