INTERNSHIP DETAILS

Synthetic/Process Chemist Intern/Co-Op (PHD Candidate)

CompanyFLEXSYS
LocationFairlawn
Work ModeOn Site
PostedJuly 20, 2026
Internship Information
Core Responsibilities
Design and execute multi-step organic syntheses while optimizing synthetic routes for target molecules. Investigate reaction conditions and scale-up considerations to advance chemistry programs from bench-scale to process development.
Internship Type
full time
Company Size
356
Visa Sponsorship
No
Language
English
Working Hours
40 hours
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About The Company
Flexsys is a company relentlessly focused on improving the performance of tires and other rubber products. Our best-in-class rubber chemicals and solutions are among the highest quality and most popular in their categories. Those include Crystex™ vulcanizing agents, Santoflex™ antidegradants, and Duralink™ post-vulcanization stabilizers. While we were established as a standalone company in 2021, the Flexsys brand was first created more than a quarter of a century ago, and our products have existed since the 1940s. Today, we are the world’s strongest global supplier of rubber chemicals and solutions, with manufacturing sites and technology centers spanning four continents. At Flexsys, we are driven to help our customers succeed both globally and locally with exceptional service by creating longer lasting, safer and higher performing end-products, ensuring quality and consistency in both product and supply, and through continual innovation and creativity. We are committed to helping build a more sustainable future, while partnering with our customers to improve their lives and products.
About the Role

Description

We are seeking a highly motivated Ph.D. candidate in Organic Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, Process Chemistry, or a related discipline to join our synthetic and process chemistry team. This internship is designed for 4th- or 5th-year doctoral students with a proven track record of research excellence and strong laboratory execution.


The successful candidate will contribute to both synthetic route development and process optimization activities, working closely with experienced chemists to advance challenging chemistry programs from bench-scale synthesis through process development.


Key Responsibilities

  • Design and execute multi-step organic syntheses.
  • Develop and optimize synthetic routes for target molecules and intermediates.
  • Investigate reaction conditions, scale-up considerations, and process robustness.
  • Analyze reaction outcomes using standard analytical techniques (NMR, LC-MS, HPLC, GC, etc.).
  • Maintain accurate laboratory records and effectively communicate research findings.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional scientists to solve synthetic and process-related challenges.

Requirements

  • Currently enrolled in a Ph.D. program in Organic Chemistry, Process Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, or a closely related field.
  • Preferred 4th- or 5th-year Ph.D. student with demonstrated research productivity.
  • Strong foundation in synthetic organic chemistry and reaction mechanism understanding.
  • Proven ability to independently plan and execute complex multi-step syntheses.
  • Publication record in peer-reviewed scientific journals.
  • Excellent problem-solving, communication, and organizational skills.
  • Ability and willingness to temporarily relocate to Akron, Ohio for the duration of the internship.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience in process chemistry, route scouting, reaction optimization, or scale-up activities.
  • Familiarity with Design of Experiments (DoE) or process development principles.
  • Experience troubleshooting challenging synthetic transformations.

What You'll Gain

  • Hands-on experience in an industrial synthetic/process chemistry environment.
  • Exposure to route development, scale-up strategies, and process optimization.
  • Mentorship from experienced synthetic and process chemists.
  • Opportunity to make meaningful contributions to active research and development programs

 An Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE):  race/color/religion/sex/sexual orientation/gender identity/ national origin/disability 

Key Skills
Organic SynthesisProcess ChemistryRoute DevelopmentProcess OptimizationNMRLC-MSHPLCGCScale-upDesign of ExperimentsReaction Mechanism UnderstandingMulti-step Synthesis
Categories
Science & ResearchEngineeringManufacturing