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Summer Internship Chemistry Jobs in Riverside, CA

Summer Interns will have an opportunity to be part of high-performing project teams developing new ... Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biomedical Engineering, Biophysics, Biostatistics, Biotechnology ...

Summer Interns will have an opportunity to be part of high-performing project teams developing new ... Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biomedical Engineering, Biophysics, Biostatistics, Biotechnology ...

Summer Internship Chemistry information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$9

$17

$24

How much do summer internship chemistry jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for summer internship chemistry in Riverside, CA is $17.18, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.05 and $18.08 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a summer internship chemistry?

Summer internship chemistry positions are temporary work opportunities, typically lasting a few months during the summer, designed for students or recent graduates interested in gaining practical experience in the field of chemistry. These internships allow participants to work alongside professional chemists in laboratories, research centers, or industry settings. Interns may assist with experiments, data analysis, and laboratory maintenance while learning about real-world chemical applications and research methods. Such internships are valuable for building skills, networking, and enhancing resumes for future academic or career pursuits.

What types of projects do summer internship chemistry students typically work on, and how are they supported by the team?

Summer interns in chemistry often contribute to ongoing research projects, such as synthesizing compounds, analyzing samples using laboratory instruments, or assisting with data collection and interpretation. Interns usually work under the supervision of experienced chemists and collaborate closely with other interns or lab staff, attending regular team meetings to discuss progress. Mentorship is a key aspect, with supervisors providing guidance on technical skills, safety protocols, and the scientific method, ensuring interns gain hands-on experience and professional development throughout the internship.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a summer internship chemistry student, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Summer Internship Chemistry student, you need a foundational understanding of chemistry principles, laboratory techniques, and basic data analysis skills, typically supported by coursework towards a chemistry or related science degree. Familiarity with lab equipment, safety protocols, and software like Excel or chemical analysis programs is often required. Attention to detail, strong communication, and a willingness to learn help interns adapt quickly and collaborate effectively. These skills are crucial for contributing to research projects safely and efficiently while gaining valuable hands-on experience.

What is the difference between Summer Internship Chemistry vs Summer Research Assistant Chemistry?

AspectSummer Internship ChemistrySummer Research Assistant Chemistry
Required CredentialsEnrolled in undergraduate or graduate chemistry programEnrolled in undergraduate or graduate chemistry program
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, research facilities, industry settingsLaboratories, academic or industrial research labs
Employer & Industry UsageCompanies, research institutions, universitiesUniversities, research labs, industry
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Both Summer Internship Chemistry and Summer Research Assistant Chemistry roles typically require students to be enrolled in a chemistry program and involve laboratory work. Internships often focus on providing industry exposure and practical experience, while research assistant positions tend to be more academically oriented, supporting ongoing research projects. The main difference lies in the setting and purpose, with internships emphasizing industry skills and research assistant roles emphasizing academic research support.

What are 5 potential jobs for summer internship chemistry?

Summer internship chemistry students can pursue roles such as laboratory assistant, research intern, quality control analyst, chemical technician, or environmental testing intern. These positions typically involve working with laboratory equipment, conducting experiments, and analyzing data under supervision. They provide practical experience in chemical analysis, safety protocols, and scientific research methods.

Which summer internship is best for chemistry students?

The best summer internship for chemistry students typically offers hands-on laboratory experience, exposure to research projects, and mentorship from professionals in the field. Programs at research institutions, pharmaceutical companies, and chemical manufacturing firms are highly regarded, often requiring a strong academic record and relevant coursework in chemistry or related sciences.

What are popular job titles related to Summer Internship Chemistry jobs in Riverside, CA?

For Summer Internship Chemistry jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Summer Internship Chemistry jobs in Riverside, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Summer Internship Chemistry jobs in Riverside, CA are:

What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Summer Internship Chemistry jobs?

Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Summer Internship Chemistry job openings:

Infographic showing various Summer Internship Chemistry job openings in Riverside, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 17% Internship, 17% Full Time, and 66% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $35,744 per year, or $17.2 per hour.

2027 Chemistry, Materials & Life Sciences Interns

Alcon Laboratories Holding Corporation

Lake Forest, CA โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

New


Job description

About Alcon:

Alcon helps people see brilliantly. As the global leader in eye care with a heritage spanning more than 75 years, we offer one of the broadest portfolios of products designed to enhance sight and improve people's lives. Our Surgical and Vision Care products touch the lives of more than 260 million people in over 140 countries each year, supporting those living with conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma, retinal diseases, and refractive errors. Our more than 25,000 associates help enhance quality of life through innovative products, partnerships with eye care professionals, and programs that advance access to quality eye care. If you'd like to help change the way the world sees, this is your chance to Be Brilliant!

Position Description:

Alcon is seeking multiple talented and motivated Chemistry, Materials & Life Sciences Interns to join our 2027 Summer Internship Program across several U.S. locations, including Johns Creek, GA; Goleta, CA; Lake Forest, CA; Fort Worth, TX; and Houston, TX. Interns will have the opportunity to gain meaningful industry experience, contribute to real-world projects, and collaborate with professionals across Alcon. Through this internship, students will build technical skills, expand their professional network, and receive coaching, mentoring, and development opportunities while helping advance Alcon's mission to help people see brilliantly.

Potential Internship Project Areas:

Based on business needs, location, and team alignment, internship projects may include opportunities such as:

  • Conduct laboratory experiments supporting chemistry research, materials characterization, formulation development and data analysis.

  • Design, synthesize, purify and characterize polymers for next-generation contact-lens materials and lens-care products.

  • Develop analytical methods or new measurement capabilities for ophthalmic-product and material characterization.

  • Process ocular tissue samples and support fluorometric assays, immunoassays and molecular or diagnostic analyses.

  • Support GMP pharmaceutical R&D activities involving clinical manufacturing processes, equipment, facilities and implantable drug-delivery products.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Must be enrolled in an accredited university or college for at least one semester prior to internship or co-op, and at least one additional semester following internship or co-op.

  • Must be pursuing at least a bachelor's degree in chemistry, polymer/materials science, biology, biochemistry, microbiology, pharmaceutical science, or related major.

  • Academic performance: Minimum cumulative GPA 2.8/4.0

  • Demonstrated leadership skills (i.e. extracurricular activities or projects)

  • Must be authorized to work in the U.S. on a permanent basis without requiring sponsorship (students on an F1 visa with CPT can be accommodated)

  • Ability to commit to a 10-12-week, full-time (40 hours per week) summer internship

ATTENTION: Current Alcon Employee/Contingent Worker

If you are currently an active employee/contingent worker at Alcon, please click the appropriate link below to apply on the Internal Career site.

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You are applying to be part of the Alcon Talent Pool. We are not currently recruiting for this role but we are building a pipeline for future opportunities. If you would like to be considered for a similar position in future, then please submit your CV or resume.

ALCON IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER AND PARTICIPATES IN E-VERIFY

Alcon takes pride in maintaining an inclusive environment that values different perspectives and our policies are non-discriminatory in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion or other employment practices for reasons of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status. Alcon is also committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, or in order to perform the essential functions of a position, please send an email to alcon.recruitment@alcon.comand let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.