Research & Development Intern - Minerals Technologies

Minerals Technologies Inc. (MTI) is a leading, technology-driven specialty minerals company that develops, produces, and markets a broad range of mineral and mineral-based products, related systems and services. MTI serves a wide range of consumer and industrial markets, including household and personal care, paper, foundry, steel, construction and environmental solutions around the world. The company reported global sales of $2.1 billion in 2022.

MTI focuses on two major segments – Consumer & Specialties and Engineered Solutions. 

Our Consumer & Specialities segment offers technologically enhanced products to consumer-driven end markets plus specialty additives that become functional components in a variety of consumer and industrial goods. This segment includes our Household & Personal Care and Specialty Additives product lines. The Household & Personal Care product line provides mineral-to-market products that serve consumer-oriented end markets including Pet Care, Personal Care, Fabric Care, Edible Oil, and Renewable Fuel Purification. Our Specialty Additives product line provides mineral-based technologies serving Paper, Packaging, Sealants & Adhesives, Paint & Coatings, Ceramics, Plastics, Food & Pharmaceutical markets.

Our Engineered Solutions segment offers advanced process technologies and solutions that are designed to improve our customers’ manufacturing processes and projects. This segment includes our High-Temperature Technologies and Environmental & Infrastructure product lines. Our High-Temperature Technologies product line offers specially-formulated blends and technologies primarily for Foundry and Steelmaking industries. Our Environmental & Infrastructure product line provides waterproofing, water purification, remediation and other fluid management technologies for critical projects for Remediation, Water Purification, and Infrastructure.

MTI provides a business environment and promotes a culture that encourages all employees to contribute to our success. We have long been committed to the recruitment and advancement of the most talented and qualified people. We recognize that MTI’s ability to provide the highest caliber of products and services is enhanced by a workforce that reflects the diversity of the communities and countries in which we work.

Job Summary:

Our Specialty Minerals Inc. division currently has an opening for a Chemistry or Chemical Engineering graduate student level summer-internship at our Bethlehem, PA USA research laboratory.

• Conceive of product concepts that may satisfy target applications or markets defined above.
• Construct lab-scale experimental designs to synthesize prototypes and test for feasibility in application.
• Execute experimental plans, test/characterize products, and conduct statistical analysis of results for meaning and conclusions from hypotheses.
• Experience with Precipitated calcium carbonate, Ground calcium carbonate and talc in sealants, rubber and personal care applications with emphasis on food and pharma.
• Will have a senior-level onsite as a mentor.

Qualifications and Experience: 

The requirements listed in the sections that follow are representative of the knowledge, skills and/or abilities required to perform the duties of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions (primary duties) of the job. 

Knowledge:Basic, fundamental understanding of chemical principles commensurate with a high performing baccalaureate student of chemistry or chemical engineering.  Particular emphasis will be placed on the principles of physical chemistry, inorganic chemistry, fluid dynamics, and clay science.  The ideal candidate will possess a B.S. in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering or will soon complete said degree.  A high degree of technical competence as well as personal and professional integrity is absolutely required. 

Skills & Abilities:A passion for physical, and/or inorganic chemistry, or fluid dynamics is desirable.  Ability to operate a computer and relevant software for the position requirements.  Strong people skills, a high degree of integrity, strong work ethic, and a positive attitude are necessary.  Must be capable of working independently under the guidance of a more senior scientist.  Speaks, reads, writes, and understands English language.  Effective Communicator.  Customer Focused.  Fast, Focused and Fundamental. 

Physical & Mental:Extensive work in laboratory environment.Occasional climbing, bending, kneeling and walking in an industrial plant setting.  Must be able to gather, organize and analyze data, draw conclusions, and manage a moderate level of stress.  Must wear safety equipment as required.  Able to lift a minimum of 25 kg without difficulty. 

Work Hours:  Asagreed upon, based on intern availability and business needs. 

Safety Training: A new employee hired to perform the duties of this position is required to be provided New Employee Training by a qualified individual or through the online training system.  Additionally, an employee must be provided further training if a job duty/task has changes that will affect the health and safety aspects of that employee’s position.  Additional refresher safety training will be required as management deemsappropriate or as dictated by government regulations.