Plastic & Material Science Intern

World Wildlife Fund, Inc. • Washington, DC

1d • $21 - $23 • Remote

About The Position

World Wildlife Fund (WWF) is seeking a Plastic & Material Science Intern to work with the Private Sector Engagement department’s Plastic & Material Science team. The intern will support projects related to biobased and biodegradable materials, alternative materials, and responsible feedstock sourcing, including WWF’s Bioplastic Feedstock Alliance efforts to advance science and sourcing practices for responsibly sourced biobased plastic.

The role supports WWF’s work to address plastic pollution through systems change, including reducing plastic use, improving the materials used, reuse, substitution, recycling, and better waste management. Work includes research, analysis, technical writing, project coordination, stakeholder engagement, and support for multi-stakeholder events. The internship offers exposure to supply chains and sourcing, corporate sustainability, public policy, environmental issues, and collaboration with companies, NGOs, and WWF network offices.

This is a six-month internship requiring 35 hours per week. The position is US remote, excluding Hawaii, Kentucky, Nevada, and Oklahoma. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States; the position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

Requirements

• Current student or recent graduate in a relevant field, such as corporate sustainability, natural resources, material science, environmental science, or sustainable development; highly qualified undergraduate students may be considered. Applicants studying outside these fields are also encouraged to apply.
• Ability to work full-time, 35 hours per week, for six months.
• Strong attention to detail and time-management skills, with the ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Excellent research, analytical, and professional written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools, including Outlook, Teams, OneNote, Excel, PowerPoint, and Word, and willingness to learn new platforms.
• Fluency in English.
• Alignment with WWF’s core values of Courage, Integrity, Respect, and Collaboration.
• Legally authorized to work in the United States; visa sponsorship is not available.

Nice To Haves

• Experience managing research projects and engaging external collaborators.
• Familiarity with environmental impacts and corporate sustainability.
• Knowledge of circular systems, biobased plastic, alternative materials, agriculture, forestry, and climate.

Responsibilities

• Support technical writing and content development for sustainability initiatives within the Plastic & Material Science team.
• Conduct research and analysis on environmental performance, supply chain risks, and emerging trends related to materials and packaging.
• Analyze alternative materials, product applications, and policy measures relevant to sustainable materials and plastics.
• Contribute to project management and administrative coordination across team initiatives and partnerships.
• Support stakeholder engagement and cross-functional collaboration with internal and external partners.
• Develop written materials and engagement assets by synthesizing technical information and aligning findings with WWF’s conservation mission.
• Assist in planning and executing multi-stakeholder events, coordinating with companies, NGOs, and WWF network offices.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: No Education Listed