Co-op

Dubois Chemicals•Sharonville, OH

21h

About The Position

This co-op supports testing and refinement of chemical systems in the surface finishing department for current and potential customers. The chemical systems are used to clean, pretreat, strip paint, and remove rust from various metals and plastics. The role also assists with testing and developing new products for the surface finishing line. The co-op performs routine chemical and physical laboratory testing, prepares solutions and samples, analyzes results, and communicates observations to technical colleagues. The position requires hands-on work, attention to detail, adapting to changing test needs, and following laboratory safety and quality procedures. The co-op collaborates with R&D, Technical Services, Sales, and other partners to address customer needs and improve laboratory methods and workflows.

Requirements

Currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Materials Science, Paper Science & Engineering, or a related technical field.
Strong interest in hands-on laboratory work and applied problem solving.
Ability to follow established test methods and work independently after appropriate training.
Strong attention to detail in experiments, recording observations, and handling data.
Ability to interpret laboratory results and connect observations to practical technical problems.
Strong organizational and time-management skills, including the ability to manage multiple testing requests.
Effective written and verbal communication skills.
Comfort working independently and collaboratively within a technical team.
Strong commitment to laboratory safety and proper chemical handling.
Ability to safely work in a laboratory environment with chemical and industrial samples in accordance with established safety procedures.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
Familiarity with basic laboratory practices, chemical calculations, and data analysis.

Nice To Haves

Previous laboratory experience through academic coursework, research, employment, or prior co-op/internship experience.
Curiosity and willingness to learn about pulp and paper manufacturing processes, industrial chemistry, and chemical applications.

Responsibilities

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.
Use scientific reasoning and problem-solving to evaluate laboratory results.
Troubleshoot routine testing or analytical issues and seek technical guidance when needed.
Maintain laboratory equipment and work areas to support accurate, efficient, and reproducible testing.
Follow laboratory safety requirements, chemical hygiene practices, and applicable standard operating procedures.
Handle, label, store, and dispose of chemicals and customer samples appropriately.
Review Safety Data Sheets and understand chemical hazards before use.
Maintain a clean, organized, and safe laboratory workspace while protecting data integrity and quality.
Work 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 about 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.
Assist in testing and developing new products for the surface finishing line.