PFAS and Emerging Contaminants Research Intern (Summer 2027)

Battelle • BOULDER, CO

11d • $20 - $40

About The Position

Battelle is seeking a PFAS and Emerging Contaminants Research Intern for summer 2027. The position supports the Environment & Agriculture business line on PFAS, emerging contaminants, and environmental analytical chemistry projects, including internal research and development initiatives and client-funded work. The intern will gain hands-on experience with environmental data analysis, scientific programming, and technical communication while working under the direction of project teams, program managers, and principal investigators. The position may be remote or hybrid in Columbus, Ohio.

The intern will assist with literature reviews, research and technology scans, environmental dataset preparation and evaluation, quantitative analysis, and Python-based data processing and visualization. The role also includes preparing technical materials and documenting methods, assumptions, and results; collaborating with scientists, engineers, and program personnel; and following Battelle’s data-handling, safety, and quality standards.

Requirements

• Currently pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s degree in environmental science, chemistry, environmental engineering, data science, biology, or a related field.
• Coursework or hands-on experience with data analysis and quantitative methods.
• Working knowledge of Python for data processing, analysis, or visualization, such as pandas, NumPy, or matplotlib.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel and PowerPoint.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present technical information clearly.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working with environmental, laboratory, or analytical chemistry datasets.
• Familiarity with QA/QC concepts and data quality evaluation.
• Exposure to statistical analysis, data visualization tools, or version control such as Git.
• Interest in or coursework related to PFAS, emerging contaminants, or environmental remediation.
• Familiarity with AI or machine-learning concepts or AI-enabled data tools.
• Prior research experience, including academic, internship, or lab-based experience.

Responsibilities

• Support internal research and development projects and client-funded work across PFAS, emerging contaminants, and environmental analytical chemistry.
• Conduct literature reviews and market or technology scans to support research proposals, idea generation, and portfolio prioritization.
• Assist project teams with day-to-day technical tasks under the direction of program managers and principal investigators.
• Compile, clean, and organize environmental datasets, including analytical chemistry results, field and monitoring data, and secondary or published data.
• Evaluate datasets for quality, completeness, and trends, and flag anomalies and QA/QC concerns.
• Perform quantitative analysis, summary statistics, and comparisons against regulatory or method-based benchmarks.
• Write and run Python code to process, analyze, and visualize data, and develop and maintain reproducible analysis scripts and simple workflows.
• Assist with data management, spreadsheet automation, and preparation of analysis-ready datasets.
• Prepare presentations, figures, tables, and charts to communicate research findings to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Support development of technical reports, proposal sections, white papers, and internal briefings.
• Document methods, assumptions, and results.
• Participate in team meetings, project reviews, and brainstorming sessions, contributing ideas and observations.
• Coordinate with scientists, engineers, and program personnel to complete assigned tasks.
• Follow Battelle’s data-handling, safety, and quality standards, including appropriate treatment of sensitive or proprietary information.

Benefits

• $2,000 housing stipend for students relocating more than 50 miles from home and university.
• Flexible work schedules; most teams follow a compressed schedule allowing every other Friday off.
• Hybrid work flexibility through the Together with Flexibility model, with 60% in-office and 40% remote work, subject to team and position needs.
• Employee Resource Groups.
• Social and professional networking events with Battelle senior leadership and colleagues.
• Opportunities for philanthropic involvement.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Intern