Undergraduate (Summer) Intern - Chemist/Engineer/Environmental Scientist

Posting Title

Undergraduate (Summer) Intern - Chemist/Engineer/Environmental Scientist

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Location

CO - Golden

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Position Type

Intern (Fixed Term)

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Hours Per Week

40

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Working at NREL

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), located at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in Golden, Colorado is the nation's primary laboratory for research and development of renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies.

From day one at NREL, you'll connect with coworkers driven by the same mission to save the planet. By joining an organization that values a supportive, inclusive, and flexible work environment, you'll have the opportunity to engage through our ten employee resource groups, numerous employee-driven clubs, and learning and professional development classes.

NREL supports inclusive, diverse, and unbiased hiring practices that promote creativity and innovation. By collaborating with organizations that focus on diverse talent pools, reaching out to underrepresented demographics, and providing an inclusive application and interview process, our Talent Acquisition team aims to hear all voices equally. We strive to attract a highly diverse workforce and create a culture where every employee feels welcomed and respected and they can be their authentic selves.

Our planet needs us! Learn about NREL's critical objectives, and see how NREL is focused on saving the planet.

Note: Research suggests that potential job seekers may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements.

We encourage anyone who is interested in this opportunity to apply. We seek dedicated people who believe they have the skills and ambition to succeed at NREL to apply for this role.

Job Description

The Bioenergy Science and Technology (BEST) directorate within the National Renewable Energy Lab (NREL) performs a full range of research from exploring biomass at the molecular level through biorefinery process optimization to bringing bio-products to market. The directorate has recently expanded its research focuses to include analysis, characterization, biochemical processes, bioenergetics, thermochemical processes, polymer science/synthesis, and plastics recycling and upcycling.

This research project is focused on assessing plastic pollution concentrations in US rivers. Interdisciplinary collaboration is paramount to every member of our team.

This internship position is hiring multiple full-time or part-time interns to work on-site starting in May 2024 through September 2024, with flexible start and end dates. The ideal candidate will be available between 10 and 40 hours per week.

Work during holiday breaks is not expected. This intern will provide researchers with the necessary support to safely achieve cutting-edge research, including separations, sorting, and analysis of microplastics from field samples.

The successful candidate will perform hands-on tasks and experimentation in a laboratory setting including:

• Sorting microplastics from field samples

• Operation and maintenance of analytical instrumentation

• Benchtop wet chemistry

• Separation processes

The ability to conduct laboratory experiments with minimal supervision and utmost regard to safety is required. Adaptability and an aptitude for learning are critical in this role. This is an excellent opportunity for a student invested in the NREL mission who desires relevant laboratory experience in preparation for graduate school or a career in the sciences.

The hiring team for this position anticipates hiring 2-4 interns depending on candidate availability and team bandwidth. Candidates who can start as early as possible are desirable.

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Basic Qualifications

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.

Additional Required Qualifications

• Demonstrated general laboratory experience in chemistry or environmental science

• Superior attention to detail, receptive, excellent time management skills

• Functions 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

• Willing to take direction and work independently to support team goals

Preferred Qualifications

• Passion for sustainability or interest in environmental science

• Experience in analytical chemistry and/or handling field samples

• Experience operating a Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer and library matching

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Job Application Submission Window

The anticipated closing window for application submission is up to 30 days and may be extended as needed.

Annual Salary Range (based on full-time 40 hours per week)

Job Profile: / Annual Salary Range: $34,000 - $54,400

NREL 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 Summary

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

Drug Free Workplace

NREL 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 NREL, 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.

Submission Guidelines

Please note that in order to be considered an applicant for any position at NREL you must submit an application form for each position for which you believe you are qualified. Applications are not kept on file for future positions. Please include a cover letter and resume with each position application.

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EEO Policy

NREL is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard basis of age (40 and over), color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, domestic partner status, military or veteran status, national origin/ancestry, race, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding), sexual orientation, and any other applicable status protected by federal, state, or local laws.

EEO is the Law | Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination | Reasonable Accommodations

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