Graduate (Fall Semester) Intern – Chemical Looping

National Laboratory of the Rockies • Golden, CO

1d • Onsite

About The Position

NLR is seeking a graduate intern to contribute to research conducted by the Thermal Energy Science & Technologies Group within NLR’s Center for Energy Conversion and Storage Systems (ECaSS). This person will join a growing research team that includes expertise in high-temperature thermochemical processes, thermal energy storage, hybrid energy systems, industrial energy innovation, system modeling, technoeconomic analysis, and regulatory and market analysis. The candidate will work on an NLR-led DOE-funded project that aims to develop and demonstrate a novel process for solar thermochemical fuel production. The candidate will have the opportunity for internal collaboration with researchers and engineers at NLR, as well as collaborating with external partners at academia and industry.

Requirements

• Minimum of a 3.0 cumulative grade point average.
• Must be enrolled as a full-time student in a master’s degree program from an accredited institution (for Graduate).
• Earned a master’s degree within the past 12 months (for Post Undergraduate).
• Completed master’s degree and enrolled as PhD student from an accredited institution (for Graduate + PhD).
• Demonstrated ability/experience in thermodynamics, heat and mass transfer, thermochemistry, and chemical looping.
• Knowledge/experience in one or more systems: solar thermal, thermal energy storage, chemical reactors.
• Programming in either MATLAB or Python.
• Demonstrate a capability to solve challenging research problems.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, writing and documentation skills.

Nice To Haves

• Expertise in redox-active material synthesis methods: modified Pechini method.
• Expertise in material characterization methods: TGA, XRD.

Responsibilities

• Supporting the design and commissioning of a pilot chemical reactor system for syngas production.
• Perform redox-active material synthesis and characterization.
• Performing chemical looping experimental work in NLR’s benchtop experimental setup.
• Support system modeling and technoeconomic analysis activities.
• Working in a collaborative coding environment (GitHub).
• Participate in regular project meetings.
• Writing technical reports and contributing to project review meetings.
• Publishing research results in peer-reviewed conferences and high-impact scientific journals.

Benefits

• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• 403(b) Employee Savings Plan with employer match
• Sick leave (where required by law)
• Performance-, merit-, and achievement- based awards that include a monetary component (may be eligible for, but are not guaranteed)
• Relocation expense reimbursement (some positions may be eligible)

What This Job Offers

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