Undergraduate/Graduate Intern (year-round) –Chemical Engineering/Biomass conversion/Catalytic upgrading/Organic Chemistry
Ora
Summary
The Integrated Carbon Conversion Processes Group within NLR's Catalytic Carbon Transformation and Scale-Up Center is seeking an Intern to provide researchers within our group the support necessary to achieve their cutting-edge research safely. Our group's mission is to de-risk and accelerate the scale-up of technologies for producing chemicals, fertilizers, and critical minerals from domestic biomass resources and waste resources.
Job description
Our research group is focused on developing chemicals, critical minerals, fertilizers, and materials from terrestrial and algal biomass. Our team brings together a wide range of technical expertise and global experience unified by a passionate drive to increase the technoeconomic feasibility and global adoption of biorefineries.
Responsibilities
- Batch and flow reactor operation for algal pretreatment, conversion, chemical production and polymer synthesis
- Develop renewable polyurethane materials for a broad range of applications
- Benchtop wet chemistry, including sample preparation and derivatization
- Operation and maintenance of analytical instrumentation (e.g. FTIR, NMR, TGA, DSC, GC-MS, etc.)
- Separations, including liquid-liquid and solid-liquid extractions
- Bioprocessing scale-up
The ability to conduct laboratory experiments and follow written procedures, with minimal supervision and with the utmost regard to safety is required. Self-motivation, adaptability and an aptitude for learning are critical for this role.
This is an excellent opportunity for a student invested in the NLR mission who desires relevant laboratory experience in preparation for graduate school or a career in the chemical industries.
Requirements
- Degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Biological Systems Engineering, Polymer Chemistry, or related discipline
- 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
- 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
- Ability to conduct laboratory experiments and follow written procedures, with minimal supervision and with the utmost regard to safety
- Self-motivation, adaptability and an aptitude for learning
- Hands on experience in wet chemistry, catalytic conversion, process scale-up, polymer synthesis and characterization, experience on advanced analytic chemistry (FTIR, NMR, GC-MS, etc)
Benefits
- Medical, Dental & Vision
- 403(b) Employee Savings Plan
- Sick leave
- Relocation expense reimbursement
Company overview
Ora is the world's leading full-service ophthalmic drug and device development firm, operating as a specialized contract research organization (CRO) focused exclusively on ophthalmology. Founded in 1974 and headquartered in Andover, Massachusetts, the company has over 45 years of experience in advancing eye care innovations globally. Ora provides comprehensive research and development services spanning preclinical studies, clinical trials, regulatory strategy, and product development for both pharmaceutical and medical device companies. With operations across the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, and Asia, the company has helped clients achieve more than 85 product approvals to date. Ora's expertise covers a wide range of ophthalmic conditions including allergy, dry eye, retina diseases, glaucoma, and anti-infective therapies. The company employs over 500 ophthalmology specialists who utilize proprietary clinical models, integrated data solutions, and global regulatory strategies to accelerate product development from concept to market. Ora serves a diverse client base ranging from startups to global pharmaceutical and device companies, positioning itself as the trusted partner for ophthalmic innovation worldwide.