Local College Co-Op - R&D

At Dow, we believe in putting people first and we’re passionate about delivering integrity, respect and safety to our customers, our employees and the planet.  

 

Our people are at the heart of our solutions. They reflect the communities we live in and the world where we do business. Their diversity is our strength. We’re a community of relentless problem solvers that offers the daily opportunity to contribute with your perspective, transform industries and shape the future. Our purpose is simple - to deliver a sustainable future for the world through science and collaboration. If you’re looking for a challenge and meaningful role, you’re in the right place.

Dow has an exciting part-time cooperative education job opportunity available in Midland, MI. This position is open to qualified and highly-committed college students enrolled in a fully accredited college or university located near the Midland Dow site. Unlike a short-term internship project outside of school terms, this particular role is a long-term, year-round, undergraduate student position -- at least one full year in duration -- while the student is simultaneously taking classes toward an undergraduate degree. This opportunity offers the student valuable professional work experience in a dynamic, multi-national corporation interfacing with colleagues and leaders in many different roles.

This program is designed for academically successful students who meet the specific job and co-op program requirements listed below and who can simultaneously succeed both in school and in a professional work environment. Technical key responsibilities include, but not limited to: conducting laboratory experiments, data analysis, reporting and presentation of the results and conclusions.

Job Purpose

The position exists to provide technical/lab support for the Material’s Discovery and Development organization in Core R&D in Midland, MI. The individual will provide support to multidisciplinary teams under the guidance of senior technologists and researchers in the development of new catalysts, new materials, and technical solutions for a wide range of technology areas (e.g., coatings, adhesives, plastics, silicones, home and personal care, etc.). Preferred candidates will have a positive attitude, willingness to learn, and a strong work ethic. Responsibilities will include analytical equipment operation and materials characterization utilizing a variety of techniques. The Material Discovery and Development organization also develops, implements, and utilizes high throughput methodologies; familiarity with multiple software platforms and automated equipment would be beneficial.

Key Job Responsibilities

• Analytical support through sample preparation, instrument operation, data work-up and documentation for a variety of analytical equipment.
• Operation of various bench-top lab equipment. (Electronic balances, hydraulic presses, mixers, pH meters, sieves, and other process specific equipment).
• Support of chemical inventory system.
• Mechanical work such as assisting in reactor and vacuum pump maintenance.
• Conduct laboratory experiments, data analysis, reporting and presentation of the results and conclusions.
• Communication of data results to researchers.
• Cleaning reusable supplies, stocking consumables, assisting with support tasks as needed, etc.
• Student must be able to deliver a quality work product, pay attention to details, prioritize tasks, and follow through on details to completion.
• Student must be efficient and productive and be able to keep up with committed deadlines.
• Student should be able to take initiative on work that needs to be done, ask for clarity or additional instruction when needed, and be able to work independently as well as cooperatively with the team.
• Student should be flexible, dependable, cooperative and have a positive attitude.

Qualifications - Required education, experience and abilities that are needed for this role (must haves)

• There is no required course of study for this position, but students pursuing Chemistry, Biochemistry, Material Science or related science majors may be the best fit for this position.
• High school diploma/GED and already enrolled at an accredited college or university located close to the Midland Dow site, pursuing an undergraduate degree.
• Successfully complete a minimum of 6 credit hours per term during both the Fall and Winter terms (~Sept-Apr).
• Able to begin work very soon, usually within 3 weeks of the job offer, and work year-round at least 20 hours each week ONLY during our regular business hours (8am-5pm, Mon-Fri…max 8 hours/day and 30/week during school).
• Commit to the role for at least 1 full calendar year (BEFORE completing classes for your stated undergraduate degree or BEFORE transferring out of the area). Students available longer than one year before completing their degree program are preferred.
• Reliable attendance and punctuality in commuting to work daily or at least 2 days a week; therefore, dependable transportation, dedication and time management skills are absolutely required. 
• Registered/enrolled in their school's Cooperative Education Program before the first day at Dow and comply with the school’s policies/requirements, in addition to Dow's, for the duration of co-op employment.
• Since this is a Local Co-op position, candidates must live within 50 miles of the Dow site to which they are applying
• A minimum requirement for this U.S. based position is the ability to work legally in the United States. No visa sponsorship/support is available for this position, including for any type of U.S. permanent residency (green card) process.

Preferred Skills - An expanded list of qualifications that are "nice to have", but not essential

• Seeking high performing student with strong GPAs of 3.000+.

Skills - Specific abilities and expertise required to perform tasks effectively in this role

• Accountability: Takes ownership of responsibilities, follows through on commitments, and delivers work reliably and on time.
• Emotional Intelligence: Demonstrates the ability to understand and manage one’s own emotions while recognizing and responding appropriately to the emotions of others.
• Detail‑Oriented: Consistently produces accurate, high‑quality work by carefully reviewing details and minimizing errors.
• Teamwork: Collaborates effectively with others by communicating openly, supporting shared goals, and contributing positively to team success.
• Workplace Relationships: Builds and maintains professional, respectful relationships that foster trust, collaboration, and effective communication across the organization.

Additional Notes:

• Candidates who receive a job offer will be required to pass a background check and drug screen/medical evaluation and will verify school-related requirements and I-9 documentation before being hired into Dow.
• Any current Dow college co-ops wishing to transfer into this role must have been in their current role at least one full year, must have at least one full year left before graduating or transferring out of the area, and must have supervisor approval before applying to each Dow co-op job posting.
• We do not offer relocation for this position.

Benefits – What Dow offers you 

We invest in you. 
 

Dow invests in total rewards programs to help you manage all aspects of you: your pay, your health, your life, your future, and your career. You bring your background, talent, and perspective to work every day. Dow rewards that commitment by investing in your total wellbeing.  

Here are just a few highlights of what you would be offered as a Dow employee: 

• Equitable and market-competitive base pay and bonus opportunity across our global markets, along with locally relevant incentives. 
• Benefits and programs to support your physical, mental, financial, and social well-being, to help you get the care you need...when you need it. 
• Competitive retirement program that may include company-provided benefits, savings opportunities, financial planning, and educational resources to help you achieve your long term financial-goals. 
  • Employee stock purchase programs (availability varies depending on location).
• Student Debt Retirement Savings Match Program (U.S. only).
  • Dow will take the value of monthly student debt payments and apply them as if they are contributions to the Employees’ Savings Plan (401(k)), helping employees reach the Company match.
• Robust medical and life insurance packages that offer a variety of coverage options to meet your individual needs. Travel insurance is also available in certain countries/locations.
• Opportunities to learn and grow through training and mentoring, work experiences, community involvement and team building. 
• Workplace culture empowering role-based flexibility to maximize personal productivity and balance personal needs. 
• Competitive yearly vacation allowance.
• Paid time off for new parents (birthing and non-birthing, including adoptive and foster parents).  
• Paid time off to care for family members who are sick or injured.  
• Paid time off to support volunteering and Employee Resource Group’s (ERG) participation. 
• Wellbeing Portal for all Dow employees, our one-stop shop to promote wellbeing, empowering employees to take ownership of their entire wellbeing journey.
• On-site fitness facilities to help stay healthy and active (availability varies depending on location).
• Employee discounts for online shopping, cinema tickets, gym memberships and more.
• Additionally, some of our locations might offer:
  • Transportation allowance (availability varies depending on location)
  • Meal subsidiaries/vouchers (availability varies depending on location)
  • Carbon-neutral transportation incentives e.g. bike to work (availability varies depending on location)

Join our team, we can make a difference together.

About Dow
Dow (NYSE: DOW) is one of the world’s leading materials science companies, serving customers in high-growth markets such as packaging, infrastructure, mobility and consumer applications. Our global breadth, asset integration and scale, focused innovation, leading business positions and commitment to sustainability enable us to achieve profitable growth and help deliver a sustainable future. We operate manufacturing sites in 30 countries and employ approximately 36,000 people. Dow delivered sales of approximately $43 billion in 2024. References to Dow or the Company mean Dow Inc. and its subsidiaries. ​​​​Learn more about us and our ambition to be the most innovative, customer-centric, inclusive and sustainable materials science company in the world by visiting www.dow.com.

As part of our dedication to inclusion, Dow is committed to equal opportunities in employment. We encourage every employee to bring their whole self to work each day to not only deliver more value, but also have a more fulfilling career. Further information regarding Dow's equal opportunities is available on www.dow.com.

Dow is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and is committed to providing opportunities without regard for race, color, religion, sex, including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity, national origin, age, disability and genetic information, including family medical history. We are also committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may call us at 1-833-My Dow HR (833-693-6947) and select option 8.