R&D intern
LEAP – THE PLANT-BASED LEATHER ALTERNATIVE MADE BY BEYOND LEATHER
We want you to help take Leap to the next level! Join a young and driven team working to reshape how materials are made and used. Let’s create a biodegradable, high-performance material, industrial-scale and beautiful, crafted from food waste.
ABOUT US
We’re a Copenhagen-based startup on a mission to develop the most sustainable alternative to leather by upcycling food waste. Our diverse team includes founders, 4 employees, mentors, researchers, and suppliers, all united by the same goal.
THE OPPORTUNITY
We’re looking for a full-time R&D Intern to join our team for a minimum of 5 months, we're flexible on starting dates, ideally around September. This is a chance to gain hands-on experience developing an innovative, plant-based material from food waste.
As an R&D Intern, you'll work closely with our materials experts to enhance LEAP’s performance with sustainability in mind. You’ll learn structured lab research methods, contribute to experiments, and collaborate with a like-minded team focused on real-world impact.
WHAT YOU'LL DO- Contribute to setting and achieving R&D goals with the team
- Plan and carry out experiments in our lab and pilot production space
- Conduct desk research, read scientific papers, and propose new approaches
- Analyze experimental results, primarily through mechanical testing
- Present findings and insights to the team
- Help decide the direction of future research based on outcomes
- Assist with daily lab activities and operations
- Stay up to date with trends in biomaterials and sustainable innovation Expect a balance of approx. 60% desk research and 40% hands-on lab work.
- You’re currently enrolled in a Master’s program (or similar) in chemistry, materials science, biomaterials, polymer science, or related fields
- Familiarity with plant-based materials, biochemical modification of biomass, or biopolymer crosslinking is a plus
- You enjoy experimental work and thrive in a collaborative lab setting
- You have a structured, detail-oriented approach to your tasks
- You're adaptable, curious, and motivated to learn in a fast-paced startup environment
- You’re authorized to do an internship in Denmark
- Location: Copenhagen, Denmark
- Compensation: ~€600/month
- Duration: Minimum 5 months
- Start Date: Flexible
If this sounds like a match, please apply with your CV and a cover letter. In your letter, tell us a bit about yourself, your motivation, and your availability. Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis.