R&D PhD Summer Intern – Robotics and Autonomous Lab Systems

Job Location

MASON BUS AND INNOVATION CTR

Job Description

Research and Development (R&D) at Procter & Gamble, the largest consumer packaged goods company in the world, includes a diverse group of roles that contribute to the innovation and development of our products. It encompasses roles in product research, formulation, testing, and scientific analysis. You will find variety and excitement starting Day 1.

This internship is specifically designed for individuals working towards a PhD who are developing proficiency in their field. As an intern or co-op in management, you will have the opportunity to learn from experienced professionals in a supportive environment. This is a 12-week paid internship, designed to provide you with a solid foundation for future career growth. The internship will take place from May (potentially early June) to August of 2026. Join us at P&G, where your contributions will play a vital role in shaping the future of consumer products!

The Opportunity:

P&G R&D is exploring autonomous laboratory systems to accelerate discovery and improve reproducibility. We are seeking a multidisciplinary PhD intern on our corporate function R&D team to help design, implement, and validate a flexible robotic platform that automates multi-step biological workflows. The role combines robotic manipulation, computer vision, control, and data-driven decision-making in a laboratory setting. You will integrate hardware and software, run multi-hour autonomous experiments, and communicate results and recommendations to technical stakeholders.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate a strong eagerness to learn and grow professionally and possess excellent communication skills—both written and verbal. This role is perfect for those with passion for innovation and problem-solving, along with a proactive attitude and the ability to adapt to new challenges. Join us in this dynamic environment, where your contributions will make a real impact as part of a collaborative team!

Key Responsibilities:

• Build and integrate a robotic lab platform (arm, end-effector, camera) for precise liquid handling and labware manipulation
• Develop perception and control for visual localization, closed-loop motions, and reliable sterile tool/tip exchange
• Create monitoring pipelines and enable rule-based or planner-driven decisions for autonomous, long-duration runs
• Plan and execute a proof-of-concept; measure performance; document methods and results; operate safely and collaborate cross-functionally

Job Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• Education: Working towards a PhD in Robotics, Mechanical/Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Bioengineering, or a related field.
• Hands-on experience with robotic manipulators and modern robotics software frameworks.
• Strong background in computer vision and/or perception-driven control (visual servoing, object/feature detection).
• Proficiency in Python and experience integrating sensors, microcontrollers, or custom hardware prototypes.
• Strong analytical, documentation, and communication skills; ability to work independently and in cross-functional teams.
• Available to work a 12-week internship from May/early June to August in the summer of 2026. Ability to work 5 days a week (M-F) in our Mason, OH office.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Familiarity with laboratory automation workflows (liquid handling, labware handling, sterile techniques).
• Experience working safely in research lab environments with basic biosafety practices.
• Experience with task planning frameworks (behavior trees or state machines) and error detection/recovery.
• Understanding of biological workflows and cell culture principle.

Compensation for roles at P&G varies depending on a wide array of non-discriminatory factors including but not limited to the specific office location, role, degree/credentials, relevant skill set, and level of relevant experience. At P&G compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. Total rewards at P&G include salary + bonus (if applicable) + benefits. Your recruiter may be able to share more about our total rewards offerings and the specific salary range for the relevant location(s) during the hiring process.

We are committed to providing equal opportunities in employment. We value diversity and do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

Immigration Sponsorship is not available for this role. For more information regarding who is eligible for hire at P&G along with other work authorization FAQ’s, please clickHERE.

Procter & Gamble participates in e-verify as required by law.

Qualified individuals will not be disadvantaged based on being unemployed.

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

Job Schedule

Full time

Job Number

R000140207

Job Segmentation

Internships

Starting Pay / Salary Range

$60.57 - $60.57 / hour