Posting TitlePost-Undergraduate Intern (12-months) - Chemical Engineering
LocationCO - Golden
Position TypeIntern (Fixed Term)
Hours Per Week40
Working at NRELJoin a team of world-class scientists, engineers, and visionaries dedicated to shaping the world's energy future through cutting-edge research and innovation. From our vision to our NREL community, we are unique in the research community. We are focused on impact. From our work in basic sciences to systems engineering, analysis, demonstration, and deployment, we are focused on solving market-relevant problems that result in advanced, secure, reliable, and affordable energy systems. We are trusted clean energy leaders, developing cost-saving solutions that make U.S. industries more competitive, and support job creation and economic growth across rural and urban communities.
At NREL, we offer a unique, mission-driven work environment with cutting-edge facilities and multidisciplinary research teams. NREL's environment offers strong partnerships with industry, academia, and other national laboratories, as well as professional development opportunities and a competitive benefits package for employees.
Learn about NREL's critical objectives: NREL's Mission and Vision.
Job DescriptionThe National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) in Golden, Colorado, is the nation's primary laboratory for research, development, and deployment of renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies. The NREL mission is to develop renewable energy and energy efficient technologies and practices, advance related science and engineering, and transfer knowledge and innovation to address the nation's energy and environmental goals. The Renewable Resources and Enabling Sciences Center at NREL has multiple internship openings within the Chemical Catalysis and Reaction Engineering group. The positions are for full-time work on-site at NREL.
We have multiple openings for 12-month internships expected to start in Summer 2025.
This intern will provide researchers within our group the support necessary to safely achieve their cutting-edge research focused on reaction discovery for lignin depolymerization. The successful candidate will perform hands-on tasks and experimentation in a laboratory setting including but not limited to:
- benchtop wet chemistry at the milligram to kilogram scale
- operation of analytical instrumentation
- data analysis and interpretation
- batch and flow reactor operation and maintenance
- opportunity to contribute to research papers and technical presentations
- conduct laboratory experiments safely under supervision and moving towards more independent work throughout the year
Adaptability and an aptitude for learning are critical in this role. This is an excellent opportunity for a candidate invested in the NREL mission who desires relevant laboratory experience in preparation for graduate school or a future career in a related field. 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.
Basic QualificationsMinimum of a 3.0 cumulative grade point average.
Undergraduate: Must be enrolled as a full-time student in a bachelor's degree program from an accredited institution.
Post Undergraduate: Earned a bachelor's degree within the past 12 months. Eligible for an internship period of up to one year.
Graduate: Must be enrolled as a full-time student in a master's degree program from an accredited institution.
Post Graduate: Earned a master's degree within the past 12 months. Eligible for an internship period of up to one year.
Graduate + PhD: Completed master's degree and enrolled as PhD student from an accredited institution.
Please Note:
• Applicants are responsible for uploading 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.
• Must meet educational requirements prior to employment start date.
* Must meet educational requirements prior to employment start date.Additional Required Qualifications- Demonstrated experience following standard lab safety procedures and setting a safe example in a laboratory setting
- The successful candidate will have completed an undergraduate degree in chemical engineering, chemistry, or related field by the start of the internship
- 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 levels of technical backgrounds
- Be willing to take direction and work independently to support team goals
Preferred Qualifications- Prior non-coursework related experience in an undergraduate research lab or internship
Job Application Submission WindowThe anticipated closing window for application submission is up to 30 days and may be extended as needed.
Annual Salary Range (based on full-time 40 hours per week)Job Profile: / Annual Salary Range: $39,200 - $62,700
NREL takes into consideration a candidate's education, training, and experience, expected quality and quantity of work, required travel (if any), external market and internal value, including seniority and merit systems, and internal pay alignment when determining the salary level for potential new employees. In compliance with the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act, a potential new employee's salary history will not be used in compensation decisions.
Benefits SummaryBenefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance; 403(b) Employee Savings Plan with employer match*; and sick leave (where required by law). NREL employees may be eligible for, but are not guaranteed, performance-, merit-, and achievement- based awards that include a monetary component. Some positions may be eligible for relocation expense reimbursement. Internships projected to be less than 20 hours per week are not eligible for medical, dental, or vision benefits.
* Based on eligibility rules
Badging RequirementNREL is subject to Department of Energy (DOE) access restrictions. All employees must also be able to obtain and maintain a federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card as required by Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12), which includes a favorable background investigation. Intern assignments extending beyond six months will be subject to this requirement.
Drug Free WorkplaceNREL is committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace in accordance with the federal Drug-Free Workplace Act and complies with federal laws prohibiting the possession and use of illegal drugs. Under federal law, marijuana remains an illegal drug.
If you are offered employment at NREL, you must pass a pre-employment drug test prior to commencing employment. Unless prohibited by state or local law, the pre-employment drug test will include marijuana. If you test positive on the pre-employment drug test, your offer of employment may be withdrawn.
Submission GuidelinesPlease note that in order to be considered an applicant for any position at NREL you must submit an application form for each position for which you believe you are qualified. Applications are not kept on file for future positions. Please include a cover letter and resume with each position application.
Equal Opportunity EmployerAll qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard basis of age (40 and over), color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, domestic partner status, military or veteran status, national origin/ancestry, race, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding), sexual orientation, and any other applicable status protected by federal, state, or local laws.
Reasonable Accommodations E-Verify www.dhs.gov/E-Verify For information about right to work, click here for English or here for Spanish.E-Verify is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. This business uses E-Verify in its hiring practices to achieve a lawful workforce.
