http://www.dowagro.com/careers/internships/lab.htm

Summer Internship Opportunities

Dow AgroSciences has positions available for students seeking summer internship opportunities. These opportunities are full-time positions available from May until August. Applicable majors would include:

• Biology (biochemistry, biotechnology, cell biology, entomology, microbiology, molecular biology, plant pathology, or plant physiology)
• Chemistry (analytical, organic, or physical)
• Informatics (bioinformatics or chemical)
• Any agriculture-related majors

R&D opportunities include both laboratory-based and field station research positions. Positions for R&D field station research are located throughout the US whereas the laboratory-based R&D positions are located at our headquarters in Indianapolis, IN.

Job Descriptions

Research and Development: The R&D intern program provides an opportunity for students to work closely with a senior scientist in order to improve technical skills while being given a developmental opportunity in an industrial setting. It is desirable that the intern have past practical experience in handling chemicals, operating laboratory equipment, generating and manipulating data, as well as computer database and word-processing skills. Interns are encouraged to be creative and take initiative, where appropriate, and will be granted significant latitude for discretionary decisions and independence of action within guidelines established by their supervisor. Interns are expected to always operate in a safe and efficient manner.

Qualified interns should be pursuing a BS or MS degree in biology, chemistry, informatics, or closely related majors. Students having completed at least their junior year are preferred. A chemistry intern candidate having a working knowledge of organic synthesis and/or experience with modern chromatographic techniques is highly desirable. For a biology intern, it would be advantageous to have a working knowledge of their area of study. Interns will be part of a team responsible for the development of novel agricultural products. Good interpersonal, communication, organizational, teamwork and time management skills are essential.

Primary responsibilities:

• Review and research project background and status with mentor
• Become proficient in laboratory and/or greenhouse experiments or biochemical assays to characterize experimental, developmental, and commercial herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, and products of biotechnology
• Participate in all phases of research including planning, preparation, calibration, application, evaluation, data analysis, maintenance, and when necessary, appropriate disposal.
• Design and conduct experiments, with mentorship guidance, within a defined project
• Make novel observations
• Collect and interpret data
• Draw sound scientific conclusions based on data analysis. The results of these studies, and the conclusions generated, will impact research plans and advancement decisions on the experimental materials.
• Present project reviews before colleagues and peers

Contact Information

To apply for an R&D internship at Dow AgroSciences, please submit one document which includes a cover letter (detailing your interest in an internship and any relevant research experience), your resume and your current overall GPA.  Be sure to specify your preference for R&D laboratory-based positions or field R&D positions. Resumes are accepted beginning in October for the following year's internships, until December 31st. Resumes and cover letters should be sent electronically to karen.richardson@dow.com.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: What is the timeframe for the internship?
A: Internships begin in May and end in August. Definitive dates will be established once contact has been made with your research mentor.

Q: When should I apply?
A: You may begin applying the October prior to the summer you would like an internship. The deadline for resume submission is December 31st.

Q: Is this a paid internship?
A: Yes! Intern salary levels are set competitively (based on a survey of similar companies). Salaries are adjusted according to your year in school and amount of previous relevant research experience.

Q: Are internships only available in Indianapolis or do you have other facilities?
A: Our laboratory-based Research and Development internships are located at our global headquarters in Indianapolis, IN.

Q: Is there housing assistance?
A: Yes, if your permanent address is more than 50 miles from Dow AgroSciences, we will arrange housing for your stay and an allowance will be granted. You are still responsible for a small percentage of the total housing cost.

Q: Is there transportation assistance?
A: Unfortunately, no. If you will need housing assistance, please keep this in mind. If you cannot bring a car or rent one, public transportation is available.

Q: How can I find out what I could be doing or what areas I would work in?
A: A great resource to find out more about Dow AgroSciences is our website atwww.dowagro.com. Also, please read the information available on the intern homepage. The project basics will be unveiled during the interviewing process, with a detailed description following once you join the group.

Q: Will I be involved in activities outside of my research project?
A: Most definitely! You will participate in group meetings and attend other internal communication meetings. Safety is a priority, so a safety orientation and monthly safety meetings are on the agenda. Also, you will have the opportunity to participate in roundtable discussions with company group leaders, executives, and/or fellow scientists to get a feel for what Dow AgroSciences is all about. We also plan social gatherings, based upon the input of the summer interns.

Q: How is the intern performance evaluation handled?
A: You will have frequent, informal feedback sessions with your research mentor. There is a formal performance evaluation conducted at the end of your internship that is shared with you.

Q: Will I have to give a presentation?
A: Yes, you will be required to give a 15 minute presentation summarizing your research during your internship to an audience of R&D employees. In addition, since you will be part of a research team, you may be asked to present at a team/group meeting. These are great opportunities to polish your public speaking skills in a non-threatening environment.

Q: Can my internship turn into a full-time position?
A: Internships will not automatically transition into a full-time position within the company. You would still need to go through the hiring process (submit a resume and interview) once an open position is established. Research experience (i.e. internship) is highly regarded when looking at prospective candidates.

Q: How do I apply?
A: Please electronically submit a cover letter and resume, in one document, with the details, and within the timeframe indicated above, to one of the addresses in the Contact Information section. We look forward to hearing from you!