The National Renewable Energy Laboratory - NREL - is the only federal laboratory dedicated to the research, development, commercialization and deployment of renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies.
IMPORTANT:This Advertiser has requested that applicants MUST be National Residents / Valid Work Permit-holders. Other applicants need not apply.
Research Technician II - Biomass Analysis
3121BR
Golden, CO
Temporary Employee - Full Time
40
The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) is a leader in the U.S. Department of Energy’s effort to secure an energy future that is both environmentally and economically sustainable. With locations in Golden, Boulder and Washington D.C., NREL is the primary laboratory for research, development and deployment of renewable energy technologies in the United States. The NREL mission is to develop renewable energy and energy efficient technologies and practices, advance related science and engineering, and transfer knowledge and innovation to address the nation’s energy and environmental goals.
The Biomass Analysis Section provides analytical chemistry support to all research and development groups within the National Bioenergy Center. Team members have developed several Laboratory Analytical Procedures (LAPs) for the preparation and analysis of biomass. The technician will follow the direction of staff in performing these detailed analytical procedures on biomass samples, keeping accurate and detailed laboratory records, maintaining and operating analytical instruments, and reporting data. Specific duties include the extensive preparation of samples for analysis using bench-top set chemistry, including, but not limited to: acid hydrolysis, extractions, ashing, dilutions, preparation of solutions, neutralizations, and filtrations. Sample preparation will also include the use of instrumentation associated with milling, drying, weighing, extracting, centrifuging and washing. Sample analysis will include the use of high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC), ultraviolet (UV) spectroscopy, and Accelerated Solvent Extractor 200/350 (ASE), and will require the routine maintenance and troubleshooting of laboratory analytical instruments. The candidate will report to staff regarding work progress and results.
The successful candidate will show a strong aptitude for analytical chemistry applied to biomass materials, including an understanding of fundamental concepts, and demonstrate significant attention to detail. They will also demonstrate clear recordkeeping skills with special attention to data traceability, unexpected observations, and errors in procedures.
The technician will follow the direction of staff in performing detailed biomass analysis procedures, keeping accurate and detailed laboratory records, maintaining and operating analytical instruments, and reporting data. Specific duties include the extensive preparation of samples for analysis using bench-top set chemistry, including, but not limited to: acid hydrolysis, ashing, extractions, dilutions, preparation of solutions, neutralizations, and filtrations. Sample preparation will also include the use of instrumentation associated with milling, drying, weighing, centrifuging and washing. Sample analysis will include the use of high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC), ultraviolet (UV) spectroscopy, and near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy, and Accelerated Solvent Extractor (ASE), and will require the routine maintenance and troubleshooting of laboratory analytical instruments. The candidate will report to staff regarding work progress and results. The successful candidate will show a strong aptitude for analytical chemistry applied to biomass materials, including an understanding of fundamental concepts, and demonstrate significant attention to detail. They will also demonstrate clear recordkeeping skills with special attention to data traceability, unexpected observations, and errors in procedures.
High School Diploma or equivalent and 4 or more years of experience or equivalent relevant education/experience.
Or, relevant Associate's Degree or certification program of comparable scope and 2 or more years of experience or equivalent relevant education/experience.
Substantial acquaintance with and understanding of general aspects of the job with a broad understanding of the detailed aspects of the job.
Intermediate to advanced skills in research techniques and practices. Good written, verbal, team, interpersonal and communication skills.
Demonstrated knowledge of and experience with NREL Laboratory Analytical Procedures (LAPs) for biomass compositional analysis. Demonstrated ability to work as part of a larger research team. Demonstrated ability to maintain a safe working environment.
BA in Chemistry, previous experience with procedures, particularly Accelerated Solvent Extractor (ASE).
NREL is dedicated to the principles of equal employment opportunity. NREL promotes a work environment that does not discriminate against workers or job applicants and prohibits unlawful discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, marital status, ancestry, actual or perceived sexual orientation, or veteran status, including special disabled veterans.
NREL validates right to work using E-Verify. NREL will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each new employee’s Form I-9 to confirm work authorization. For additional information, please see www.nrel.gov/employment/eeo.html.
