Undergraduate/Post-Undergraduate (Summer) Intern – Computational Modeling of Catalytic Bioenergy Processes

Summary: The National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR) is a leading institution for energy systems research and development. They are seeking a summer intern to perform computational modeling and data analysis for optimizing catalytic bioenergy processes, collaborating with scientists to validate simulations and contribute to high-impact energy research. Responsibilities: - Performing simulations using high-fidelity Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and reduced order models of transport and reactive processes within catalytic reactor systems - Implementing kinetic schemes into reduced order models and performing optimization routines to fit kinetic parameters - Analyzing validation experiments - Programming scripts to analyze results from simulations - Providing regular written and oral progress updates at project meetings - Working safely and independently in a laboratory setting - Planning and executing research in collaboration with other researchers - Contributing to the creation of technical reports and peer-reviewed publication - Working effectively in a large, multidisciplinary, multi-institutional team of engineers and scientists Required Qualifications: - 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 - Currently enrolled in or recently graduated from a bachelor's degree program in Computer Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related field - Demonstrated programming skills in Python and libraries such as: SciPy, Matplotlib, NumPy - Strong motivation to contribute to high-impact research - Demonstrated ability to collaborate and work efficiently within a team - Excellent writing and communications skills, with the ability to present technical results to a wide audience Preferred Qualifications: - Current junior or senior level student or recent graduate of a bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related field - Familiarity with Linux environments and high-performance computing - Knowledge of or experience using FEM and/or FVM software including OpenFOAM, MFIX, COMSOL, Fluent, or similar (CFD packages) - Knowledge of or experience with performing and analyzing reactor-scale simulations - Knowledge of or experience with catalytic processes (modeling or experimental) - Knowledge/experience with machine learning i.e. tensor flow/PyTorch Required Skills: Python, SciPy, Matplotlib, NumPy, Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), Finite Element Method (FEM), Finite Volume Method (FVM), Reduced order modeling, Kinetic modeling, Reactor-scale simulation, Catalytic process modeling, Linux, High-performance computing Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision insurance, 403(b) Employee Savings Plan with employer match, Sick leave (where required by law), Performance-, merit-, and achievement- based awards that include a monetary component, Relocation expense reimbursement