Post-Undergraduate (Year-Round) Intern - Chemical Engineering

National Renewable Energy Laboratory • Golden, CO

1d • $39,600 - $63,400 • Onsite

About The Position

The Chemical Catalysis and Reaction Engineering group at NLR is seeking full-time post undergraduate candidates to work on-site, with an expected to start date in Summer 2026. 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 and upgrading. 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 NLR 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.

Requirements

• Minimum 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.
• 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.

Nice To Haves

• Prior non-coursework related experience in an undergraduate research lab or internship

Responsibilities

• 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

Benefits

• Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 403(b) Employee Savings Plan with employer match
• sick leave (where required by law).
• NLR 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Intern