World Wildlife Fund (WWF), one of the world’s leading conservation organizations, seeks a Biobased Materials Research Intern.

The intern will work closely with members of WWF’s Private Sector Engagement department on the Plastic & Material Science team. This internship provides an opportunity to engage with policymakers and business stakeholders, improve research and project coordination skills in a professional setting, gain knowledge about supply chains and sourcing, corporate sustainability, public policy, and environmental issues, and contribute to WWF’s mission.

• The specific project will be to help develop a discussion paper on the role of the bioeconomy that recognizes the complexity of shared biobased feedstocks across sectors and applications, the need for a common set of sustainability criteria, and the potential benefits and consequences.
• Other projects may involve research relating to agricultural commodity sourcing, material production, and sustainability, as well as public policy and standard setting.
• The internship also provides the opportunity to interact with representatives from US & European companies as well as WWF’s global network.

• Current or recent graduate student in a relevant field such as natural resources, packaging material science, supply chain management, environmental science, environmental policy, or sustainable development are preferred; highly qualified undergraduate students may be considered.
• Excellent research, writing, and analytical skills, as well as attention to detail are obligatory.
• Experience with managing research projects and interfacing with external partners is preferred.
• Ability to work productively on both independent research assignments and as part of a team.
• Proactive problem-solving and good communication skills (written and verbal) are obligatory.
• Demonstrated familiarity with the environmental impacts of agriculture, agribusiness and the food industry, packaging and/or material science, rural development issues, corporate sustainability strategy, and economics is preferred.
• Experience with policy analysis and knowledge of global policy preferred.
• Full time, 35 hours per week for 3 months with potential to extend.
• Skills in Excel, Power Point and Microsoft Word are obligatory; other programs (e.g., GIS, reference management software) and/or programming experience is helpful.
• Identifies and aligns with WWF’s core values:
  • COURAGE – We demonstrate courage through our actions, we work for change where it’s needed, and we inspire people and institutions to tackle the greatest threats to nature and the future of the planet, which is our home.
  • INTEGRITY – We live the principles we call on others to meet. We act with integrity, accountability, and transparency, and we rely on facts and science to guide us and to ensure that we learn and evolve.
  • RESPECT – We honor the voices and knowledge of people and communities that we serve, and we work to secure their rights to a sustainable future.
  • COLLABORATION – We deliver impact at the scale of the challenges we face through the power of collective action and innovation.

*Please note that WWF does not provide VISA sponsorship to interns

Compensation

Paid – $22.50 per hour.

Hybrid in Washington, D.C. or US Remote – WWF employs interns in all states with the exception of: Hawaii, Idaho, Kentucky, Nevada, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, Wyoming.

To Apply:

• Submit cover letter and resume through our Careers Page, Requisition #IN-24053
• Due to the high volume of applications, we are not able to respond to inquiries via phone

As an EOE/AA employer, WWF will not discriminate in its employment practices due to an applicant’s race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability, or protected Veteran status. WWF values diversity and inclusion and welcomes diverse candidates to apply.