Research Technician Ii/Iii - Catalysis & Separations Chemical Engineering

Research Technician II/III - Catalysis & Separations Chemical EngineeringCO - GoldenLimited Term (Fixed Term)40The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), located at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in Golden, Colorado is the nation's primary laboratory for research and development of renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies.

• Extensive wet chemistry experimentation
• Writing/updating safety documentation, including operating procedures, equipment logs, technical drawings, management of change documentation
• Sample production, processing, and analysis
• On-boarding new equipment as needed
• Design, build, operation, troubleshooting, preventative maintenance, and repair of bench-scale high-pressure reactor systems and other equipment related to chemistry and materials science research
• Advancing safe laboratory practices through daily research activities
• Modification, fabrication/assembly, and installation of research equipment for unique experiments
• Assisting with maximizing lab space by working with Environmental Health and Safety and Research Operations
• Data collection, calibration, and maintenance of analytical instrumentation

• Demonstrated experience operating, calibrating, and maintaining analytical instrumentation
• Be adaptable and demonstrate a commitment to continuous learning
• Highly organized with attention to detail exemplified by detailed lab notes, collecting accurate data, and thorough analysis
• Be self-motivated
• Have strong multi-tasking and time management skills
• Experience working with basic installation tools (lifts, wrenches, plumbing tools, drills, files, clamps, levels, torque wrenches, and screw thread taps)
• Embody a strong safety culture including dedication to a clean and organized work area
• Basic understanding of hazardous gas/liquid/waste material handling and chemical reactions
• Demonstrated ability to safely and accurately conduct a wide variety of bench scale wet chemistry procedures
• High level of familiarity with basic chemistry equipment, glassware, and procedures
• Excellent Troubleshooting and problem-solving skills
• Good written and verbal communication, teamwork, and interpersonal skills

• 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. Intermediate to advanced skills in research techniques and practices. Good written, verbal, team, interpersonal and communication skills.
• 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. Proficient in research techniques and practices. Solid communication, interpersonal, project management and customer relations skills.

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.

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

• Experience with low voltage wiring of field devices (sensors and transducers)
• Experience reviewing designs of new equipment, interpreting P&IDs of new systems and changes to existing equipment and systems
• Understanding of materials of construction (strength, pressure and temperature ratings, chemical compatibility, thermal/electrical conductivity)
• Experience with industrial process, pilot plant, or bench-scale reactor operation
• Fabricating and designing custom 80/20 carts or skids
• Experience with basic electrical circuits and knowledge of electrical safety; ability to become a Qualified Electrical Worker
• Familiarity/experience with pipe thread, compression (Swagelok and Valco), VCR, VCO, and flange/gasket connections
• 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

Job Profile: Research Technician II / Annual Salary Range: $47,800 - $76,500Job Profile: Research Technician III / Annual Salary Range: $54,000 - $89,100Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance; short*- and long-term disability insurance; pension benefits*; 403(b) Employee Savings Plan with employer match*; life and accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) insurance; personal time off (PTO) and sick leave; paid holidays; and tuition reimbursement*. 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. Limited-term positions are not eligible for long-term disability or tuition reimbursement.

• Based on eligibility rules