R&D PhD Summer Intern: Dissolution-Based Recycling
Procter & Gamble
- Location
- MASON BUS AND INNOVATION CTR
- Employment
- Internship
- Work model
- On-Site
- Level
- Intern
- Posted
- Sep 16, 2026
About this role
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 Qualifications:
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