Research Technician II/III Chemical Engineering

NREL is hiring a full-time Research Technician II/III in Golden, CO, to support research in catalysis, synthesis, and separation laboratories. Responsibilities include operating and maintaining high-pressure reactor systems, conducting wet chemistry experiments, and ensuring safety documentation. Candidates should be organized, detail-oriented, and possess strong multitasking skills. Familiarity with chemistry equipment and a commitment to safety are essential. The role involves collaboration in a dynamic research environment.
Description

The BEST directorate is seeking a full-time Research Technician to support research across multiple projects and multiple offices. The successful candidate will assist in the day-to-day research and development activities in catalysis, synthesis, and separation laboratories. This is a fast-paced, dynamic, and growing research environment, with passionate, mission-driven, and diverse team members. Adaptability and an aptitude for learning are critical in this role.

Our team brings together a wide range of technical expertise and experience, interdisciplinary collaboration, and a relentless pursuit of advancing understanding at the intersection of fundamental science and industrial application. The primary goal of this position is to provide researchers within our group the support necessary to safely achieve their cutting-edge research.

The Research Technician will support research through a variety of activities including:
• Operation, preventative maintenance, troubleshooting and repair of bench-scale high-pressure reactor systems and other equipment related to chemistry and materials science research.
• Sample production, processing, and analysis.
• Modification, fabrication/assembly, and installation of research equipment for unique experiments.
• Wet chemistry experimentation.
• Writing/updating safety documentation, including operating procedures, equipment logs, technical drawings, management of change documentation.
• On-boarding new equipment as needed.
• Assisting with maximizing lab space by working with Environmental Health and Safety and Research Operations.
• Advancing safe laboratory practices through daily research activities.

The successful candidate will:
• Be well organized and focus on attention to detail exemplified by detailed lab notes, accurate data collection and thorough analysis.
• Have strong multi-tasking and time management skills.
• Experience working with basic installation tools (e.g. wrenches, drills, files, clamps, levels, torque wrenches, and screw thread taps).
• Embody a strong safety culture including dedication to a clean and organized work area.
• Good written and verbal communication, teamwork, and interpersonal skills.
• Have strong multi-tasking and time management skills.
• Familiarity with basic chemistry equipment, glassware, and procedures.
• Excellent troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• Be self-motivated.
• Basic understanding of hazardous gas/liquid/waste material handling and chemical reactions.
• Be adaptable and demonstrate a commitment to continuous learning.

Expectations for different levels

The Research Technician II - Substantial acquaintance with and understanding of general aspects of the job with a broad understanding of the detailed aspects of the job. Demonstrated basic capabilities in research techniques and practices. Good written, verbal, team, interpersonal and communication skills.

The Research Technician III - Full knowledge of specialized focused support functions. Complete acquaintance with and understanding of the general and detailed aspects of the supported activities, and their practical applications to problems and situations ordinarily encountered. Demonstrated intermediate capabilities in research techniques and practices. Solid communication, interpersonal, project management and customer relations skills.

Basic Qualifications

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.
• Must meet educational requirements prior to employment start date.

Additional Required Qualifications

A Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or closely related field with hands on laboratory experience. Be willing to step outside the boundaries of a job title to promote continued success within the group. Ability to thrive in a dynamic role with greatly varying daily expectations in a team atmosphere. Proven ability to learn new skills in parallel with continually supporting ongoing work.

Preferred Qualifications

Fabricating and designing custom 80/20 carts or skids. Familiarity/experience with pipe thread, compression (Swagelok and Valco), VCR, VCO, and flange/gasket connections. Understanding of materials of construction (strength, pressure and temperature ratings, chemical compatibility, thermal/electrical conductivity). Experience with chemical safety and in handling toxic or flammable gases or liquids, including experience working with compressed hydrogen gas. Experience working with compressed gases and general knowledge of pressure safety. Experience with industrial process, pilot plant, or bench-scale reactor operation. Experience reviewing designs of new equipment, interpreting P&IDs of new systems and changes to existing equipment and systems.

Job Application Submission Window

The anticipated closing window for application submission is up to 30 days and may be extended as needed.

Annual Salary Range (based on full-time 40 hours per week)

Job Profile: Research Technician II / Annual Salary Range: $49,100 - $78,600Job Profile: Research Technician III / Annual Salary Range: $55,400 - $91,400

NREL takes into consideration a candidate's education, training, and experience, expected quality and quantity of work, required travel (if any), external market and internal value, including seniority and merit systems, and internal pay alignment when determining the salary level for potential new employees. In compliance with the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act, a potential new employee's salary history will not be used in compensation decisions.

Benefits Summary

Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance; pension benefits*; 403(b) Employee Savings Plan with employer match*; and sick leave (where required by law). NREL employees may be eligible for, but are not guaranteed, performance-, merit-, and achievement- based awards that include a monetary component. Some positions may be eligible for relocation expense reimbursement.
• Based on eligibility rules

Badging Requirement

NREL is subject to Department of Energy (DOE) access restrictions. All employees must also be able to obtain and maintain a federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card as required by Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12), which includes a favorable background investigation.

Drug Free Workplace

NREL is committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace in accordance with the federal Drug-Free Workplace Act and complies with federal laws prohibiting the possession and use of illegal drugs. Under federal law, marijuana remains an illegal drug.

If you are offered employment at NREL, you must pass a pre-employment drug test prior to commencing employment. Unless prohibited by state or local law, the pre-employment drug test will include marijuana. If you test positive on the pre-employment drug test, your offer of employment may be withdrawn.

Submission Guidelines

Please note that in order to be considered an applicant for any position at NREL you must submit an application form for each position for which you believe you are qualified. Applications are not kept on file for future positions. Please include a cover letter and resume with each position application.

EEO Policy

NREL is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard basis of age (40 and over), color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, domestic partner status, military or veteran status, national origin/ancestry, race, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding), sexual orientation, and any other applicable status protected by federal, state, or local laws.