Undergraduate (Year-Round) Intern - Analytical Chemistry

About the Role

The Analytical Sciences Group at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NLR) provides analytical chemistry support to all research and development groups within the BEST directorate. 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 NLR produces. The position will require adherence to NLR's high technical, environmental, and health and safety standards.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• Must meet educational requirements prior to employment start date.
• You will need to upload unofficial transcripts and a letter of recommendation as part of the application process.

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
• Excellent communication skills

Pay

Annual Salary Range (based on full-time 40 hours per week): $34,800 - $55,700. NLR 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

• 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 (based on eligibility rules)

Schedule

Hours Per Week: 20

Badging Requirement

NLR 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

NLR 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 NLR, 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.

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