A small, tight-knit team (7 people) means high autonomy, fast-moving priorities, and a genuine mix ... Industry, internship, or PI-collaboration-with-industry experience is an advantage but not required.
A small, tight-knit team (7 people) means high autonomy, fast-moving priorities, and a genuine mix ... Industry, internship, or PI-collaboration-with-industry experience is an advantage but not required.
Polymer Scientist - Electrospinning & Advanced Materials Applications
Phoenix, AZ · On-site
$90K - $110K/yr
A small, tight-knit team (7 people) means high autonomy, fast-moving priorities, and a genuine mix ... Industry, internship, or PI-collaboration-with-industry experience is an advantage but not required.
Polymer Scientist - Electrospinning & Advanced Materials Applications
Phoenix, AZ · On-site
$90K - $110K/yr
A small, tight-knit team (7 people) means high autonomy, fast-moving priorities, and a genuine mix ... Industry, internship, or PI-collaboration-with-industry experience is an advantage but not required.
Sr. Inference Optimization Engineer (local / edge runtime)
Phoenix, AZ · On-site
$121K - $160K/yr
Small, efficient models run directly on the user's machine (AI PC, edge, on-prem, and beyond ... Cut CPU overhead and improve engine startup, model load, and lifecycle (start / stop / health)
Sr. Inference Optimization Engineer (local / edge runtime)
Phoenix, AZ · On-site
$121K - $160K/yr
Small, efficient models run directly on the user's machine (AI PC, edge, on-prem, and beyond ... Cut CPU overhead and improve engine startup, model load, and lifecycle (start / stop / health)
Oversee day-to-day construction activities for a single large project or multiple small to medium ... Coordinate with engineering, procurement, commissioning, startup, supplier, client, and field teams ...
Oversee day-to-day construction activities for a single large project or multiple small to medium ... Coordinate with engineering, procurement, commissioning, startup, supplier, client, and field teams ...
Oversee day-to-day construction activities for a single large project or multiple small to medium ... Coordinate with engineering, procurement, commissioning, startup, supplier, client, and field teams ...
Oversee day-to-day construction activities for a single large project or multiple small to medium ... Coordinate with engineering, procurement, commissioning, startup, supplier, client, and field teams ...
Internship Small Startup information
What is an internship at a small startup?
An internship at a small startup is a temporary position where students or recent graduates gain hands-on experience by working closely with a small, entrepreneurial company. Unlike larger corporations, small startups often provide interns with opportunities to take on more responsibility, learn directly from founders, and contribute to various aspects of the business. This experience can be highly valuable for developing a broad skill set, networking, and understanding the unique challenges and rewards of startup environments.
What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an intern at a small startup?
To thrive as an intern at a small startup, you typically need a foundational knowledge in your field of study, strong problem-solving abilities, and a willingness to learn quickly, often supported by current or recent enrollment in a relevant academic program. Familiarity with productivity tools like Google Workspace, project management software like Trello or Asana, and basic data analysis platforms is often advantageous. Strong communication, adaptability, and initiative are crucial soft skills, as startup environments demand flexibility and proactive contributions. These skills and qualities are important because interns at startups often wear many hats and must be able to handle evolving responsibilities in a dynamic, fast-paced setting.
What can I expect in terms of mentorship and learning opportunities during an internship at a small startup?
Interning at a small startup typically offers hands-on experience and close collaboration with founders and core team members. You can expect a less hierarchical structure, which means you'll likely have direct access to senior staff and more opportunities to ask questions, receive feedback, and contribute ideas. Startups often foster a culture of learning by doing, so you'll be given meaningful responsibilities and the chance to see the impact of your work. However, structured mentorship programs may be less formal compared to larger companies, so it's important to be proactive about seeking guidance and support.
What is the difference between Internship Small Startup vs Intern Software Developer?
| Aspect | Internship Small Startup | Intern Software Developer |
|---|---|---|
| Required Credentials | Enrolled in relevant degree program, basic coding skills | Enrolled in computer science or related field, coding proficiency |
| Work Environment | Fast-paced, flexible, small team | Collaborative, project-based, tech-focused |
| Employer & Industry Usage | Startups, tech, innovation sectors | Tech companies, software firms, startups |
| Common Search & Comparison | Internship Small Startup vs Intern Software Developer |
Internship Small Startup positions typically involve flexible roles in dynamic environments, often requiring basic technical skills. Intern Software Developer roles are more specialized, focusing on coding and software projects within tech companies. Both are valuable for gaining industry experience, but the scope and expectations differ based on the company's size and focus.
What are the most commonly searched types of Small Startup jobs in Arizona?
The most popular types of Small Startup jobs in Arizona are:
What are popular job titles related to Internship Small Startup jobs in Arizona?
For Internship Small Startup jobs in Arizona, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Internship Small Startup jobs in Arizona look for?
The top searched job categories for Internship Small Startup jobs in Arizona are:
What cities in Arizona are hiring for Internship Small Startup jobs?
Cities in Arizona with the most Internship Small Startup job openings:
Polymer Scientist - Electrospinning & Advanced Materials Applications
Phoenix, AZ
$90K - $110K/yr
Full-time
Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement
Re-posted 2 hours ago
Job description
Polymer Scientist – Electrospinning & Advanced Materials Applications
Location: Phoenix, AZ – Onsite laboratory role; ~20–30% North American travel
Compensation: $90,000 – $110,000 base salary + performance bonus
Relocation: Relocation support available
Benefits: Health, Dental, Vision, 401K, Life Insurance
Contact: Andrew Millar | andrew.millar@irisscientific.com | 647-205-7151
Iris Scientific is a specialty recruitment agency focused exclusively on technical and commercial roles within the North American scientific instrumentation and advanced materials market.
We're partnering with a Phoenix-based advanced materials and contract analytical laboratory to hire a PhD-level Polymer Scientist with deep, hands-on electrospinning expertise. The lab develops electrospun and electrosprayed polymer systems for medical device and regulated-materials applications — drug delivery, wound care, device coatings, fibrous scaffolds, membranes — for clients ranging from the world's largest medical device companies to early-stage startups.
What This Role Is
You will be the lab's internal subject-matter expert on electrospinning and electrospraying, leading client-facing contract development projects from scope definition through final reporting. It's a hands-on bench role with real commercial visibility — applied science, not academic research, and not a translational, regulatory, or product-management track.
A small, tight-knit team (7 people) means high autonomy, fast-moving priorities, and a genuine mix of laboratory execution and direct customer engagement.
Core Responsibilities
Contract research & project leadership
- Lead electrospinning/electrospraying projects for industrial and research clients
- Define project scope with customers and design structured, factorial experimental plans
- Conduct hands-on experimentation, process development, and troubleshooting across diverse polymer systems
- Develop and document SOPs; maintain quality-system and documentation discipline
- Communicate outcomes through clear written and oral technical reports
- Mentor junior team members in experimental design and best practices
Applications & technical support
- Support advanced electrospinning instrumentation; run demos, installations, and user training
- Provide pre- and post-sales technical support, proof-of-concept testing, and remote/onsite troubleshooting
- Represent the lab at workshops, trade shows, and technical roadshows across North America
Qualifications
Required
- PhD in Polymer Science, Materials Science, Chemistry, or a closely related discipline (this is a polymer/materials-science role rather than a chemical-engineering one)
- Deep, independent, hands-on electrospinning and/or electrospraying experience — you have personally developed, built, or substantially owned and troubleshooted the process, not only operated an established group system
- Demonstrated breadth across multiple polymer systems — not a single-polymer specialist
- Strong experimental-design discipline (structured/factorial, not purely exploratory)
- Proven ability to manage technical projects independently and meet client timelines
- Excellent written and verbal technical communication
- Willingness to travel ~20–30%
Attributes that matter here
- Strong interpersonal skills and team fit — this is a collaborative, customer-facing, rules-driven environment; the team works closely together and to client specifications. This is weighted as heavily as technical skill.
- Ownership and accountability — comfortable being questioned on your work, and able to say "I don't know" without defensiveness
- Genuine curiosity across a wide range of materials and applications
- Comfort working in environmentally sensitive electrospinning systems (humidity, solvent, charge effects)
- Process-oriented, quality-minded, and organized in documentation
Recent PhDs with strong electrospinning depth are encouraged to apply. Industry, internship, or PI-collaboration-with-industry experience is an advantage but not required.
Team & Environment
- 7-person analytical team; individual contributor with technical-leadership influence
- High-autonomy, startup-paced environment within an established 20-year company
Other Requirements
- Onsite in Phoenix, AZ — must be located there or willing to relocate
- US work authorization is required; visa sponsorship is not available