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Join a team of world-class scientists, engineers, and visionaries dedicated to shaping the world’s energy future through cutting-edge research and innovation. From our vision to our NREL community, we are unique in the research community. We are focused on impact. From our work in basic sciences to systems engineering, analysis, demonstration, and deployment, we are focused on solving market-relevant problems that result in advanced, secure, reliable, and affordable energy systems. We are trusted clean energy leaders, developing cost-saving solutions that make U.S. industries more competitive, and support job creation and economic growth across rural and urban communities.
At NREL, we offer a unique, mission-driven work environment with cutting-edge facilities and multidisciplinary research teams. NREL's environment offers strong partnerships with industry, academia, and other national laboratories, as well as professional development opportunities and a competitive benefits package for employees.
Learn about NREL’s critical objectives: NREL's Mission and Vision.
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 bring biofuels and bio-products to market. The directorate’s research encompasses multiple areas including analysis & characterization, biochemical processes, bioenergetics, synthesis, and thermochemical processes.
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 NREL’s Polymer Science and Engineering group starting in May or June of 2025. 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. The successful candidate will perform hands-on tasks and experimentation in a laboratory setting including:
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 NREL 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.
Candidates are expected to have completed a bachelor’s degree (with a preferred degree in Chemistry) and begin an in-person, full-time internship for a 1-year commitment post-graduation.
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The anticipated closing window for application submission is up to 30 days and may be extended as needed.
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.
* Based on eligibility rules
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.
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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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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