R&D Chemical Recycling Intern
Sulzer · Winterthur
Sulzer is a leading engineering company with a proud heritage of innovation. Join our global team to grow your expertise and develop innovative solutions that enable a prosperous and more sustainable society.
About the role
Join our Polymer Application and Recycling R&D team within Sulzer's Chemtech division in Switzerland as an R&D Chemical Recycling Intern. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the development of innovative technologies that support the transition towards a more circular and sustainable chemical industry.In this role, you will collaborate with experienced scientists and engineers on laboratory and pilot-scale projects focused on chemical recycling, renewable chemicals, and sustainable fuels. You will gain valuable hands-on experience with advanced analytical techniques, reactor systems, and process development activities while contributing to cutting-edge research and development programs.
If you are passionate about chemistry, sustainability, and innovation, this internship offers a unique opportunity to develop your technical expertise within a dynamic, international, and collaborative environment.
Key Responsibilities:
- Develop and implement analytical methods for the characterization of oils, plastics, waxes, solvents, and complex chemical mixtures.
- Conduct laboratory-scale investigations focused on chemical recycling, feedstock upgrading, purification, and upcycling processes.
- Operate laboratory reactors and support experimental campaigns across a range of R&D projects.
- Perform sample characterization using standardized analytical methods, including ASTM, UOP, and ISO procedures.
- Analyze, interpret, and document experimental results in technical reports.
- Present findings and recommendations during project and team meetings.
- Assist with the setup, execution, and monitoring of pilot plant trials.
- Support troubleshooting activities and help resolve operational challenges during pilot-scale campaigns.
- Participate in continuous pilot plant operations, including shift-based activities when required.
- Contribute to additional innovation projects involving polymer applications, biofuels, solvents, and bio-based monomers and polymers.
- Maintain high standards of laboratory safety and ensure compliance with Environment, Safety, and Health (ESH) requirements.
- Help foster a safe, efficient, and well-organized laboratory environment
Your profile:
- Master's degree in Chemistry, preferrably with a specialization in Analytical Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or Materials Science
- Hands-on laboratory experience within a chemical, petrochemical, pharmaceutical, polymer, or flavor & fragrance environment
- Strong knowledge of analytical chemistry and separation and purification sciences
- Practical experience with chemical purification, separation techniques, and lab-scale reactor operations
- Experience using analytical instruments and techniques such as GC (MS, FID, TOFMS, TCD), ICP-MS, CIC, Simulated Distillation (SimDist), and titration methods including Karl Fischer, Total Acid Number, and Bromine Number
- Knowledge of physical property measurements such as density and viscosity
- Strong understanding of laboratory safety practices and safe handling of chemicals and potentially hazardous materials
- Proficient English language skills, German is a plus
- Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and organizational skills
- Collaborative mindset and ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary teams
What we offer you
- An innovative, vibrant and agile culture
- Excellent social benefits (holidays, pension fund etc.)
- Access to a wide range of discounts on Everyday Shopping, Entertainment and Lifestyle
- Central workplace, only 5 minutes from Winterthur train station
Sulzer is an equal opportunity employer. We believe in the strength of a diverse workforce and are committed to offering an inclusive work environment.
We are proud to be recognized as a Top Employer 2026 in Brazil, Canada, China, Finland, Germany, Ireland, Mexico, Switzerland, South Africa, the UK and the USA.