PFAS and Emerging Contaminants Research Intern (Summer 2027)

Job Summary

We are currently seeking a PFAS and Emerging Contaminants Research Intern. This position can be remote or hybrid (Columbus, OH) for the summer of 2027.

This internship supports Battelle's Environment & Agriculture business line across a range of PFAS, emerging contaminants, and environmental analytical chemistry projects. The selected intern will contribute to both internal research and development (IRAD) initiatives and client-funded work, gaining hands-on experience in environmental data analysis, scientific programming, and technical communication.

Responsibilities

Research & Technical Support (IRAD and client projects)

• Support internal research and development (IRAD) projects and client-funded work across the Environment & Agriculture business line, contributing to tasks spanning PFAS, emerging contaminants, and environmental analytical chemistry.
• Conduct literature reviews and market/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.

Data Evaluation & Analysis

• Compile, clean, and organize environmental datasets (analytical chemistry results, field/monitoring data, and secondary/published data) for analysis.
• Evaluate datasets for quality, completeness, and trends; flag anomalies and QA/QC concerns.
• Perform quantitative analysis, summary statistics, and comparisons against regulatory or method-based benchmarks.

Programming & Computational Work

• Write and run Python code to process, analyze, and visualize data (e.g., using pandas, NumPy, matplotlib).
• Develop and maintain reproducible analysis scripts and simple workflows to support recurring analyses.
• Assist with data management, spreadsheet automation, and the preparation of analysis-ready datasets.

Communication & Deliverables

• Prepare presentations, figures, tables, and charts that clearly communicate research findings to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Support the development of technical reports, proposal sections, white papers, and internal briefings.
• Document methods, assumptions, and results.

Collaboration & Professional Development

• Participate in team meetings, project reviews, and brainstorming sessions, contributing ideas and observations.
• Coordinate with scientists, engineers, and program managers to complete assigned tasks.
• Follow Battelle's data-handling, safety, and quality standards, including proper treatment of sensitive or proprietary information.

Key Qualifications

• 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 (e.g., pandas, NumPy, 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, organizational skills, and the ability to manage multiple tasks.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• 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 (e.g., Git).
• Interest in or coursework related to PFAS, emerging contaminants, or environmental remediation.
• Familiarity with AI/machine-learning concepts or AI-enabled data tools.
• Prior research experience (academic, internship, or lab-based).