R&D Intern — Materials Science / Polymer Processing
About KUORI
KUORI, a Swiss B2B cleantech company, develops and supplies biobased and recyclable thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) materials incorporating upcycled food industry sidestreams - such as olive pits and walnut shells.
Designed as more sustainable alternatives to conventional TPU and rubber, selected KUORI grades are engineered so that abrasion-generated particles biodegrade under natural conditions, tackling microplastics pollution at its origin. Our flagship grade BIOWA S combines high performance and durability with this functionality — a rare combination in TPE materials.
Recognised by the EU Horizon programme
and awarded Renewable Material of the Year 2023, KUORI operates at TRL
8–9 on its core grades and is entering its commercial scale-up phase.
Our R&D team sits at the centre of this transition — bridging advanced materials formulation with the demands of real industrial customers.
The Role
KUORI is looking for an R&D Intern / Part-time Student to work hands-on in our Schlieren lab. You will run experiments, characterise materials, and contribute to formulations that go directly to customers.
You will work closely with our R&D team. The right candidate is curious, systematic, and comfortable in a lab that moves fast.
What You Will Do
Support with the processing of bio-based composite materials (compounding, mixing, extrusion)
Characterise mechanical, thermal, and rheological properties
Document results and analyse data
Contribute to R&D documentation and support in establishing operating procedures
Work directly with the R&D team and, where relevant, with commercial and sustainability leads
Your Profile
You enjoy lab work and hands-on tasks, you are curious and like working on several projects at the same time, you thrive in an environment where the developed material ends up in real products.
What You Bring
Academic background: BSc or MSc in Materials Science, Polymer Engineering, or a related field — or in your final year.
Hands-on lab experience: You are comfortable with equipment, not just theoretical concepts. Prior work with compounding and/or thermoplastic characterisation such as tensile testing, abrasion measurements, DSC is a strong plus.
Analytical mindset: Structured documentation and a systematic approach to experimental design.
Language: Good spoken and written English for lab reports and documentation. German is a plus.
What We Offer
Gain hands-on experience in a lab
Work on sustainable materials that are used in real industrial products
Small team, direct access to R&D leads and founders
EU-funded research environment with international partners (Horizon / Eurostars)
Lab and office in Schlieren (ZH) — partial remote possible for non-lab days upon agreement
Practical Details
Location: Schlieren, Zurich — lab-based.
Duration: > 6 months. Suitable for a part-time position alongside the studies (min. 40%)
Start: Flexible — ideally September 2026.
Compensation: Paid internship. Amount by agreement.
Don’t wait until your CV is perfect — send us a short intro and tell us what you’ve worked on in the lab.
