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.
Bioprocess Analytical Chemist - Algal Biofuels
3729BR
Golden, CO
Temporary Employee - Full Time
12
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.
NREL's National Bioenergy Center (NBC) seeks a Scientist I researcher to contribute to the NBC Bioprocess R&D group.
Historical research at the NBC has focused on cellulosic biomass-derived biofuels, mainly derived from carbohydrate-based feedstocks. Future biofuels pathways will include more of a focus on hydrocarbon-based fuels from a variety of sources, including microbial and algal lipids. Novel conversion pathways are being developed in a wide range of organisms and broad chemical conversion chemistries are deployed. The successful candidate will support research and development of novel technologies in hydrocarbon fuel feedstock extraction and conversion.
Emphasis of current research into biomass conversion and oil extraction and conversion chemistry at the NBC is looking at characterization and quantification of the fuel fractions of a variety of microbial (including algae) oils and hydrocarbon biofuels precursors and feedstocks. The successful candidate will contribute to research and development activities within the NBC, under supervision of senior staff and project leads. The candidate will aid with the development of routine and advanced chemical and biochemical technology and will participate in basic R&D, develop, document and report progress to project leads. The candidate will demonstrate and implement routine and advanced solutions for technical problems, involving wet chemistry sample preparation and advanced analytical chemistry and mass spectroscopy coupled with gas and liquid chromatography and be able to contribute to multiple publications directly building on implemented technology.
Relevant Bachelor's Degree or equivalent relevant education/experience.
Limited use and/or application of technical principles, theories and concepts.
Good written and verbal communication skills. Ability to use various computer software programs.
Successful track record of hands on creative problem solving including method development for oil applications in foods or complex matrices: carbohydrates, oils, proteins. The ideal candidate holds a degree in one of the following disciplines: Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry or Biochemistry, with demonstrated experience with chromatography, mass spectroscopy and oil extraction conversion experimental work. Or, 3 or more years of experience. The ability to handle and sort through large data sets, and data mining experience, as well as experimental design.
Experience and a proven record in lipid and carbohydrate chemistry, compositional and biochemical microbial analyses are desired characteristics. A sound background in biofuels development is a plus. The ideal candidate possesses a background in the following instrumentation: Reverse Phase HPLC, GCMS, LCMS, and/or GCFID and flash chromatography. This candidate would have an inquisitive mindset, someone who is creative and not discouraged by results that may not be what you expect to see. A good background for this work is from the foods industry, analytical, processing.
This is a temporary position. Subsequent extensions may be available based upon the needs of the Lab. Temporary employees at NREL, with an initial assignment of 12 months or longer, are eligible for the following benefits during employment: Paid Time Off, Extended Sick Leave, Short-term Disability, Medical/Dental Insurance, 403(b) Savings Plan matching and Pension benefits based upon all other eligibility rules. Positions with initial assignments of 12 months or longer may be eligible for relocation benefits.
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.
