Undergraduate Internship at National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
Undergraduate Internship at National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) is a leader in the U.S. Department of Energy’s effort to secure an environmentally and economically sustainable energy future. With locations in Golden and Boulder, Colorado, and a satellite office in Washington, D.C., NREL is the primary laboratory for research, development, and deployment of renewable energy technologies in the United States. Undergraduate Internship at National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL).
Undergraduate Internship (year-round) – Algae Biotechnology
Location: Golden, CO
Position Type:Â Intern (Fixed Term)
Hours Per Week:Â 40
Job Description
A full-time or part-time student internship is available in the National Renewable Energy Laboratory’s (NREL) Biosciences Center, in Golden, Colorado. NREL is the nation’s primary laboratory for research, development, and deployment of renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies. We have an opening for a full-time (40 hrs/wk) or part-time (10-20 hrs/wk) internship in Golden, Colorado. Algal biofuels are a key developing area of research in the Biosciences Center. In particular the extraction and conversion of algal biomass, including lipids, and quantification and purification of carbohydrates is being investigated on a number of projects.
Job Duties
The intern will assist with the analytical characterization of algal biomass, the fractionation of algal biomass to the main biochemical constituents, and the conversion of algal biomass components to fuels and chemicals. The intern will help where needed with analytical chemistry and sample preparation, keep notes and organize sample data, and assist with the cultivation and physiological growth experiments in collaboration with researchers and technical staff. Since the intern will assist on a range of different projects, a strong organizational background is needed and a willingness to perform routine tasks to support research staff.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Attributes
Must have completed general organic and analytical chemistry, and biology (molecular biology and/or microbiology) laboratory courses as well as lecture courses in inorganic, analytical, and organic chemistry. A strong background and interest in chemistry or biochemistry is required. Experience with laboratory work and research techniques and practices is necessary and instrument and chromatography experience is desired. This includes experience with the Microsoft office suite, in particular Excel, with exceptional skills in organization of large quantities of data. Strong communication skills including interpersonal, presentations, and writing required. Ability to work both independently and with a team is needed.
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. Please Note: Before interview selection, you will need to provide unofficial transcripts to verify GPA and full time enrollment.
Additional Required Qualifications
Ability to independently conduct laboratory experiments, stringently follow safety guidelines, and report findings to mentor and/or supervisor. Familiarity with algal cultivation methods and biofuel production processes is desirable. Demonstrated ability to work as part of a larger research team as well as work independently. Demonstrated ability to maintain a safe working environment. Excellent communication skills.
Annual Salary Range (based on full-time 40 hours per week)
Annual Salary Range: $31,600 – $50,600
Offers will typically be made in the bottom half of the listed range. NREL takes into consideration a candidate’s education, training, and experience, as well as the position’s work location, 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
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.
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, 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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