The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), located at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in Golden, Colorado, is the nation's primary laboratory for research, development, and deployment of renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies. Our mission is to develop renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies and practices, advance related science and engineering and transfer knowledge and innovations to address the nation’s energy and environmental goals.

Analytical Chemistry Research Technician

Requisition #935BR

Job/Research Summary                                              

Support research and development (R&D) activities within the National Bioenergy Center by performing compositional analyses on diverse biomass samples. Prepare biomass samples for analysis, and perform analyses with instruments including high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC), ultraviolet (UV) spectroscopy, and near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy. Perform routine maintenance of laboratory analytical instruments. Perform all work with great attention to detail and in accordance with NREL's high safety standards.

Job Duties                                                                        

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, available at: href="http://www.nrel.gov/biomass/analytical_procedures.html">www.nrel.gov/biomass/analytical. 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, 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 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, 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.

Previous experience in biomass compositional analysis is not required.

Required Education and Experience                        

Relevant Associate's degree or certification program of comparable technical scope and 7 years experience or equivalent relevant education/experience.

Additional Basic Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities   

Demonstrated knowledge of analytical chemical methods, particularly with bench-top wet chemical methods. Demonstrated ability to work as part of a larger research team. Demonstrated ability to maintain a safe working environment.

Preferred Qualifications                                               

Experience in a commercial analytical chemistry laboratory, including operation and maintenance of analytical instrumentation and data reduction. Significant wet chemical analytical chemistry experience. Ability to perform duties with minimal supervision.

Pre-employment drug testing required.

Submit Your Resume

Please visit our website for more information and to apply online:

www.nrel.gov/employment /

Please include a cover letter specific to each position you are applying to indicating how you match the requirements of the posting.

NREL is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and a drug-free workplace.