Local College Co-Op: Environmental Analytical Lab

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 very close to the Midland Dow site. Unlike a short-term internship project outside of school terms, this 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 ALL the specific job and co-op program requirements listed below and who can simultaneously succeed both in school and in a professional work environment.

About you and this role - What you will do in this role

The Environmental Technology Center is seeking an exceptional student with a passion for advancing science and innovation through lab support of the Environmental Analytical group who enable environmental excellence in Operations (Manufacturing, Engineering, and Environmental).  The student will work with the team to perform basic laboratory functions and implement improvement opportunities related to quality, work processes, safety, and productivity.  The candidate must be enthusiastic with high-initiative that takes pride in contributing to team success by accomplishing quality work in a safe and efficient manner.

Responsibilities - Duties, projects, tasks, and activities you would be responsible for in this role include, but not limited to

• Logging in samples for environmental analysis.
• Sample preparation for trace organic analysis in environmental matrices.
• Cleaning glassware with chemical solvent.
• Making reagents and absorbents for sample preparation.
• Basic quality checks of lab equipment, balances, and pipettes.
• Managing lab inventory.
• Ordering supplies.
• Sample shipping.

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

• Must be 18 years of age or older.
• 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 4-6 weeks of the job offer, and work year-round at least 16 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 who are available longer than one year before completing their degree program are preferred and advantaged. 
• 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. 
• The candidate must have completed one semester of college chemistry coursework and must be pursuing a degree in a science field (chemistry, biology, or physics).
• The candidate may be required to lift up to 25 lbs and may be required to drive a company truck.
• 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.

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Preferred Qualifications - Additional skills and experience that enhance candidacy but are not required.

• Seeking high performing student with strong GPAs of 3.000+.
• Analytical lab experience is desirable. Any previous experience in handling glassware, solvents, analytical balance, and other fundamental lab tasks is an asset. This work requires attention to detail and the ability to work as a team member. Organizational skills are necessary to juggle the many priorities that will exist. The candidate will be required to meet all deadlines for their assigned work.

Skills - Specific abilities and expertise required to perform tasks effectively in this role (must haves)

• Laboratory Sample Handling: Accurately logs, prepares, and processes environmental samples using established laboratory procedures to support trace organic analysis.
• Basic Analytical Lab Techniques: Performs fundamental lab tasks such as reagent preparation, glassware cleaning, and use of balances and pipettes while maintaining data and sample integrity.
• Quality & Equipment Checks: Conducts routine quality checks on laboratory equipment and tools to ensure accuracy, reliability, and compliance with lab standards.
• Laboratory Organization & Inventory Management: Supports efficient lab operations through inventory tracking, ordering supplies, and coordinating sample shipping.
• Safety, Teamwork & Attention to Detail: Demonstrates strong safety awareness, attention to detail, and collaboration skills to deliver quality results in a fast‑paced, team‑oriented lab environment.

Additional Notes:

• 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.
• 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.
• Relocation assistance is not offered for this position.

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.