Dow Career Experiences for PhDs – Adhesives/Primers in Roofing Membranes

About Dow

At Dow, we believe in putting people first and we’re passionate about delivering integrity, respect and safety to our customers, our employees and the planet.

Our people are at the heart of our solutions. They reflect the communities we live in and the world where we do business. Their diversity is our strength. We’re a community of relentless problem solvers that offers the daily opportunity to contribute with your perspective, transform industries and shape the future. Our purpose is simple – to deliver a sustainable future for the world through science and collaboration. If you’re looking for a challenge and meaningful role, you’re in the right place.

About the Role

Dow is excited to pilot our Dow Career Experiences program with UIUC, adapting our proven internal gig model to create industry‑sponsored opportunities for graduate students to work on industrially relevant problems, right from their university campus.  As industrial employers increasingly seek work-ready graduates, our University Gig Program helps provide students more insight to the evolving skill demands of the workforce and the real-world challenges.

The global roofing market is rapidly evolving, driven by growing demands for energy efficiency, durability, and sustainable building practices. Commercial roofing membranes—especially TPO, EPDM, and PVC—are central to meeting these performance and environmental standards.

Dow’s membrane technologies, including ENGAGE™ TR, INFUSE™ OBC, and NORDEL™ EPDM, are engineered for UV resistance, flexibility, fire performance, and long-term weatherability. EPDM-based membranes, in particular, offer exceptional weathering and ozone resistance, making them ideal for long-life, low-maintenance roofing systems. Dow’s TPO solutions are gaining momentum through partnerships with leaders like Carlisle Construction Materials, while its PVC membranes, enhanced with Elvaloy® KEE polymers, deliver superior chemical resistance for demanding commercial applications.

Commercial roofing membranes are typically installed using one of three methods: fully adhered, mechanically fastened, or ballasted. In fully adhered systems, adhesives are applied to bond the membrane directly to the insulation or substrate, offering a smooth finish and strong wind uplift resistance. Mechanically fastened systems use screws and plates to secure the membrane at the seams, which are then heat-welded or sealed. Ballasted systems involve loose-laid membranes held in place by heavy materials like gravel or pavers. The choice of method depends on building design, climate, and performance requirements.

Adhered systems are considered the most robust roofing method, offering long-term durability and resistance to high-speed winds (up to 130 mph for 30 years). Adhesives used in these systems include contact adhesives, which require application on both surfaces and bonding once tacky, and wet lay-in adhesives, which bond the membrane while the adhesive is still wet—though these are water-based and sensitive to temperature conditions. Spray adhesives simplify installation by allowing workers to stand while applying, while sprayless adhesives reduce labor and cure time but require careful canister maintenance. There’s a growing preference for low-VOC adhesives due to environmental regulations, although they may take longer to set compared to traditional VOC-based options. Overall, the market is trending away from mechanical fasteners and solvent-based adhesives toward cleaner, faster, and more sustainable bonding technologies.

Can Dow participate in this market through functionalized polyolefin portfolio as a hot melt adhesive for pre applied adhesive or water-based primer/adhesive for these commercial membranes?

Requirements

PhD students currently enrolled in chemistry, chemical engineering, and material science engineering, graduating after 2026

• Hands‑on, experiential learning focused on industrially relevant skillsets
• Opportunity to make real‑world impact
• Deeper understanding of a career in industry
• Exposure to and expansion of a professional industry network

Responsibilities

• Part‑time commitment (5-10 hours/week, 7-10 weeks)
• Short‑term, project‑based work, paired with Dow mentor(s)
• Paid opportunities (32/hr)
• Projects completed on the student’s university campus
• Market and technology analysis of current state
• Design and model features that extends performance
• Document findings and present to university and industrial stakeholders
• Learn market, customer, and application knowledge in general roofing
• Learn key technologies, performance CTQs, and unmet needs in roofing
• Learn product and material value propositions and tradeoffs in roofing
• Work closely with mentor to design, and model new product features that will extend value proposition and benefits to customers
• Assisting in the design of experiments and test methods that simulate customer process conditions
• Ability to work independently with high levels of attention to detail
• Self-motivated, high initiative and excellent time management skills.
• Utilize scientific methods and data generation and interpretation methods
• Possess a high level of written, verbal and presentation communication skills.

How to Apply:

Please send your resume/CV and a cover letter (optional) to Qiang Liu (qliu3@dow.com), Associate R&D Director of External Technology.