TS&D Lab Intern, Summer 2027

Title: TS&D Lab Intern, Summer 2027

Location: Pasadena, TX

Who we are:

Voted one of the Nation's Best and Brightest Companies to Work for, Kuraray America, Inc. (KAI) is a global leader in specialty chemical, fiber, and resin production. With top-of-the-line research and production facilities and a vast network of supplies from around the world, Kuraray leads the industry in specialty dental, fiber, resin, and elastomer products. Kuraray America is a wholly owned subsidiary of Kuraray Company, Ltd. Based in Tokyo, Japan. Kuraray has operations in 32 countries and employs more than 11,000 employees, including over 800 in the United States.

Why Kuraray:

Founded in 1926 , Kuraray is building a better tomorrow, today. Our team members are dedicated to expanding our business with committed professionals who share essential values such as integrity, excellence, teamwork, and accountability.

As a part of Kuraray America, Inc., our team shares the advantages of working for the leader in specialty chemicals, resins, and fibers. Our international presence and resources allow us to be a world-leading innovator in the industries we service. Yet, despite our size, our people are more than just a number. As a new team member, you can expect to earn responsibility quickly. Our commitment to our people is visible in our comprehensive benefits package. As a Kuraray team member, you will have the opportunity to enjoy competitive salaries and benefits, incentive opportunities, and an excellent work environment.

Celebrating 100 Years of Innovation

Be part of a historic milestone as we celebrate our 100th anniversary in 2026! Our centennial year will be filled with local and global events, storytelling campaigns, and sustainability initiatives that reflect Kuraray's legacy and future vision. Interns are encouraged to participate in commemorative projects and anniversary events while experiencing firsthand what it means to be part of a company with a century-long commitment to innovation, safety, and community impact.

Internship Summary:

Kuraray's paid internship program allows students the opportunity to obtain valuable, applicable work experience in a fast-paced, and challenging environment. The program blends real world experience with an extensive overview of the chemical industry. Knowledgeable mentors will provide guidance as you gain professional hands-on experience.

Housing will not be provided for the internship

Responsibilities:

- Preparation of PVOH resin, solution, and formulated samples for testing and evaluation.

- Execution of physical, chemical, and application-based testing for customer, development, and fundamental research projects.

- Data collection, analysis, interpretation, and presentation of scientific findings.

- Development, documentation, and maintenance of laboratory test methods and SOPs.

- Preparation of technical reports, summaries, and supporting data for internal and external communications.

- Support of customer sample shipment and project execution activities.

- Use of Salesforce, Asana, and other systems to manage project assignments, document results, and track project progress.

- Assistance with technical documentation, promotional materials, and research activities led by TS&D Engineers.

- Laboratory equipment calibration, maintenance, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement initiatives.

- Support of safety, environmental, and regulatory compliance activities, including SDS reviews, chemical approvals, audits, and waste management.

- Participation in special projects and other TS&D initiatives as required.

Minimum Qualifications:

- Currently enrolled in an accredited college or university.

- Completed at least two years of college education before beginning internship.

- Pursuing a B.S/B.A. in Engineering, Polymer Science, Material Science, Chemistry, or related.

- Past practical experience in laboratory environment (e.g. handling chemicals, operating laboratory equipment, generating and manipulating data)

- Strong academic performance minimum 3.0/4.0 GPA and strong technical motivation.

- Demonstrated communication and leadership skills.

- Exceptional interpersonal skills and proven track record of adaptability, innovation, initiative and integrity.

- Must have legal U.S. working authorization to participate in the program.

- Must successfully pass pre-employment screening process.

- Must be at least 18 years of age.

- Preferred Qualifications:

- Previous industrial laboratory experience in polymers, coatings, adhesives, paper, packaging, nonwovens, or related application areas.

- Experience working with polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) or other water-soluble polymers.

- Experience operating analytical and physical testing equipment such as viscometers, particle size analyzers, moisture analyzers, tensile testers, DSC, TGA, or similar instruments.

- Demonstrated ability to analyze experimental data and prepare technical reports, presentations, and summaries.

- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including data analysis, graphing, and reporting.

- Strong collaboration and communication skills with the ability to work effectively with technical teams and customers.

Competencies :

- Customer Focus

Building strong customer relationships and delivering customer-centric solutions.

- Business Insight

Applying knowledge of business and the marketplace to advance the organization's goals.

- Cultivates Innovation

Creating new and better ways for the organization to be successful.

- Action Oriented

Taking on new opportunities and tough challenges with a sense of urgency, high energy, and enthusiasm.

- Ensures Accountability

Holding self and others accountable to meet commitments.

- Drives Results

Consistently achieving results, even under tough circumstance

- Collaborates

Building partnerships and working collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives.

- Values Difference

Recognizing the value that different perspectives and cultures bring to an organization

- Communicates Effectively

Developing and delivering multi-mode communications that convey a clear understanding of the unique needs of different audiences.

- Courage

Stepping up to address difficult issues, saying what needs to be said.

- Instills Trust

Gaining the confidence and trust of others through honesty, integrity, and authenticity.

- Situational Adaptability

Adapting approach and demeanor in real time to match the shifting demands of different situations.

Please apply online at: http://www.kuraray.us.com/careers/

Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S

Kuraray America, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer disability/protected veteran status.

No third-party candidates accepted.