Graduate (Fall Semester) Intern – Chemical Looping
Golden
Friday, 24 April 2026
NLR is seeking a graduate intern to contribute to research conducted by the Thermal Energy Science & Technologies Group within NLR’s Center for Energy Conversion and Storage Systems (E - Ca. SS). This person will join a growing research team that includes expertise in high-temperature thermochemical processes, thermal energy storage, hybrid energy systems, industrial energy innovation, system modeling, technoeconomic analysis, and regulatory and market analysis. The candidate will work on an NLR-led DOE-funded project that aims to develop and demonstrate a novel process for solar thermochemical fuel production. The candidate will have the opportunity for internal collaboration with researchers and engineers at NLR, as well as collaborating with external partners at academia and industry. The candidate will develop and use Python and/or MATLAB for various modeling and data analysis activities. The candidate will conduct research work that includes:Supporting the design and commissioning of a pilot chemical reactor system for syngas production. Perform redox-active material synthesis and characterization. Performing chemical looping experimental work in NLR’s benchtop experimental setup. Support system modeling and technoeconomic analysis activities. Working in a collaborative coding environment (GitHub). Participate in regular project meetings. Writing technical reports and contributing to project review meetings. Publishing research results in peer-reviewed conferences and high-impact scientific journals.. 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 the application process. - If selected for position, a letter of recommendation will be required as part of the hiring process. - Must meet educational requirements prior to employment start date. - Must meet educational requirements prior to employment start date. Additional Required Qualifications. In addition, the successful candidate must have demonstrated ability/experience in the following areas:Expertise in thermodynamics, heat and mass transfer, thermochemistry, and chemical looping. Knowledge/experience in one or more systems: solar thermal, thermal energy storage, chemical reactors. Programming in either MATLAB or Python. Demonstrate a capability to solve challenging research problems. Strong interpersonal, communication, writing and documentation skills. Preferred Qualifications. Expertise in redox-active material synthesis methods: modified Pechini method. Expertise in material characterization methods: TGA, XRD. Job Application Submission Window. The anticipated closing window for application submission is up to 30 days and may be extended as needed.