Post-Undergraduate Intern; Year-Round Chemist

Position: Post-Undergraduate Intern (Year-Round) Chemist
Posting Title

Post-Undergraduate Intern (Year-Round) Chemist

.

Location

CO - Golden

.

Position Type

Intern (Fixed Term)

.

Hours Per Week

40

.

Working at NLR

NLR is located at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in Golden, Colorado is the nation's primary laboratory for energy systems research and development.

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.

Job Description

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.

.

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…