LS&E Research Graduate Intern

RTI International is an independent, scientific research institute dedicated to improving the human condition. Our vision is to address the world's most critical problems with technical and science-based solutions in pursuit of a better future. Clients rely on us to answer questions that demand an objective and multidisciplinary approach-one that integrates expertise across social, statistical, data, and laboratory sciences, engineering, and other technical disciplines to solve the world's most challenging problems.

We believe in the promise of science and technical solutions, and we push ourselves every day to deliver on that promise for the good of people, communities, and businesses in the US and around the world. If you are looking for the opportunity to make a real difference, RTI is the place for you.

The Advanced Materials team focuses on the design, synthesis, and scale-up of next-generation materials to address critical challenges in energy, environment, and national security. Our work spans MOFs, COFs, polymers, and composite systems, with core capabilities in sorbent development for carbon capture and PFAS remediation, advanced coatings and encapsulation, and functional materials for sensing and energy storage. We integrate materials innovation with process engineering, characterization, and performance validation to enable real-world deployment. By combining fundamental science with applied R&D, the team delivers scalable, high-impact solutions aligned with DOE, DoD, and industry needs.

• The intern will explore energy storage and CO capture applications utilizing materials developed by the RTI Materials and Environment team, with focus on:

  1. Electrochemical Characterization
  • Conduct electrochemical testing and optimization of framework materials (COFs and related systems)
  • Develop testing protocols for CO₂ capture and reduction
  • Characterize materials for emerging battery applications
  2. Performance Evaluation
  • Assess energy efficiency, scalability, and safety metrics
  • Compare performance against benchmarks for target applications
  • Document experimental findings and analysis
  3. Technology Assessment
  • Evaluate scale-up feasibility and manufacturing considerations
  • Contribute to patent landscape analysis and IP strategy discussions
  • Assess market positioning for climate-related applications
  Value of the Internship

  This role provides hands-on experience supporting real-world research initiatives while building applied skills in a professional setting.

  This internship offers a unique opportunity to:

  • Gain direct experience working on federally funded research projects
  • Explore non-academic career paths in research organizations
  • Build professional networks with researchers and collaborators
  • Develop practical skills that complement academic training

• What You'll Need

  Required Qualifications:

  • Current graduate student (or advanced undergraduate) in a relevant field (e.g., psychology, public health, social sciences, or related discipline)
  • Strong research, analytical, and critical thinking skills
  • Excellent written and verbal communication abilities
  • Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines in a team-based environment
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office or similar productivity tools

  Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience with research methods, including literature reviews and data analysis
  • Familiarity with data collection methodologies
  • Interest in applied or fundamental research

  Additional Requirements:

  Availability for work (up to 40 hours per week) during the internship period of June 1, 2026-August 14, 2026.

  Safety and Compliance
  • Completion of all required RTI safety training prior to lab work
  • Adherence to RTI laboratory safety protocols and PPE requirements
  • Compliance with NC State and RTI policies regarding intellectual property
  Flexibility
  • Scope may be refined collaboratively based on RTI's strategic priorities and emerging opportunities during the internship period
  Success Metrics
  • Successful completion of technical deliverables on timeline
  • Quality of experimental data and analysis
  • Contribution to RTI's research portfolio and potential IP
  • Professional development and learning outcomes for intern

For San Francisco, CA USA Job Postings Only: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. Further information is availablehere.

RTI accepts applications to our job openings from candidates with criminal histories or conviction records in accordance with all applicable laws, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.

For Applicants in Massachusetts Only:It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

The anticipated pay range for this role is listed below. Our pay ranges represent national averages and may vary by location as a geographic differential may be applied to some locations within the United States. RTI considers multiple factors when making an offer including, for example: established salary range, internal budget, business needs, and education and years of work experience possessed by the applicant. Further, salary is merely one element to our offer.

At RTI, we demonstrate our commitment to rewarding individual and team achievement through a total rewards package. This package includes (among other things) a competitive base salary, a generous paid time off policy, merit based annual increases, bonus opportunities and a robust recognition program. Other benefits include a competitive range of insurance plans (including health, dental, life, and short-term and long-term disability), access to a retirement savings program such as a 401(k) plan, paid parental leave for all parents, financial assistance with adoption expenses or infertility treatments, financial reimbursement for education and developmental opportunities, an employee assistance program, and numerous other offerings to support a healthy work-life balance.