PhD Leadership Development Program (LDP) Internship Summer 2026

Job description

**PhD Leadership Development Program (LDP) Internship – Summer 2026**

The world needs solutions, and we need you! At BASF, we create chemistry through the power of connected minds.

By balancing economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility, we are building a more sustainable future through chemistry.

As the world’s leading chemical company, we help our customers in nearly every industry meet the current and future needs of society through science and innovation.

Join BASF for our 10 to 12-week PhD Leadership Development Program (LDP) internship, where you'll immerse yourself in our dynamic technical teams.

This internship offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience while working on impactful projects that support our business objectives.

You’ll collaborate closely with seasoned professionals, gaining insights into our technical processes and strategies.

This experience will equip you with essential skills in a variety of functional areas including research and development.

Our internship is designed to accelerate your career growth by providing you with leadership opportunities and strategic insights critical for a successful future in technical management.

We welcome applicants who are mobile-minded and open to relocation, as you may have the opportunity to be placed at any BASF site across the country.

This will enhance your exposure to diverse business environments and deepen your understanding of our global operations.

Embrace this opportunity to kickstart your career at BASF, where innovation and collaboration drive our success!

**Are you ready to create change?**

In our PhD Leadership Development Program internship, no two days are alike.

You'll engage in a dynamic environment where you'll tackle diverse challenges, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and adapt to rapidly changing situations.

This role offers the opportunity to innovate and problem-solve in real-time, making every day an exciting and unique experience.

Some key areas of impact may include:

+ Technical and Engineering Assignments: Engaging in comprehensive rotations that encompass technical communication, process development, operations engineering, and application and technical services, fostering a deep understanding of engineering principles and practices.
+ Research and Development Assignments: Participating in diverse R&D rotations across chemist and scientist roles, focusing on laboratory research, innovative product development, and discovery processes to drive scientific advancement.
+ Sustainability and Environmental Assignments: Involved in initiatives that promote sustainability and innovation, exploring renewable materials and advancing microplastic degradation science to address pressing environmental challenges.
+ Data and Digitalization Assignments: Engaging in rotations that delve into data science, technical services, software engineering, and artificial intelligence, equipping participants with cutting-edge skills to navigate the digital landscape.

**Unlock Your Potential: More than Just a Job**

Professional Development:

Exposure to business and technical applications and digital tools such as PowerBI, SAP, and Tableau.

At the end of the internship, you will present your summer project to fellow interns, BASF employees, and senior leaders, showcasing your impact and contributions.

Mentorship

Each participant will be assigned a peer mentor for their internship.

Peer mentors are full-time program participants and serve as a guide throughout the program.

You will develop your expertise and the ability to network at senior levels throughout BASF and establish mentoring relationships that could span your whole career.

Networking

Interns have the opportunity to participate in Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) at their site.

Successfully engaging across the business throughout your internship will expand your network, allow you to grow personally and professionally, and learn a variety of valuable skill sets.

Interns will also participate in a week-long orientation during which they will have the opportunity to engage with alumni and executive leadership at our headquarters in New Jersey.

Additionally, interns will collaborate with full-time P/LDP program participants to organize and participate in a community service volunteer day in celebration of National Intern Day.

**Your Unique Blend: What We’re Looking For**

The ideal candidate for our PhD Leadership Development Program at BASF is a current PhD student studying Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, Biosciences, Material Science, Polymer Science, or a related field with a graduation date between December 2026 and July 2027.

+ Candidates must be permanently authorized to work in the U.S. without restrictions and be willing to relocate anywhere in the country during and after the program, as all assignments are in-person or hybrid.
+ Candidates should demonstrate previous leadership experience and academic achievement, along with active participation in extracurricular activities and on-campus organizations.
+ Previous internship/co-op experience is preferred.
+ Familiarity with tools such as PowerBI, SAP, Tableau, and advanced Excel proficiency is a plus, along with a strong interest in the manufacturing or chemical industry.

Project management experience is also beneficial.

Interns will be assessed for a potential returning internship offer or full-time position in our 2-year rotational program.

Mobility is crucial, with potential locations including New Jersey, Michigan, North Carolina, Texas, and Louisiana.

We are always working to form the best team—especially from within, with an emphasis on lifelong learning and career development!

**Who We Are**

BASF Corporation, headquartered in Florham Park, New Jersey, is the North American affiliate of BASF SE, Ludwigshafen, Germany.

BASF has approximately 16,000 employees in North America and had sales of $19.7 billion in 2024.

At BASF, we create chemistry for a sustainable future.

Our ambition: We want to be the preferred chemical company to enable our customers’ green transformation.

We combine economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility.

Around 112,000 employees in the BASF Group contribute to the success of our customers in nearly all sectors and almost every country in the world.

Our portfolio comprises, as core businesses, the segments Chemicals, Materials, Industrial Solutions, and Nutrition & Care; our standalone businesses are bundled in the segments Surface Technologies and Agricultural Solutions.

At BASF, we are committed to creating an exceptional workplace that values diversity and prioritizes our employees' well-being and development.

Our dedication has been recognized through various awards and accolades.

In 2024-25, BASF received the Platinum Bell Seal for Workplace Mental Health from Mental Health America, as well as the Business Group on Health’s Best Employers: Excellence in Health & Well-being award.

We were recognized by PLANSPONSOR for having a 2025 Best In Class 401(k) Plan and ranked among the Top 50 Employers by readers of Minority Engineer Magazine.

Fair360 (formerly Diversity Inc) also placed us 22nd on their 2024 Top 50 Companies List.

Additionally, we were named one of America's Best Large Employers and one of the World's Best Employers by Forbes and Statista.

For the 11th consecutive year, we achieved a top score in the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s Corporate Equality Index, earning the 2025 “Equality 100 Award as a leader in LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion.

_To learn more about our programs, visit_ _www.basf.com/universitycareers_ _._

**Privacy Statement**

BASF takes security & data privacy very seriously.

We will never request financial information of any kind via email, private text message or direct message on any social medial platform or job board.

Furthermore, we will never send a candidate a check for equipment or request any type of payment during the job application process.

If you have experienced any of the above, please contact myhr@basf.com to report fraud.

**Pay Transparency**

BASF is committed to pay transparency practices.

The competitive pay for this program is $2,947 semi-monthly with a $7,500 sign-on bonus.

**Equal Employment Opportunities**

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, age, citizenship, color, religion, sex, marital status, national origin, disability status, gender identity or expression, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.

Required Skill Profession

Other General