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.

What We're Looking For

• 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

Practical Details

• 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.