2027 Summer Internship - Research Science - Site Locations

Why You Should Apply for This Internship

At Freeport-McMoRan, we are committed to providing internship opportunities that recognize excellence and encourage safe production with a culture supported by our core values. You'll be part of a collaborative environment, gaining the skills and experience to set you on the path to a successful future.

Our internship program is designed for full-time students currently enrolled at an accredited four-year university and recent graduates in North America. These are temporary full-time paid positions that usually run from May through August. Apply Today!

This position may be eligible for Freeport-McMoRan immigration work visa sponsorship:

• A foreign national working in a full-time status on an F-1 visa may be considered for H-1B visa sponsorship based on business needs, meeting company performance and safety expectations and with site approval.
• A foreign national working in a full-time status may be considered for employment-based permanent residency sponsorship, based on business needs, completion of six (6) months of employment, meeting company performance and safety expectations and with site approval.

Where You Will Work

Interns are assigned to various locations in Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Texas, and Iowa, supporting our business in a variety of disciplines.

What You Will Do

Under direct supervision, gain hands-on experience in aseptic technique, microbial culturing, sample and reagent preparation, hypothesis-driven experimental design, and biochemical safety. These skills will be developed by working closely with the lab manager to support day-to-day operations. The role focuses on culturing, identifying, and enhancing the growth and performance of key microbial species under conditions relevant to mining leaching operations. Our microbiology lab harnesses the power of microbes to sustainably leach copper from difficult-to-leach minerals (Bioleaching). Responsibilities include processing biological samples prior to instrumental analysis and operating analytical equipment.

• Knowledge of adherence to aseptic technique and safety protocols regarding chemical handling.
• Navigating and understanding Chemical Safety Data Documentation.
• Promoting safety, quality, and continuous improvement for the Bio Lab.
• Navigating and understanding Chemical Safety Data Documentation.
• Culturing, identifying, characterizing, and quantifying microbial species.
• Performing laboratory duties to support the total operation of the analytical laboratory such as colony counting, reagent preparation, staining methods, data documentation and pipetting.
• Interacting with personnel at all levels to ensure the timely completion of daily analytical work as well as special requests and department projects.
• Utilize a Light Microscopy.
• Hypothesis-driven thinking.
• Performing other duties as required.

What You Bring To Freeport

• Currently enrolled full-time at an accredited four-year university pursuing a degree, bachelor’s or higher, in microbiology, biochemistry, molecular cellular biology or closely related field; OR
• Recent graduate (within 12 months prior to internship start date) with a degree, bachelor’s or higher, in microbiology, biochemistry, molecular cellular biology or closely related field.
• Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office products (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Possesses strong data analysis and problem solving skills.
• Highly accurate and detail oriented.
• Possesses strong oral and written communication skills.
• Demonstrates initiative, organizational skills and ability to work well under pressure.
• Demonstrates ability to collaborate and work effectively in a team environment.
• Prior research experience, especially microbiology research experience, preferred (including coursework conducted in a laboratory).

Preferred Qualifications

What We Offer:

• The estimated pay range for this role is currently $23.50 - $29.25/hour. Individual pay rates will be based on level of education and relevant experience.
• Hands-on experience in a dynamic and innovative environment.
• Opportunity to work on meaningful projects and initiatives that drive impact across the organization.
• Exposure to various aspects of business operations across our North America sites.
• Ability to develop and enhance technical and analytical skills.
• Mentorship and professional development opportunities.

What We Require:

• Ability to understand, apply and communicate verbal and written work and safety-related instructions, procedures, job assignments and applicable safety standards in English.
• Must be able to multi-task, work under pressure, and meet time-sensitive deadlines.
• Work is in an office, mine, or manufacturing plant setting, which may include exposure to extremes in temperature and humidity, moving mechanical parts, risk of electrical shock, toxic chemicals, explosives, fumes or airborne particles.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, sit, demonstrate manual dexterity, climb stairs and ladders, work on elevated platforms, talk, hear, and see.
• Occasionally may be required to lift moderately heavy objects up to thirty (30) pounds during the workday.
• Personal protective equipment is required when performing work in a mine, outdoor, manufacturing or plant environment, including hard hat, hearing protection, safety glasses, safety footwear, and as needed, respirator, rubber steel-toe boots, protective clothing, gloves, and any other protective equipment as required.
• Freeport-McMoRan promotes a drug/alcohol free work environment through the use of mandatory pre-employment drug testing and on-going random drug testing as per applicable state laws.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Please be advised Freeport-McMoRan will never request payment for job-related expenses from applicants. If you receive any suspicious emails, please disregard them, and report the incident to View email address on aiapply.co.