Undergraduate/Graduate Intern (year-round) –Chemical Engineering/Biomass conversion/Catalytic upgrading/Organic Chemistry

About the role

National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR) in Golden, Colorado conducts energy systems research and development, focusing on advancing new energy materials and technologies from biomass resources. The Intern will join the Integrated Carbon Conversion Processes Group within NLR’s Catalytic Carbon Transformation and Scale‑Up Center, providing hands‑on laboratory support to researchers working on biomass pretreatment, conversion, chemical production, polymer synthesis, and related analytical work.

Responsibilities

• Batch and flow reactor operation for algal pretreatment, conversion, chemical production and polymer synthesis
• Develop renewable polyurethane materials for a broad range of applications
• Benchtop wet chemistry, including sample preparation and derivatization
• Operation and maintenance of analytical instrumentation (e.g., FTIR, NMR, TGA, DSC, GC‑MS, etc.)
• Separations, including liquid‑liquid and solid‑liquid extractions
• Bioprocessing scale‑up
• Conduct laboratory experiments and follow written procedures with minimal supervision, maintaining utmost regard for safety

Requirements

• Must be enrolled as a full‑time student in a degree‑granting program, or have graduated within the past 12 months from an accredited institution
• Internship period cannot exceed 12 months past graduation
• Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0
• Provide unofficial transcripts to verify GPA and full‑time enrollment prior to interview selection
• Meet all educational requirements before the employment start date

Skills

• Hands‑on experience in wet chemistry, catalytic conversion, process scale‑up, polymer synthesis and characterization
• Experience with advanced analytical chemistry techniques (FTIR, NMR, GC‑MS, etc.)
• Self‑motivation, adaptability, and aptitude for learning

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 403(b) Employee Savings Plan with employer match
• Sick leave (where required by law)
• Potential performance‑, merit‑, and achievement‑based awards with a monetary component
• Possible relocation expense reimbursement (depending on position)
• Note: Internships scheduled for fewer than 20 hours per week are not eligible for medical, dental, or vision benefits

Pay

Annual Salary Range: $44,500 – $71,200 (based on full‑time 40 hours per week)

Schedule

Hours per week: 40 (full‑time). Internship appointments may last up to one year.