R&D / Chemist Intern

JobsCloseBy Editorial Insights

Oxyle AG is seeking a highly motivated R&D and Chemist Intern to advance PFAS destruction in wastewater, blending literature review, lab experiments and data analysis on site in Zurich. The role requires a BSc or MSc in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or Materials Science, hands on lab experience, a solid grasp of reaction kinetics, experience in redox or synthetic chemistry, and ideally familiarity with DoE and kinetic modeling; basic photochemical or electrochemical insight is a plus. Emphasize practical lab notebook discipline, ability to work in a fast moving startup, and clear English communication. To apply, tailor your CV to highlight relevant projects, show results from optimization experiments, and demonstrate alignment with our water protection mission, plus Swiss work permit or eligibility.

100% workload

Oxyle is an award-winning Swiss clean-tech startup, founded in 2020 to solve one of the most pressing environmental and public health challenges of our time. Our mission is to restore and protect our bodies of water from PFAS, down to the last drop. PFAS, often referred to as Forever Chemicals, are a group of more than 10,000 persistent and toxic man-made substances polluting our water, soils, and food. Our breakthrough destruction technology permanently degrades challenging PFAS compounds from wastewater. No two wastewaters are alike, so our solutions aren’t either. We design complete treatment systems by integrating our core technology with tailored approaches to ensure optimal performance. 

We're a team of driven, curious minds from all around the world, brought together by this shared purpose.  

The opportunity

Oxyle’s Development team plays a key role in advancing our innovative PFAS treatment solutions. The team focuses on developing and optimizing our PFAS treatment solutions through experimental design, testing, and data analysis, driving forward our technology’s capabilities and applications.

We are seeking a highly motivated R&D / Chemist Intern with expertise in redox chemistry, and/or synthetic chemistry, and interest in water treatment to join our Development team. In this role, you will contribute to literature review, lab experiments, analyzing and presenting the data, and collaborating cross-functionally. This position offers a unique opportunity to shape impactful solutions at the forefront of PFAS degradation and contribute directly to the advancement of our core technology.

Will you join us in protecting the future of our waters?

Requirements

Your key responsibilities

• Implement experiments to optimize and develop our treatment technologies through chemistry-driven innovations.
• Conduct experiments on small to medium scale to prototype various processes and assess their performance.
• Conceptualize innovative enhancements to our degradation technologies.
• Literature and market research for process development of innovative treatment solutions.
• Data analysis, presentation, and reporting of technical results.
• Assist in laboratories organization.

What you need to bring to the role

• BSc or MSc in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or Material Science.
• Understanding of reaction kinetics and mechanisms. Experience with kinetic modeling and Design of Experiments (DoE) is a plus.
• Basic understanding of photochemical/electrochemical principles. Hands-on experience with photochemistry, or electrochemistry is a plus.
• Experience in conducting R&D activities in chemistry laboratories, and proper documentation of experiments in a lab notebook.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Powerpoint).
• Prior exposure to wastewater treatment techniques, e.g. advanced oxidation is a plus.
• Fluency in both written and spoken English.
• Have a Swiss working permit or be eligible to work in Switzerland.

Your mindset

• Self-motivated and proactive individual who is passionate about new technologies and shaping the future of our company together with us.
• Adept at managing high-paced work demands and project deadlines.
• Excited about working in a dynamic and challenging start-up environment.
• Independent, analytical and systematic way of thinking and working.
• Team- player and impact- driven person with passion for innovation.

Benefits

What we offer

• 25 days paid holidays and Winter Recharger.
• Public transport subsidies.
• Flexible and trust- based working hours.
• Generous retirement plan.
• Team events and team - building activities throughout the year.
• A passionate and international team where you can move the needle to create sustainable impact.
• An open work culture where your inputs, individuality, and concerns are always taken into consideration.
• High exposure and direct working with senior management.
• A welcoming workplace with people from diverse cultures, backgrounds, and experiences.
• Opportunities to develop valuable soft skills.
• Enjoy a variety of cozy spaces to relax, along with regular after- work hangouts to unwind and connect with colleagues.