Undergraduate/Post-Undergraduate (Year-Round) Intern – Chemist/Chemical Engineering

National Renewable Energy Laboratory • Golden, CO

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Bioenergy Science and Technology (BEST) directorate within NLR performs a full range of research from exploring biomass at the molecular level through biorefinery process optimization to bring bio-products to market. The directorate has recently expanded its research focus to include analysis, characterization, biochemical processes, bioenergetics, thermochemical processes, polymer science/synthesis, and plastic recycling and upcycling. The RRES center within the BEST directorate is a talented team of scientists and technicians working in biological, chemical, and catalytic research approaches to renewable energy and materials for a circular economy. The center has strong thrusts in polymer design and upcycling, separations, synthetic biology and bioconversion, analytical sciences, computational modeling, and lignocellulosic chemistry and catalysis. Our group is conducting research to investigate the catalytic upgrading of furfurals to hydrocarbons for blending into sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) from a variety of feedstocks included but not limited to nonrecyclable municipal solid waste and corn stover. Our team brings together a wide range of technical expertise with a passionate drive to increase the technoeconomic feasibility of producing advanced drop-in fuels with particular emphasis on the aviation sector. This internship position is hiring for full time/part time work on-site with NLR’s Separations Group starting in February 2026. As a year-round internship, the ideal candidate will be available for a one-year internship commitment. This intern will provide researchers with the support necessary to safely achieve their cutting-edge research—homogenous/ heterogeneous chemical catalysts for dehydration, condensation and hydrodeoxygenation reactions. This will involve the synthesis, testing, and characterization of heterogeneous catalysts leading to production of hydrocarbons with boiling points and other properties that make them suitable as jet fuels. Candidates will collaborate with a multi-disciplinary team. The successful candidate will perform hands-on tasks and experimentation in a laboratory setting including: Operation and maintenance of analytical instrumentation Batch and flow reactor operation Benchtop wet chemistry Separations

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.
• Work safely and independently in a laboratory setting
• Learn new techniques and protocols
• Plan and execute research in collaboration with other researchers
• Perform catalysts studies, reaction engineering, and catalyst and process design
• Communicate scientific results effectively, both in written and oral formats
• Author peer-reviewed publications, and Work effectively in a multidisciplinary team of engineers and chemists.
• Demonstrated general laboratory experience and exposure to analytical chemistry, organic chemistry, and/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
• Demonstrated experience following Standard Lab Safety Procedures and setting a safe example
• Be willing to take direction and work independently to support team goals

Responsibilities

• Operation and maintenance of analytical instrumentation
• Batch and flow reactor operation
• Benchtop wet chemistry
• Separations

Benefits

• Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance; 403(b) Employee Savings Plan with employer match; and 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
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees