Materials Chemistry​/Chemical Engineering Intern; Summer

Materials Chemistry/Chemical Engineering Intern (Summer 2026)

Role: Paid Materials Chemistry/Chemical Engineering Intern
Location: Waltham, MA
Full Time: 40 hours per week, starting May or June 2026
On-Site: No virtual work is available. Local candidates only.

About Folia: Folia Materials is an award-winning cleantech using advanced paper coating technology as our platform super material. Folia’s POU Water Filters are on-sale at 2,500 grocers in Bangladesh. Folia’s paper microwave susceptors provide superior microwave foods and sustainability. We are looking for individuals who take the initiative – in their work and community – to be part of our success story.

Are you a current student seeking an internship – versed in renewable materials / paper / chemical engineering? Looking to build cutting‑edge technical skills and lab work experience? We encourage you to read more and apply for this exciting opportunity.
Overview:
This role performs materials chemistry testing, analysis, qualification, documentation and deployment efforts for Folia Material’s breakthrough technology.

Responsibilities:

• Laboratory R&D to investigate and characterize the efficacy and properties of novel coating materials
• Perform product testing, including but not limited to the use of analytical instruments, visual inspections, and sample preparation for third‑party chemical analysis
• Ensure that testing, characterization, and inspection data reports are completed and organized in support of the Quality Management System.

What we look for:

• Ability to perform analytical laboratory testing with consistent rigor and attention to detail
• Proficiency in understanding technical specifications and procedures.
• Ability to synthesize data and findings into succinct reports and presentations
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, while also contributing observations
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize requests and effectively manage multiple daily tasks
• Adaptability – ability to rapidly master new technical skills and identify roadblocks

Qualifications:

• Pursuing a bachelor's or master’s degree in a relevant scientific or engineering discipline (chemical engineering, environmental engineering, renewable materials chemistry, paper science and engineering, fiber/textile science) is required.
• Recent graduates in the aforementioned disciplines
• Experience in cellulosic materials, pulp, paper, or textiles is helpful
• Experience working in a laboratory, maintaining and operating equipment, and maintaining records and reports of product development activities is preferred.

We Offer You:

• Professional Development – opportunity to cross‑collaborate on multiple projects/ research
• A thorough introduction to the startup world – you will experience, first‑hand, how startups function
• A close‑knit team driven to sustainability and innovation
• Monetary compensation for your contribution to our work

What experience do you have in a lab and working with laboratory information systems?

How do you make sure that all research notes are accurately recorded while you work on an experiment?

Sometimes you may run tests that give an unexpected result. How do you handle inconclusive lab results?