JOIN THE SWAY TEAM!
Materials Science Intern
LOCATION
San Leandro, CA (San Francisco Bay Area)
TIMING
Summer 2023 (Approximately June - August)
COMMITMENT
40 hours per week — flexible for a part-time arrangement depending on the candidate.
SENIORITY
Intern
OVERVIEW
Sway is a California-based materials startup harnessing the power of seaweed to create home-compostable replacements for single-use plastics. We are focused on developing and scaling high-performance, seaweed-based packaging. Sway technologies drop into traditional plastic infrastructure, while simultaneously replenishing ocean health, promoting regeneration, and ultimately creating a more inclusive environmental movement. We are seeking a highly motivated Materials Science Intern to support our Research & Development team.
THE ROLE
This intern will directly assist in polymers processing, material characterization, and analysis while gaining exposure to all parts of Sway’s business. We are excited about individuals with a demonstrated passion for sustainability and circular economy principles. Exceptional analytical and communication skills are vital, as is attention to detail within a fast-moving startup environment.
Successful candidates will be a highly motivated undergraduate or graduate-level student currently pursuing a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Materials Science, Polymer, or Chemical Engineering or related technical field with a minimum 3.0 GPA.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
• Execute hands-on material property, characterization, and analytical testing of novel seaweed biopolymer formulations
• Prepare test samples based on internal specifications
• Support the R&D team with lab-scale formulation, product, and extrusion process development trials
• Analyze data and communicate results to the R&D Team
• Document critical findings and report project progress to the R&D Team
• Conduct critical literature research to support R&D exploratory work
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
• Strong hands-on experience with and knowledge of materials science and processing, particularly related to pellet and film processing, material testing, and characterization
• Expertise in analyzing structure-property relationships
• Familiarity with typical materials testing equipment is a plus
• Familiarity with twin screw, cast film, blown film extrusion, and injection molding is a plus
• Clear and informative written communication and effective presentation of numerical data
• Problem solving skills and the ability to make competent, independent decisions in a timely manner to ensure consistent progress on projects and assigned tasks
• Ability to effectively manage multiple and or changing priorities with minimal supervision
Preferred qualifications:
• Previous direct experience working with the aforementioned testing and analysis equipment
• Funding opportunities from your program/university (if possible — we can discuss this in more detail later in the process)
WHAT WE OFFER
• This is a paid role
• Opportunity to play a key role in a seed stage Bay Area-based startup with massive growth potential
• Critical materials science experience
• Ability to own and support projects that will contribute to a healthier planet
• An incredible team to support you
• Full-time preferred, but flexible for a part-time arrangement depending on the candidate
PLEASE NOTE
Black, Indigenous, People of Color, and LBGTQ+ candidates are warmly encouraged to apply. Sway is forging not only the material dimensions of a regenerative future, but the cultural dimensions as well. We recognize and embrace that this mission is not achievable without diversity, and are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, cultures, skills, and experiences, knowing that the more inclusive we are, the more successful we will be.
HOW TO APPLY
After preparing your resume/CV and cover letter, please fill out this form. We will reach out to select candidates for interviews on a rolling basis.
