Nutrient Recovery and Biochar-Based Fertilizer Development Intern - Spring 2027

Idaho National Laboratory is seeking a motivated intern to support our Thermal Preprocessing team. The ideal candidate has hands-on experience with solid-liquid separation, filtration, and/or standard analytical characterization methods.

This team works a 9x80 schedule onsite at our Idaho Falls campus. Start date and duration of internship vary based on project and student's availability.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Enrolled full time in a PhD Program majoring in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or Environmental Science
• Experience with solid-liquid separation, filtration, and/or standard analytical characterization methods
• A minimum overall 3.0 GPA
• Authorization to work in the U.S. (including CPT and OPT)
• Current Resume or CV
• Unofficial Transcripts (include current and completed degree programs)
• Current class schedule and number of credits

Preferred Qualifications:

• Hands-on experience with thermochemical processing (e.g., hydrothermal carbonization, pyrolysis), including high-temperature/high-pressure reactor operation
• Demonstrated experience recovering nutrients (N, P, K) from manure or agricultural biomass and developing slow-release or multi-nutrient fertilizer materials
• Experience with biochar/hydrochar production, surface modification, and nutrient-loading or controlled-release characterization
• Proficiency with relevant analytical techniques: ICP-based elemental analysis, ion chromatography, FTIR, TGA, CHNS, SEM/EDS, XRD, BET surface-area analysis.

Compensation:

• Undergraduate Internships ($26.94/hour - $32.41/hour)
• Masters Internships ($35.34/hour - $37.73/hour)
• Multi-Level: Internships are typically multi-level posting and you will be placed at the appropriate level dependent on degree field and level of education.

Physical Requirements:

While performing the duties of this classification, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, stoop, kneel, bend, use hands to handle materials, manipulate tools, type on a keyboard, reach with hands and arms, and operate job-related equipment. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 35 pounds without assistance. Sufficient visual acuity and hearing capacity to perform the essential functions and interact with people is required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Benefits and Relocation

• Paid holiday time off
• Travel reimbursement may be available for eligible interns

At this time, BEA will not sponsor any H1-B visas obtained outside of the United States of America (U.S.A.), including consular visas.

INL is a science-based, applied engineering national laboratory dedicated to supporting the U.S. Department of Energy's mission in nuclear energy research, science, and national defense. With more than 6,300 scientists, researchers, and support staff, the laboratory works with national and international governments, universities and industry partners to change the world's energy future and secure our nation's critical infrastructure.

INL Mission:

Our mission is to discover, demonstrate and secure innovative nuclear energy solutions, other clean energy options and critical infrastructure.

INL Vision:

Our vision is to change the world's energy future and secure our nation's critical infrastructure.

Selective Service Requirements:

To be eligible for employment at INL males born after December 31, 1959 must have registered with the Selective Service System (SSS). For more information see www.sss.gov.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Idaho National Laboratory (INL) is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. It is the policy of INL to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.

Reasonable Accommodation:

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

Other Information:

When applying to positions please provide a resume and answer all questions on the following screens. Applicants, who fail to provide a resume or answer the questions, may be deemed ineligible for consideration.