Post-Undergraduate Intern (Year-Round) - Chemical Engineering
Working at NREL
The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), located at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in Golden, Colorado is the nation's primary laboratory for research and development of renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies.From day one at NREL, you’ll connect with coworkers driven by the same mission to save the planet. By joining an organization that values a supportive, inclusive, and flexible work environment, you’ll have the opportunity to engage through our eight employee resource groups, numerous employee-driven clubs, and learning and professional development classes.
NREL supports inclusive, diverse, and unbiased hiring practices that promote creativity and innovation. By collaborating with organizations that focus on diverse talent pools, reaching out to underrepresented demographics, and providing an inclusive application and interview process, our Talent Acquisition team aims to hear all voices equally. We strive to attract a highly diverse workforce and create a culture where every employee feels welcomed and respected and they can be their authentic selves.
Our planet needs us! Learn about NREL’s critical objectives, and see how NREL is focused on saving the planet.
Note: Research suggests that potential job seekers may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage anyone who is interested in this opportunity to apply. We seek dedicated people who believe they have the skills and ambition to succeed at NREL to apply for this role.
Job Description
The Bioenergy Science and Technology (BEST) directorate within the National Renewable Energy Lab (NREL) performs a full range of research from exploring biomass at the molecular level through biorefinery process optimization to bring biofuels and bio-products to market. The directorate’s research encompasses multiple areas including analysis & characterization, biochemical processes, bioenergetics, and thermochemical processes.
Our research group is focused on developing biological and chemical catalysts for cost-effective production of fuels and chemicals from terrestrial biomass. Our team brings together a wide range of technical expertise and global experience unified by a passionate drive to increase the technoeconomic feasibility of global adoption of biorefineries. Interdisciplinary collaboration and a relentless pursuit of advancing understanding at the intersection of fundamental science and industrial application is paramount to every member of our team.
This internship position is hiring for full-time work on-site with NREL’s Biorefinery & Catalysis group starting in May or June of 2022. As a year-round internship, the ideal candidate will be available for a one-year internship commitment, immediately post-undergraduate completion. This intern will provide researchers within our group the support necessary to achieve their cutting-edge research safely - ranging from catalytic lignin valorization to novel bioderived polymer synthesis. The successful candidate will perform hands-on tasks and experimentation in a laboratory setting including:
- operation and maintenance of analytical instrumentation,
- batch and flow reactor operation,
- benchtop wet chemistry,
- separations.
The ability to conduct laboratory experiments with minimal supervision, with the utmost regard to safety is required. Adaptability and an aptitude for learning are critical in this role. This is an excellent opportunity for a student invested in the NREL mission who desires relevant laboratory experience in preparation for graduate school or a career in the biofuels or chemical industries.
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Basic Qualifications
Must be enrolled as a full-time student in a Bachelor's, Master's or PhD degree program, or graduated in the past 12 months from an accredited institution. Internship period cannot exceed 12 months past graduation. Minimum of a 3.0 cumulative grade point average.
Please Note:
•You will need to upload official or unofficial school transcripts as part of the application process.
•If selected for position, a letter of recommendation will be required as part of the hiring process.
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Additional Required Qualifications
- Demonstrated general laboratory experience and exposure to analytical chemistry, organic chemistry, or biochemistry
- Attention to detail, a fast learner, and have excellent time management skills
- Work well with a variety of personality types with various backgrounds
- Demonstrated experience following Standard Lab Safety Procedures and setting a safe example
- Be willing to take direction and work independently to support team goals
Preferred Qualifications
Candidates are expected to have completed a bachelor’s degree in May of 2022, and begin an in-person, full-time internship for a 1-year commitment post-graduation.
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