Job Title

InTent Internship Programme (#IIP) 2026: Paid Summer Internship for Bachelor’s, Master’s, or MBA Students in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science, Biomaterials, or Chemistry (3 months) Join a paid summer internship where you will work on real biomaterials innovation with clear industrial relevance. Through the InTent Internship Programme (#IIP), you will support the development and testing of sargassum-based biodegradable materials designed to replace conventional plastic packaging.About the hosting organisation BioPlaster Research is a start-up based in Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico, developing biomaterials made from sargassum and other natural inputs. Its goal is to help replace petroleum-based plastics with biodegradable alternatives that can perform at industrial scale, while also creating value from problematic coastal biomass.The Position You will support the project R&D Intern – Bioplastic Films & Foams: Formulation, Testing & Industrial Trials. The role focuses on formulation work, lab testing, data capture, and support for early industrial trials. You will help connect material chemistry, measurable performance, and manufacturability in a real product development setting.What You Will Work OnSupport lab-scale manufacturing of sargassum-based biomaterials, including films, foams, and threadsPrepare and test formulation iterations to improve target properties such as elasticity, puncture resistance, swelling, and shock absorptionRun structured Design‑Test‑Learn cycles and recommend next steps based on resultsConduct and document material performance testing, including rheology, viscosity, and mechanical testingSupport pilot and industrial trials for films and bags, including process observation and improvement suggestionsMaintain accurate test sheets, batch records, and SOP updatesSynthesise findings into weekly updates, a final technical report, and a roadmap for next R&D stepsCoordinate with R&D, operations, and quality teams to align experiments with validation needsWhat You Bring You are currently pursuing, or have recently completed, a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or MBA degree with a strong technical focus in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science, Biomaterials, Chemistry, or a related field. You bring hands‑on lab experience, strong data skills, and the ability to work in a structured yet fast‑moving environment.Who You AreComfortable working in a wet lab or materials lab environmentStrong at structured experimentation, data handling, and technical documentationProactive, reliable, and comfortable in a start‑up settingStrong problem‑solving skills and ownership mindsetWorking proficiency in English; basic Spanish is preferred but not requiredWhat You Will GainHands‑on experience in biomaterials formulation, testing, and industrial scale‑upExposure to real‑world R&D challenges in sustainable materialsStronger skills in experimentation, technical reporting, and cross‑functional collaborationInsight into how circular‑economy innovation moves from lab to marketPractical experience balancing performance, scalability, and sustainability in product developmentAdditional InformationThis is a paid internship offered through the InTent Internship Programme (#IIP)The internship is expected to start between 15 June and 15 July 2026 and will run for 3 monthsSelected interns may also become part of the broader programme journey, including the virtual kick‑off on 16 July 2026 and the SEED Impact Summit on 24 September 2026#J-18808-Ljbffr