Local College Co-op - Core R&D

At Dow, we believe in putting people first and we’re passionate about delivering integrity, respect and safety to our customers, our employees and the planet.  

Our people are at the heart of our solutions. They reflect the communities we live in and the world where we do business. Their diversity is our strength. We’re a community of relentless problem solvers that offers the daily opportunity to contribute with your perspective, transform industries and shape the future. Our purpose is simple - to deliver a sustainable future for the world through science and collaboration. If you’re looking for a challenge and meaningful role, you’re in the right place. 

Dow has an exciting part-time cooperative education job opportunity available in Midland, MI. This position is open to qualified and highly-committed college students enrolled in a fully accredited college or university located very close to the Midland Dow site. Unlike a short-term internship project outside of school terms, this particular role is a long-term, year-round, undergraduate student position -- at least one full year in duration -- while the student is simultaneously taking classes toward an undergraduate degree. This opportunity offers the student valuable professional work experience in a dynamic, multi-national corporation interfacing with colleagues and leaders in many different roles. This program is designed for academically successful students who meet ALL of the specific job and co-op program requirements listed below and who can simultaneously succeed both in school and in a professional work environment.

Job Purpose

The position exists to provide research and development support to the Experimental Materials Science organization within Core R&D.

Key Job Responsibilities

This role will be in a technical environment with key responsibilities including, but not limited to, conducting laboratory experiments, data analysis, reporting and presentation of the results and conclusions. Additional responsibilities may include the following:

• Engage with researchers on the planning of new experiments, designed studies, and/or related materials testing.
• Material and equipment preparation, such as apparatus setup, blending of liquids/solids, execution of reactions, generation of samples, equipment cleaning & teardown, material disposal, lab housekeeping and organization.
• Execute characterization experiments using a wide variety of techniques and keep accurate records of the data.
• Data management (including electronic notebooks) & data analysis, including results reporting (research reports).
• Receipt and warehousing for raw materials and samples.
• The ability to handle multiple projects at one time and prioritize work with the assistance of other project team members is necessary.
• Demonstrate a strong commitment to safety in all job responsibilities and work activities, including meeting all compliance requirements and policy guidelines and ownership of group and building safety activities.

Required & Preferred Qualifications

• There is no required course of study for this position, but students that are majoring in a science curriculum (materials science, engineering, chemistry, physics, other science majors will be considered) will be the best fit for this position.
• Student must be able to deliver a quality work product, pay attention to details, prioritize tasks, and follow through on details to completion.
• Student must be efficient and productive and be able to keep up with deadlines committed to.
• Student should be able to take initiative on work that needs to be done, ask for clarity or additional instruction when needed, and be able to work independently as well as cooperatively with the team.
• Student should be flexible, cooperative and have a positive attitude.

Critical Requirements of the Local Student College Co-Op Program

• Must be 18 years of age or older
• High school diploma/GED and already enrolled at an accredited college or university located close to the Midland Dow site, pursuing an undergraduate degree.
• Successfully complete a minimum of 6 credit hours per term during both the Fall and Winter terms (~Sept-Apr).
• Seeking high performing student with strong GPAs of 3.000+ is preferred
• Able to begin work very soon, usually within 3 weeks of the job offer, and work year-round at least 20 hours each week ONLY during our regular business hours (8am-5pm, Mon-Fri…max 8 hours/day and 30/week during school).
• Commit to the role for at least 1 full calendar year (BEFORE completing classes for your stated undergraduate degree or BEFORE transferring out of the area).  Students available longer than one year before completing their degree program are preferred and advantaged.