Chemistry Lab Co-op

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Excited to grow your career? We value our talented employees, and whenever possible strive to help our associates grow professionally before recruiting new talent to our open positions.

If you think the open position you see is right for you, we encourage you to apply! Our people make all the difference in our success. The Technical Services Co-op – Pulp & Paper Solutions is a key member of the laboratory team responsible for supporting customer technical service activities through laboratory testing, data analysis, and problem solving.

This position will process and evaluate customer samples to provide insight into paper manufacturing processes, identify opportunities for process improvement, and assess the performance and efficacy of DuBois chemistries.

The successful candidate will gain significant hands-on laboratory experience and, with appropriate training, will be expected to independently perform routine testing, accurately document and interpret results, and communicate findings to the broader technical team.

This role provides exposure to both applied chemistry and real-world manufacturing challenges within the pulp and paper industry. Scope of Responsibility Customer Sample Testing & Technical Service • Receive, organize, and process customer samples submitted for technical evaluation.

• Independently perform established laboratory testing and analytical methods following appropriate training. • Evaluate samples and test results to help identify potential process issues, contamination, deposition, or opportunities for improved chemical performance.

• Support comparative testing to evaluate the efficacy of DuBois chemistries under customer-relevant conditions. • Maintain accurate records of samples, testing conditions, observations, and analytical results.

• Assist in preparing clear technical summaries and reports communicating laboratory findings. Laboratory Testing & Analysis • Perform routine chemical and physical testing using established laboratory procedures and instrumentation.

• Prepare solutions, reagents, and samples according to documented test methods. • Analyze experimental data, identify trends or unusual results, and communicate observations to technical team members.

• Apply scientific reasoning and problem-solving skills when evaluating laboratory results. • Troubleshoot routine testing or analytical issues and recognize when additional technical guidance is required.

• Maintain laboratory equipment and work areas to support accurate, efficient, and reproducible testing. Safety & Quality • Follow all DuBois laboratory safety requirements, chemical hygiene practices, and applicable standard operating procedures.

• Properly handle, label, store, and dispose of chemicals and customer samples. • Review Safety Data Sheets and understand hazards associated with laboratory chemicals prior to use.

• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe laboratory workspace. • Perform testing with strong attention to detail and commitment to data integrity and quality.

Collaboration & Communication • Work closely with R&D, Technical Services, Sales, and other cross-functional partners to support customer needs. • Communicate laboratory observations and results clearly to technical team members.

• Participate in discussions regarding customer challenges, test plans, and interpretation of laboratory findings. • Balance multiple customer requests and testing priorities in a fast-paced technical environment.

• Contribute to continuous improvement of laboratory methods, documentation, and workflows. Qualifications and Skills • Strong interest in hands-on laboratory work and applied problem solving.

• Ability to follow established test methods while working independently after appropriate training. • Strong attention to detail, particularly when conducting experiments, recording observations, and handling data.

• Ability to interpret laboratory results and connect experimental observations to practical technical problems. • Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple testing requests.

• Effective written and verbal communication skills. • Comfortable working both independently and collaboratively within a technical team. • Strong commitment to laboratory safety and proper chemical handling.

• Curiosity and willingness to learn about pulp and paper manufacturing processes, industrial chemistry, and chemical applications. Education, Experience, and Licensing Requirements • Currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Materials Science, Paper Science & Engineering, or a related technical field.

• Previous laboratory experience through academic coursework, research, employment, or prior co-op/internship experience preferred. • Familiarity with basic laboratory practices, chemical calculations, and data analysis.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, Word, and PowerPoint. • Ability to safely work in a laboratory environment while handling chemical and industrial samples in accordance with established safety procedures.

DuBois provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, age, disability, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, service in the military, veteran status, or any other protected status in accordance with applicable federal, state, and/or local law and/or regulation.

DuBois provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, age, disability, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, service in the military, veteran status, or any other protected status in accordance with applicable federal, state, and/or local law and/or regulation.