R&D Intern

As the largest pureplay adhesives company in the world, H.B. Fuller’s (NYSE: FUL) innovative, functional coatings, adhesives and sealants enhance the quality, safety and performance of products people use every day. Founded in 1887, with 2025 revenue of $3.5 billion, our mission to Connect What Matters is brought to life by more than 7,100 global team members who collaborate with customers across more than 30 market segments in 150 countries to develop highly specified solutions that enable customers to bring world-changing innovations to their end markets.

Learn more at

What you can expect from H.B. Fuller’s Internship Program:

You’ll be joining a cohort of talented students from a variety of schools across the U.S. The projects we task our interns to lead are impactful and meaningful to our organization. You’ll be supported by your Manager and Mentor to gain in-depth knowledge of the adhesive industry and collaborate with various departments and functions. We also offer an established path for next-level opportunities – making this internship the starting point for a long-term career path.

We hire interns in the following positions:

• Process Engineering
• R&D
• Strategic Sourcing
• Technical Sales
• Supply Chain
• Product Marketing
• Information Technology
• and more

Location:

Saint Paul, Minnesota

Department:
Research & Development

Our Internship Experience includes:

• 12-week paid program beginning the end of May to mid-August to gain insight and knowledge in your field.
• Interactive orientation and events with skilled professionals in your field, including managers, directors, and CEO.
• Multiple networking, volunteer and fun events – both virtual and in-person.
• Impactful projects that make a difference internally and externally for H.B. Fuller.
• End of summer final presentation to showcase your career development with support from managers and peers.

The Polyurethane Adhesive Chemistry Intern will contribute to research and development projects focused on the design, synthesis, and evaluation of advanced polyurethane adhesive materials. This hands‑on laboratory role offers the opportunity to apply classroom knowledge to real-world challenges in polymer chemistry and materials science. Working closely with scientists and engineers, the intern will formulate and test new materials, utilize analytical and mechanical testing equipment, and analyze experimental data to identify relationships between material composition and performance.

Throughout the internship, the candidate will develop technical laboratory skills, gain exposure to industrial R&D processes, and present project outcomes to members of the broader technical organization.

• Develop a foundational understanding of polyurethane adhesive chemistry, including raw materials, formulation principles, and structure-property relationships.
• Synthesize and prepare polyurethane polymers and adhesive formulations using laboratory reactors and standard chemical processing equipment.
• Conduct mechanical and physical property testing on formulated materials to evaluate performance characteristics such as strength, adhesion, and durability.
• Utilize a variety of analytical and characterization techniques to assess polymer structure, composition, and material behavior.
• Collect, organize, and analyze experimental data using statistical methods to identify trends, interpret results, and support formulation development.
• Maintain accurate laboratory records and follow safe laboratory practices while conducting experiments and testing activities.
• Summarize project findings and deliver a final presentation highlighting experimental results, key learnings, and recommendations.

• Currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Physics, or a related scientific discipline.
• Rising junior or senior with coursework in chemistry, materials science, polymers, or related technical subjects.
• Demonstrated interest in laboratory research, materials characterization, data analysis, and hands‑on experimental work.

Pay is based on several factors…