R&D Co-Op – Polymer, Tape Solutions

This is a 6-month Co-Op opportunity with intent to start May-June 2026 and end November-December 2026. Flexibility on start/end dates for the right candidate. We encourage anyone with interest to apply!

Location:

Northborough, MA

In-person

Job Description:

In this polymer development role, the co-op will support the creation and optimization of next‑generation polymer systems by formulating new materials, conducting structured experimental studies, and performing comprehensive characterization to understand structure–property relationships. 

Working closely with the Tape Solutions and Central R&D team, the co-op will prepare and modify polymer formulations, evaluate their physical, chemical, and surface attributes, and utilize analytical tools such as optical tensiometry, peel testing, and SEM to guide iterative material improvements. This hands‑on R&D experience will advance innovative, high‑performance polymer solutions that address evolving application needs across the organization.

Responsibilities:
1. Develop and test new formulations to achieve the required performance.
2. Perform characterization on the surface properties using techniques such as surface energy, peel test, FTIR, and SEM.
3. Collect, analyze, and interpret experimental data and present results to the project team and business stakeholders.

Required Qualifications:

• Currently pursuing a PhD degree in Polymer Chemistry, Polymer Science/Engineering, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• Hands-on laboratory experience and strong problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work safely and independently in the laboratory following all policies and procedures.
• Innovative mindset and capability to design, conduct, and interpret experiments independently and in partnership with other R&D team members.
• Effective oral and written communication of experimental procedures and results.
• Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced and collaborative research and development environment.

WHO WE ARE: 

Saint-Gobain Research (SGR) North America is one of Saint-Gobain’s largest industrial research laboratories. The center is home to more than 400 employees working at the leading edge of innovation on multidisciplinary industrial research, preparing the future by designing tomorrow's products and processes across an amazing variety of markets and technical disciplines. Since 1985, SGR North America has been supporting existing businesses, developing future businesses, and nurturing talent.

Saint-Gobain designs, manufactures, and distributes materials and solutions which are key ingredients in the wellbeing of each of us and the future of all. They can be found everywhere in our living places and our daily life: in buildings, transportation, infrastructure and in many industrial applications. They provide comfort, performance and safety while addressing the challenges of sustainable construction, resource efficiency and climate change.

Saint-Gobain provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. Saint-Gobain is an equal opportunity employer of individuals with disabilities and supports the hiring of veterans.

Benefits In Joining Us

Certain locations require pay information to be provided in job postings. We believe in the importance of pay transparency in what we offer potential candidates. 

The hourly rate for co-op positions ranges from $21 to $29.50 per hour. However, the actual rate provided is determined by the students’ classification in their undergraduate (freshmen, sophomore, junior, senior) or graduate (first year, second year, etc.) programs.