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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 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:
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* Must meet educational requirements prior to employment start date.
The successful candidate will be able to:
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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.
E-Verify is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. This business uses E-Verify in its hiring practices to achieve a lawful workforce.