HBN’s mission is to advance human and environmental health by improving hazardous chemical transparency and inspiring product innovation. HBN provides data for companies around the world in a wide variety of sectors to implement the 4th Principle of Green Chemistry: Design Benign Chemicals.
Our Pharos tool makes the world a healthier place by empowering users to evaluate and select alternatives to toxic substances associated with large scale, intractable environmental health concerns, including those on the Minnesota Chemicals of High Concern and Priority Chemicals lists. Pharos supports manufacturers' efforts to create healthier materials and products by assisting and accelerating smarter chemical selection and formulation. By driving innovation and feeding entrepreneurship, Pharos redirects today’s chemists, materials scientists, engineers, and inventors toward the creation of healthier products and environments for all.
The intern will be accountable for learning HBN’s data tools and defining and populating chemical compound groups. The Intern’s background should include chemistry, chemical engineering, or toxicology. They should be strong in critical thinking and communications, be collaborative, be able to organize and multi-task, and be focused on data accuracy.
The intern will work under the guidance of the Chief Research Officer, Teresa McGrath. This full-time position is located in St. Paul, MN, and will run for 10-12 weeks during the summer of 2022. A computer and access to a co-working space will be provided.
Candidates must be located in Minnesota.
The salary for the position will be $20/hr.
This position is funded by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Green and Safer Product Chemistry Grant.
The intern will:
Become knowledgeable with HBN’s data tools, software, and protocols used to maintain and expand the data.
Network with academic institutions, perform user interviews to comprehend their data needs, and train them on how to incorporate toxicology into chemistry programs and teach green chemistry using Pharos.Compile and vet chemical hazard and function data, writing programs to process and validate the data, performing quality control, and finally integrating the data into HBN’s public-facing tools.
Design and propose a project to use the data and tools to address an unmet need in the space of green chemistry, material health, or chemical hazard assessment. An example of an unmet need may be labs or coursework that appeal to the interests of underrepresented groups in science, technology, and engineering including women, people with disabilities, and/or people of color.
Possible projects could include:
Populating CAS numbers associated with chemical groups including those that are part of Minnesota’s Priority Chemicals.
Identifying features of HBN’s tools or websites that require redesign to make them more accessible to all students.
Designing a “lab” or resource for chemistry professors to use to teach toxicology to chemistry students. Examples, for inspiration, may include:
A lab identifying chemicals of concern and safer alternatives in common beauty and personal care products.
Coursework that explores additives in electronics products, understanding hazards associated with those additives and identifying safer alternatives.
During the training period, the intern will work closely with a mentor while they learn the software and protocols used to maintain and expand the data in Pharos. Once the intern has developed fluency, they will meet daily with the mentor to discuss obstacles, set priorities, and receive new tasks. The intern will work independently, communicating as needed throughout the day.
Beginning in the second month, the intern will have the opportunity to design and propose a project to use the data and tools they have learned to address an unmet need in the space of green chemistry, material health, or chemical hazard assessment. They will spend up to 25% of their remaining time on this project, receiving feedback and mentorship as needed, and finally presenting their work to HBN staff and any relevant external stakeholders at the end of the internship. The intern will also participate in weekly meetings of the research team and check in with the Chief Research Officer every other week.
Applicants must be located in the state of Minnesota.
Undergraduates, graduate students, recent graduates, or candidates looking to gain experience in green chemistry are welcome to apply.
Background or classwork in chemistry, chemical engineering, or toxicology.
Strong in critical thinking and communications, collaborative, able to organize and multi-task, and focused on data accuracy.
HBN is focused on building the next generation of scientists and toxicologists, creating an inclusive, safe space for all potential candidates' growth. We pledge to listen to people from all historically oppressed communities, especially for hiring opportunities. If you feel excited about this experience but worry that you don't meet all the requirements, we hope you feel encouraged to apply.
St. Paul, MN
The salary for the position will be $20/hr.
To apply, attach and email a completed application and a copy of your resume or curriculum vitae and unofficial transcripts from your undergraduate and graduate (if applicable) institutions to careers@healthybuilding.net with the subject line “Green Chemistry and Engineering Internship 2022.” (Please submit your application in Microsoft Word format, if possible.)
The application period is open until the position is filled. If you have any questions, please email them to careers@healthybuilding.net.
If the above application link does not work, please copy and paste the following URL into your browser: https://www.pca.state.mn.us/sites/default/files/p-p2s10-15e-fy22.docx
