Research & Development Intern - Fluid Purification

Oil-Dri Corporation of America is a leading manufacturer and supplier of specialty sorbent products for consumer and business-to-business markets that has been voted as a Top 100 workplaces in the Chicago Tribune. Oil-Dri’s products are sold in the pet care, animal health, fluids purification, agricultural, sports field, industrial and automotive markets. Oil-Dri controls millions of tons of specialty mineral reserves, including calcium bentonite, attapulgite, and diatomaceous shale. The company’s mines and manufacturing facilities are located in Georgia, Mississippi, Illinois, and California. Oil-Dri is a family-controlled and operated organization that emphasizes honesty, integrity, and accountability. The company is dedicated to fulfilling its mission to Create Value From Sorbent Minerals.

• Onsite Required (Monday - Friday)
• Hourly rate: $17-22

Job Overview:  

This summer internship within our Fluid Purification division offers the opportunity to engage in product development research projects and technical analysis test studies utilizing both traditional and innovative testing methodologies.

Responsibilities:

• Perform laboratory experiments and instrument analyses on fuels and oils.
• Conduct physical and performance assessments of adsorbent products.
• Explore product formulations and processing conditions for performance optimization through research and experimentation.
• Support general lab management and safety.

Qualifications:

Education:

• Currently enrolled in, or recently graduated from, chemistry-degree coursework or related science.

Skills & Abilities:

• Experience in laboratory settings
• General understanding of scientific principles.
• Proficiency in mathematics.
• Competency with Microsoft Excel and the Office suite.
• Interest in laboratory instruments and analytical techniques
• Respect for laboratory safety and personal responsibility
• Strong capacity for creative thinking.
• Demonstrated problem-solving abilities.
• Willingness to engage in hands-on work.
• Effective communication skills.
• Commitment to continuous learning and proactive initiative.

Internship Expectations:

This internship will have specific research projects assigned in addition to general assignments to support laboratory research goals. Projects may include refining and purification studies on renewable diesel, edible oils, PFAS as well as lab work to support sales or marketing. Project presentations will be made at the end of the internship. Success will be evaluated based on completion of projects, demonstration of knowledge and understanding of projects and utility of results.

Oil-Dri is committed to providing equal opportunity for all teammates and qualified candidates without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, marital status, mental or physical disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. Accordingly, all employment decisions and personnel actions or programs such as hiring, promotion, discipline, compensation, benefits, transfers, reductions in workforce, and training, etc. will be consistent with the principle of equal employment opportunity.