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.