Post-Undergraduate Intern (Year-Round) Chemist
- Nrel
- Golden, CO
- 3w ago
- Full-Time
- On-site
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Join the National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR), where world-class scientists, engineers, and experts are accelerating energy innovation through breakthrough research and systems integration. From our mission to our collaborative culture, NLR stands out in the research community for its commitment to an affordable and secure energy future. Spanning foundational science to applied systems engineering and analysis, we focus on solving complex challenges to deliver advanced, secure, reliable, and cost-effective energy solutions. Our work helps strengthen U.S. industries, support job creation, and promote national economic growth.
At NLR, you'll find a mission-driven environment supported by state-of-the-art facilities, multidisciplinary research teams, and strong collaborations with industry, academia, and other national laboratories. We offer robust professional development opportunities, and a competitive benefits package designed to support your career and well-being.
The Bioenergy Science and Technology (BEST) directorate within the National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR) performs a full range of research from exploring biomass at the molecular level through biorefinery process optimization to bring biofuels and bio-products to market. The directorate’s research encompasses multiple areas including, biochemical processes, synthesis, processing, analysis, and characterization.
Our research group is focused on developing biological and chemical syntheses for cost-effective production of sustainable polymers and chemicals. Our team brings together a wide range of technical expertise and global experience unified by a passionate drive to increase the technoeconomic feasibility for global adoption of bio-based or recyclable polymers. Interdisciplinary collaboration and a relentless pursuit of advancing understanding at the intersection of fundamental science and industrial application is paramount to every member of our team.
This internship position is hiring for full-time work on-site with NLR’s Polymer Science and Engineering group starting in May or June of 2026. As a year-round internship, the ideal candidate will be available for a one-year internship commitment, immediately post-undergraduate completion. This intern will provide researchers within our group the support necessary to safely achieve their cutting-edge research, particularly the synthesis of novel sustainable polymers, or deconstruction of existing polymers.
The successful candidate will perform hands-on tasks and experimentation in a laboratory setting including:
• benchtop wet chemistry
• air-free chemical synthesis
• polymer synthesis and characterization
• chemical purification
• reinforced composite fabrication
The ability to conduct laboratory experiments with minimal supervision, with the 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 NLR mission who desires relevant laboratory experience in preparation for graduate school or a career in the chemical industry.
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* Must meet educational requirements prior to employment start date.
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
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The anticipated closing window for application submission is up to 30 days and may be extended as needed.
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.
* Based on eligibility rules
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.
Please note that in order to be considered an applicant for any position at NLR 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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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.
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