R7536 Undergraduate Internship (year round) – Algae Biotechnology
Job Description
A full-time or part-time student internship is now 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.
This internship position is hiring for immediate part-time or full-time on-site work with NREL’s Algal Biofuels Research team. As a year-round internship, this position is available immediately, and the ideal candidate will be available for a one-year internship commitment. This intern will provide researchers within our group the support necessary to achieve their cutting-edge research safely. The successful candidate will perform hands-on tasks and experimentation in a laboratory setting.
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.
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.
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