Undergraduate (Year-Round) Intern - Analytical Chemistry

Undergraduate (Year-Round) Intern - Analytical Chemistry

CO - Golden

Intern (Fixed Term) 20 hours per week

NREL is located at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in Golden, Colorado, the nation's primary laboratory for energy systems research and development. Join NREL, where world-class scientists, engineers, and experts are accelerating energy innovation through breakthrough research and systems integration. From our mission to our collaborative culture, NREL stands out in the research community for its commitment to an affordable and secure energy future. Spanning foundational science to applied systems engineering and analysis, we focus on solving complex challenges to deliver advanced, secure, reliable, and cost-effective energy solutions. Our work helps strengthen U.S. industries, support job creation, and promote national economic growth.

At NREL, you'll find a mission-driven environment supported by state-of-the-art facilities, multidisciplinary research teams, and strong collaborations with industry, academia, and other national laboratories. We offer robust professional development opportunities, and a competitive benefits package designed to support your career and well-being.

Job Description

The Analytical Sciences Group at NREL provides analytical chemistry support to all research and development groups within the BEST directorate at NREL. The team is seeking an undergraduate student intern that will work as part of a team performing compositional analysis on a wide variety of biomass-derived samples. The samples are derived from a wide variety of laboratory experiments producing biofuels and biomaterials including fermentation, heterogeneous and homogeneous catalysis, and polymer deconstruction. Reliable compositional analysis data form the foundation of the world class science that NREL produces.

The position will require adherence to NREL's high technical, environmental, and health and safety standards. To learn more about our standard laboratory analytical procedures (LAPs) for biomass analysis click here.

Specific duties for this role will include but may not be limited to:

• Assisting senior team members in the preparation of samples for instrumental analysis
• Performing analyses using various analytical techniques such as liquid chromatography, near-infrared spectroscopy, and elemental analysis
• Keep accurate and detailed laboratory records
• Maintain and troubleshoot analytical instruments
• Document and report analytical data to research team

Basic Qualifications

Must be enrolled as a full-time student in a degree granting 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 unofficial transcripts and a letter of recommendation as part of the application process. * Must meet educational requirements prior to employment start date.

Additional Required Qualifications

• Current enrollment in a chemistry, biochemistry, physics, or related degree program
• Successful candidates will have some experience in instrumental analysis
• Demonstrate significant attention to detail
• Clear record keeping skills with special attention to data traceability and
• Excellent communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

Job Application Submission Window

The 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: $34,800 - $55,700

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 Summary

Benefits 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 Requirement

NREL 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 Workplace

NREL 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 Guidelines

Please 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.

All 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