Paid Summer Intern (NYSERDA)

Ithaca, NY

Full Time

Student (College)

Research Intern
Location: Ithaca, NY
Job Type: Summer 2025 Full-Time Internship & In-Person Rate of Pay: $25.00 per hour

Ecolectro develops specialty polymers and electrolytic cells for green hydrogen production, fuel cell technology, and electrolyzers. Our breakthrough alkaline exchange materials exhibit high ionic conductivity and exceptionally high chemical stability. These desirable characteristics reduce device costs and enable scalable green hydrogen, promoting access to clean energy and economically sustainable fuels.
We are offering full-time paid internship positions to motivated undergraduates in chemistry or engineering disciplines. Interns will contribute to cutting-edge projects and gain significant hands-on experience by working with our research team. Over the course of the project, interns will develop independence in scientific reasoning and decision making. This position supports the research and development of custom monomer and polymer electrolytes that are incorporated into electrochemical devices.

Key Responsibilities:

Support internal science team with research and development of electrolyzer components including membranes, electrodes, test stations, balance of plant components, and automation.
Maintain records of experimental procedures, observations, and results.
Present and submit detailed reports on research carried out using Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, or similar software.

Potential Chemistry Responsibilities:

Synthesis and purification of organic small molecules, including air-free and moisture-free techniques.
Polymer synthesis, modification, and membrane fabrication.
Characterization of compounds using analytical techniques (e.g. NMR, GPC, Viscometry, or Titrations).
Prepare ultrathin membranes via tape-casting.
Aid in optimization of membrane support materials to yield higher electrochemical and mechanical performance.
Develop catalyst-coated materials for small-scale electrolytic cells.
Operate small-scale, single cell electrolyzer test stations.
Automation and validation of electrode ink spray coating methodologies including ink formulation.

Potential Engineering Responsibilities:

Support design, manufacturing, and validation of electrolysis cells, mechanical components, and systems.
Perform research and analysis on various designs for electrolyzer and balance of plant components.
Assist with evaluation and implementation of power electronics for hydrogen electrolyzers.
Aid in overcoming engineering challenges including scaling up, high pressure, and heat exchange.
Develop software controls for automation and testing.

Required Qualifications:

Pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Polymer Science, Materials Science, Engineering discipline, or similar.
1-2 years of laboratory experience in academic or research lab.
Communication and teamwork skills to work effectively in a fast-paced interdisciplinary environment.
Good organizational skills, record keeping, and follow-through will be integral to success.
Time management skills and a high level of independence after the training phase.

We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Ecolectro is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status. We strongly encourage applications from all equity groups, even those where not all job requirements are met.

Please Note: Ecolectro's paid summer internships are offered in collaboration with NYSERDA's New York State Clean Energy Internship Program. This partnership is designed to provide interns with hands-on experience in clean energy initiatives. To participate, candidates must navigate a dual application process. This involves applying for approval through NYSERDA to confirm they meet the program's eligibility criteria, and simultaneously applying directly to Ecolectro for the internship position. This ensures that selected interns are both qualified and aligned with our commitment to advancing sustainable energy solutions.

To apply, please send resumes and cover letters to [email protected].
Link to NYSERDA https://www.nyserda.ny.gov/All-Programs/Clean-Energy-Internship-Program/Prospective-Interns

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